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The rationalization of the Mercedes range from which the CLE Coupé and Cabrio are born to replace the similar C and E classes is inspired by the need to try to compensate a little for the investments of the electric transition and those to develop SUVs. However, the strategy does not suggest that Mercedes abandon sectors which, despite having become niche in many parts of the world, are attracting good interest, such as that of four-seater discoveries with fabric tops. A type present, now, only in the ranges of some premium brands.
Mercedes CLE Cabrio, elegant and always streamlined line
Developed in parallel with the Coupé, the Cabrio is also based on the Mra2 modular architecture on which both the C and E classes are based, but in a specific declination that places its size close to that of the E class sedan. In fact, this CLE is 4.85 meters long, 1.86 meters wide, 1.42 meters high and has a wheelbase of 2.86 meters. From the Coupé, the new discovery essentially keeps the entire bodywork below the belt line unchanged, defined by the soft connection of rounded surfaces and in which the long sloping front integrated with large air intakes, the bonnet surmounted by the powerdome, the The set-back passenger compartment stands out in particular when the roof is raised, the muscular wheel arches and the tapered tail covered by the LED light signature. The alternation between the sheet metal roof and the electrically operated multi-layer canvas top, which uncovers and covers the passenger compartment in 20″ even when moving at up to 60 per hour, is resolved without affecting the elegance of the line because when it is when lowered it connects softly with the tail of the car, while when in use it draws a profile very close to that of the Coupé.
Mercedes CLE Cabrio, interior with many technologies, also for comfort
The interior of the Cabrio is configured with four seats and offers an appreciable amount of space even to those sitting in the two rear seats which, with the top raised, just like on the Coupé, can be reached with some contortion even in the presence of the electric advancement the front ones. The environment is furnished in a refined manner, made with care to the point that you really have to stop at the lower part to notice plastic coverings that are subdued compared to those in the field of vision and, finally, hi-tech. This is not only because the furniture offers a dashboard that extends towards the passengers with soft shapes, supporting the extensively configurable 12.3″ instrument display and because it is developed around digitalisation, starting from the 11.9″ vertical touch display of the latest generation of the Mbux system (which also includes TikTok and the Zoom app for meetings) but also because this screen can be tilted from 12° to 32° to avoid reflections when traveling with the top down. The CLE Cabrio also dedicates to this driving condition the neck heating inserted in the front headrests and the Aircap, made up of a deflector that comes out electrically from the top of the windscreen together with a windbreak that appears behind the rear seats to limit turbulence in the ‘cockpit. The transformation of the CLE into a Cabrio implies a small trunk capacity, since when the roof is raised it is 385 liters while when it is folded it is 295 liters.
Mercedes CLE Cabrio, engines and technologies
The CLE Cabrio uses only 4 and 6-cylinder mild-hybrid engines with 48 Volt technology. All use an electric unit that adds 23 horsepower and 200 Nm to the power and torque of each engine in acceleration and pick-up. The range is made up of the 2-litre turbodiesel with 197 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque of the rear-wheel drive 220d and the 2-litre turbo-petrol units with 204 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque of the 200 offered with rear-wheel drive, from its version with 258 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque that pushes the 300 4Matic and, finally, from the 3-liter 6-cylinder with 381 horsepower with a torque of 500 Nm of the 450 4Matic. All pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The X-ray of the CLE also shows sophisticated front and rear multi-link suspensions and the ride height lowered by 15 millimeters compared to that of the C and E class sedans. On request there is the Dynamic Body package which integrates the electronically controlled suspension and the rear axle steering. The standard Adas network integrates many devices, but to maximize driving assistance you need to resort to optional paid packages.
Mercedes CLE Cabrio, how does the 220d go
We mainly tested the CLE Cabrio in the top-of-the-range 220d Amg Line Premium Plus version (82,000 euros) on the most tortuous roads of the island of Tenerife, which reaches 234 per hour and reaches 100 per hour in 7″9, promising average distances of 18.5 kilometers with one liter of diesel. At the end of the test, after having used the most suitable configuration for each driving situation, therefore from Eco to Sport, we displayed a distance of more than 14 kilometers per liter in the on-board computer. Also equipped with the optional active suspension and rear-wheel steering, the 220d, despite its large dimensions and weight (1,925 kg), proves agile, balanced even on sections full of curves, as well as reassuring even in quick changes of direction on the motorway.