Mercedes-Benz introduces the CLE Cabriolet as the latest addition to its revered Dream Cars lineup, merging luxury, cutting-edge technology, and high-performance engineering. Built with a design philosophy of “Sensual Purity,” this model continues the German automaker’s tradition of four-seater open-top dream cars, now enhanced with exclusive details and advanced technology for a superior driving experience.
Elegance Meets Year-Round Comfort
Based on the sporty CLE Coupé, the CLE Cabriolet sets itself apart with a fabric acoustic soft-top that is available in black, red, or grey. The soft top opens and closes seamlessly within 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h, thanks to a fully electric mechanism for smooth and quiet operation. This innovative feature is part of what makes the CLE Cabriolet a versatile option for any season, blending style with all-weather functionality.
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the CLE Cabriolet with systems designed to enhance open-top driving comfort regardless of the climate. The AIRCAP® electric wind deflector system and the AIRSCARF® headroom heating system work together to create an ideal open-air experience. AIRCAP® extends at the touch of a button to redirect airflow over the occupants, while AIRSCARF® circulates warmth around the neck area, making top-down driving enjoyable even on cooler days.
Luxury and Technology at Your Fingertips
Stepping inside the CLE Cabriolet reveals a cockpit that embodies a blend of elegance and state-of-the-art technology. A freestanding 12.3-inch digital instrument display pairs with an 11.9-inch central display in portrait format. This central display can tilt between 15 and 40 degrees to reduce glare, allowing for an optimal viewing experience whether the top is up or down. Ambient lighting, with dynamic bands of light that sweep from the dashboard to the rear, creates a stylish wraparound effect, complemented by chrome trim and ARTICO man-made leather elements for a high-end look and feel.
Mercedes-Benz also considered temperature control for a pleasant experience on sunny days. The CLE’s leather seats come with a sun-reflective coating that reflects near-infrared rays, keeping the seats up to 12 degrees cooler than untreated leather. Available in colour combinations like macchiato beige/black and power red/black, these leather seats further accentuate the cabin’s sophisticated aesthetic.
Spacious and Practical for Everyday Use
As the largest mid-size convertible from Mercedes-Benz, the CLE Cabriolet is designed for comfort on long journeys. It offers generous space for four occupants, especially benefiting rear passengers with additional knee, shoulder, and elbow room. The CLE’s trunk space is practical too, with a volume of 385 litres (or 295 litres with the top down). The foldable rear seat backrests, available in a 60:40 split, allow the luggage space to expand, catering to a variety of storage needs. Accessing the boot is effortless with HANDS-FREE ACCESS and KEYLESS-GO, providing fully automatic, contactless opening for ultimate convenience.
A New Era of Interactive Entertainment
Equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), the CLE Cabriolet’s infotainment system is both highly interactive and personalized. MBUX enables third-party apps, music streaming, and internet radio, offering a comprehensive suite of digital services through the optional MBUX Entertainment package. Taking personalization to new heights, MBUX employs artificial intelligence to learn the driver’s preferences and offer automated convenience routines, such as adjusting seat heating on cold days or playing romantic music on a “Date Night.” These routines are easily accessible through the central display, which also allows users to create custom settings under the “My routines” menu.
Performance with a Powerful Hybrid Edge
Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the dynamic performance and handling of the CLE Cabriolet, which is underpinned by a 15 mm lowered comfort suspension for a smooth yet responsive ride. The optional DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension allows drivers to select a range of driving experiences, from comfort-oriented cruising to spirited, sporty handling. Through adaptive damping, the suspension system adjusts to changing road conditions for an optimized driving experience.
Powering the CLE Cabriolet are efficient mild-hybrid engines with a 48-volt on-board system. For the South African market, two variants are available:
CLE 200: A 1,999 cm³ engine with a maximum output of 150 kW and 320 Nm of torque, reaching a top speed of 240 km/h and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4-6.7 L/100 km.
CLE 300 4MATIC: This all-wheel-drive variant, also with a 1,999 cm³ engine, offers 190 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque, hitting 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.7-7.3 L/100 km.
Both models come with a 5-year/100,000 km Service and Maintenance Plan, with pricing starting at R1,515,350 for the CLE 200 and R1,573,651 for the CLE 300 4MATIC.
A Testament to Mercedes-Benz’s Legacy of Open-Top Dream Cars
Alex Boavida, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, expresses confidence in the new CLE Cabriolet: “Sublime, that’s the word I would use to describe the all-new CLE model offerings. These are the cars that people dream about, and they do not disappoint. We have come in very competitively with our pricing, and customers have unmatched choice in terms of crafting their desired CLE model to their specifications.”
With its blend of sophisticated design, advanced technology, and powerful hybrid engines, the CLE Cabriolet represents the epitome of modern luxury and driving pleasure. It’s a model set to capture the hearts of South African luxury car enthusiasts, making every drive an unforgettable experience.
