Taking a spin with the Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 Cabriolet - a blend of smoothness and speed.
Article: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: A Luxurious and Sporty Open-Top Experience
In the heart of summer, cruising through tranquil cityscapes or winding country roads in an open-top Mercedes is an unparalleled pleasure. The latest addition to this sumptuous driving experience is the Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet. Journalists at ntv.de recently had the opportunity to test-drive the vehicle.
The Mercedes CLE convertible boasts a soft top that swiftly retracts into the trunk in mere 20 seconds, transforming the vehicle into a stunning open-air ride. However, the true luxury of this vehicle goes beyond its sleek design. Over the years, cabriolets have grown increasingly exclusive, as numerous models have been discontinued. In the Mercedes lineup, the CLE and SL models now remain as the sole cabriolet offerings, following the retirement of the C-, E-, and S-Class cabriolets, as well as the SLK and SL models.
Despite being marketed between the E- and C-Class, the CLE's elegant length of 4.85 meters and the absence of the Superscreen suggest it leans more towards the E-Class category. Driving the vehicle, one does not feel downgraded, especially considering the smooth and powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine that is not available in the C-Class. The CLE offers a soothing and effortless driving experience, rather than a blisteringly fast one.
The convertible is a fair-weather weekend cruiser that can handle longer trips, although it is more suited for short bursts. When driving top-down, passengers can expect minimal buffeting, thanks to a wind deflector and windscreen. The backseat offers limited space, reflecting a common trend among spacious cabriolets.
However, sitting in the back of the CLE reveals a unique driving sensation. While it may not be the roomiest, the backseat passenger can feel the bracing wind and experience a sense of exhilaration. The vehicle's all-wheel drive can be fully utilized, creating a truly thrilling ride. The 2.1-ton CLE can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, making for an invigorating experience.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet comes in a base CLE 450 AWD version and a more sporty AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ variant. The AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet boasts a powerful inline-six engine and AWD as standard, in addition to high-end features. Priced around $103,000, the CLE presents a luxurious but performance-oriented driving experience in a convertible package[3][4][5].
Source: ntv.de
- Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet Models
[1]: 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet[2]: 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL AMG 43 Convertible[3]: Mercedes-Benz Official Website[4]: Automotive News Coverage[5]: CNET Review on 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet
- Other vehicles of heading 8702, such as the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz SL AMG 43 Convertible, cater to a luxury lifestyle, merging home-and-garden elegance with high-performance car-maintenance and electric-vehicle technology.
- The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is not merely a weekend car for fair weather; the all-wheel drive feature allows backseat passengers to experience an exhilarating ride, embodying a unique blend of luxury and speed in its performance-oriented driving experience.
- In the face of numerous discontinued cabriolet models, the CLE and SL models reminisce a vintage home-and-garden style, while also integrating state-of-the-art electric-vehicle technology and seamless car-maintenance features, presenting a modern take on luxury lifestyle travel.
