Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible A New Class Of Drop-Top

We’ve known for some time that Mercedes-Benz will be replacing both the C-Class Convertible and E-Class Convertible with a single model called the CLE Cabriolet as part of the brand’s greater plan to streamline a previously bloated lineup of coupes and drop-tops. The CLE Convertible joins the new CLE Coupe in blending luxury and technology, but the former adds the glamour of open-top motoring, just as Merc’s convertibles have done for decades. The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet comes packed with standard equipment, a choice between two mild hybrid engines, and a separate head airbag for rear passengers as standard – a first for convertibles. Buyers who don’t want the sportier alternative embodied by the BMW 4 Series Convertible will relish the opulence and grace of the new CLE Convertible, while still having either 255 horsepower or 375 hp to enjoy from behind the wheel.
 

When Is The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible Coming Out?
The release date for the new Mercedes-Benz CLE convertible is set for spring of 2024 when it will be arriving at dealerships in the USA.
 
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet Price and Competition
The price of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet starts at $64,350 before options and destination. That’s for the CLE 300 4Matic in base specification, while the CLE 450 4Matic has an MSRP of $73,850. Opting for the Pinnacle trim adds a few extra features and ups the price to $66,950 for the 300 4Matic, while the top-spec 450 4Matic will cost you $76,450.
 
Rivals include the aforementioned BMW 4 Series Convertible, which costs $58,700 at the entry point to the range, although the comparable xDrive versions breach the $60k mark. The M440i xDrive convertible has a sticker price of $74,250, but despite being slightly more powerful, is slower to 60 mph. The similarly powerful 430i XDrive is three-tenths quicker than the CLE 300 4Matic, however.
 

New Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible Exterior and Colors
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible looks quite different from both of the outgoing Mercedes convertibles in the C- and E-Class. Aerodynamics has played a big role in the design process, according to the automaker, and it follows that this design philosophy leaves the CLE Cabriolet looking as slippery as it is. Of course, the drop-top affects drag and can make for a turbulent cabin, so Mercedes-Benz makes AIRCAP and AIRSCARF technology standard across the range. The former deflects wind over the heads of occupants from the windshield, aided by a wind deflector situated behind the rear seats; this has been cleverly integrated into the design. The Airscarf feature keeps occupants warm with neck-level heating so you can still enjoy top-down driving in colder months.
 
The exterior is characterized by a ‘shark nose’ front end and a much more modern, seamless rear-end design. Up front, there is a low-slung hood that hosts unique flat LED headlights and a new 3D chrome grille. Air intakes are understated but still assertive, and the tri-star logo is large and prominently placed. At the back end is where the new Merc CLE Cabriolet looks most distinctive – two-part taillights with lovely new contours are joined across the full width of the tailgate and feature three-dimensional light bodies.
 
The AMG Line Package is standard on the CLE 450 4Matic and optional on the base model, and it adds AMG exterior elements and performance equipment including larger brakes, an AMG front bumper with sport air intakes and chrome trim, and an exhaust system with two visible tailpipe trim elements that come with a sportier engine sound.
 
An acoustic soft top is the party piece, and it reduces wind and road noise when closed, thanks to its clever multi-layer structuring with insulation. It can be opened and closed in 20 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph, and comes with a seamless one-piece cover. Although Mercedes didn’t stipulate exterior colors for the 2024 CLE Convertible, the automaker does say that customers can further personalize the CLE Cabriolet with the available Night Package, an “array of exterior paints”, including four new MANUFAKTUR colors, as well as a variety of wheels in sizes up to 20-inches. Press images should the new cabrio in colors like Starling Blue Metallic, Manufaktur Graphite Grey Magno, and Manufaktur Alpine Grey.
 
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet Expected Dimensions
The official dimensions for the Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible haven’t been made public yet, although the brand has said the wheelbase of the new cabriolet is an inch longer than that of the outgoing C-Class Convertible – we thus expect a wheelbase figure of around 112.8 inches. Based on that, we can assume the other measurements will be somewhat larger than the C-Class, but still smaller than that of the outgoing E-Class Cabriolet.
 
The C-Class currently on sale has a total length of 184.5 inches, a width of 79.4 inches, and a height of 55.3 inches. These models weigh around 3,900 lbs; like the other core measurements, we expect the curb weight of the new CLE Cabriolet to be slightly higher.
 
Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible Engine and Performance
The new CLE lineup will comprise two models, the CLE 300 4Matic and the 450 4Matic, with the latter being the more powerful of the two. The base model gets a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 255 hp while the top model makes 375 from a turbo six-cylinder. Power will go to all four wheels as the 4Matic name implies via a nine-speed automatic. Both engines are augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator providing support at lower speeds.
 
Performance specs and engine details for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet look as follows:
 

The automaker also notes that the standard comfort suspension on the new CLE Convertible is lowered by 0.6 inches compared to the old cabriolet, and manages a good balance between comfort and sporty handling. The top-spec 450 4Matic comes standard with a sport suspension with continuously adaptive damping, and this can also be added to the base model at extra cost. There are Dynamic Select controls to change the way the engine, transmission, and steering response as the driver wants.
 
Gas Mileage
Gas mileage figures have been published by the EPA and show that the mild-hybrid powertrain is more efficient than the outgoing (and lighter) C-Class convertible, even in RWD format. Both the CLE 300 and 450 are rated at 23/32/26 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles.
 

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible Interior And Cargo
To match the sleek exterior, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible’s interior is an exercise in elegance and comfort. There is seating for four, and with a longer wheelbase than before, there is more space for occupants than before. The rear seats in the Merc CLE Convertible now offer 0.6 inches more leg room, 0.9 inches more shoulder room, and 0.7 inches more elbow room than the outgoing C-Class cabrio. And for those who have had to sit on burning leather after leaving their drop-top in the summer sun, the CLE Convertible’s seats are covered in a special coating that helps them to remain cooler in direct sunlight. The front perches are also bespoke to the CLE.
 
The cockpit boasts a standard 12.3-inch digital cluster and an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display. This screen can be tilted from 15% to 40% to prevent reflections, which is likely when the top is down. Dynamic ambient lighting is standard; it stretches across from the doors, across the dashboard to the rear side panels behind the rear seats, and looks particularly lovely when the chrome trim picks up on those colors. The AMG Line Package adds a multifunction sport steering wheel in Nappa leather, AMG brushed stainless steel pedals, silver chrome HVAC vents, and door trim in high gloss black with silver chrome accents.
 
A 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system does duty on all models, and it comes with a speaker mounted into the driver’s seat headrest. Dolby Atmos is available. Other features across the trims include:
 
As for the Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible’s cargo space, this is a big improvement, with 13.6 cubic feet when the soft top is up, and 10.4 cubic feet with the top down.