Mercedes-Benz has condensed its convertible selection in recent years, including with 2024 models. Gone are the C-class convertible and E-class cabriolet. Welcome the larger, handsome and overall more impressive CLE-class.
Available as a coupe or the reviewed convertible, the debuting series features the CLE 300 and CLE 450. The former is offered with a turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 450 option offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with nine-speed automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive.
As luxury convertibles, both CLE models offer the carmaker’s long signature list of standard equipment: 18-inch wheels to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen to a Burmester audio system.
Standard also are ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, gingerprint sensor (configures preferred settings for up to seven drivers for seats, audio, climate and other systems), heated front seats with memory, keyless entry and ignition, and LED headlights and taillights.
Rain-sensing wipers, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, selectable drive modes, synthetic leather upholstery, three USB-C ports, satellite radio and wireless device charging further add to the CLE models’ value.
Mercedes-Benz has also built its long-standing stature via its emphasis on safety, a confidence embedded into the CLE 450 with a saturation of driver assist and safety features.
Consider: Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention); Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don’t respond in time); Automatic high beams; Blind-spot warning (an alert is a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot); Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine the driver is fatigued); Lane keeping assistance (steers the CLE back into its lane if it drifts over the lane marker); Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound (tensions seatbelts, closes windows and protects hearing in a collision); and 360-degree camera system (a top-down view of the CLE and its surroundings in tight parking situations).
The impressive collection of equipment and safety protection aside, the new Mercedes-Benz performs with the persona as expected. It’s rated as completing the 0-to-60 miles per hour standard in 4.4 seconds. It’s a fast effort considering the vehicle’s heftiness, 4,262 pounds. The top speed is 130 miles per hour. Gas mileage averages are 23 mpg in city driving, 32 mpg on the highway.
The heavy load is noticeable via the car’s tight and confident maneuvering in city driving and on the highway. The cabriolet drives like a Mercedes-Benz always does. It’s confident and solid and welcomes the drive and passengers with a spacious, top-line interior and comfort feature, ambient lighting to jet-inspired air vents.
One sure trait of convertibles is enjoying a vehicle with its top down. The CLE 450 complies. It’s an ideal automotive companion, particularly while cruising along backroads. But if a storm arrives suddenly, the new Mercedes-Benz is ready. Its top can return to its upright position in about 20 seconds and with the car advancing at up to 37 mph.
Competition for the CLE 450 includes several options via German rivals, Audi and BMW. There’s not a bad vehicle among the trio. The Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 begins at a higher price than the competition, $73,850. A handful of options and taxes push the price to $83,270.
The new vehicle is a worthy newcomer. But like all Mercedes-Benz offerings, the CLE 450 isn’t for bargain hunters. It’s for buyers who know a good thing when they see it.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also writes about business, lifestyle, sports and travel for several print and digital publications. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com.
