After the big launch of the brand-new Mercedes-Benz CLE, the company has published additional images of the Cabriolet body style, offering an even better view of the design from various perspectives. In a world where drop-top versions are less popular, It is pleasing to have a conventional two-door four-seater with a soft roof from a top automaker like Mercedes. However, the CLE Cabriolet serves as an alternative to two models, that of the C-Class Cabriolet and E-Class Cabriolet.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet Review
The model’s length of 4,850 millimeters is a part of the bodywork and its closed-roof sister but has an updated upper deck. The example shown is painted white with a contrasting red top, which matches the upholstery inside. The brand-new CLE Cabriolet has four individual seats with nearly no headroom.
Like its predecessor, the CLE Coupe, the dashboard includes the 12.3-inch electronic instrument cluster along with an 11.9-inch touchscreen in the inclined center console that runs on the most recent MBUX infotainment. Other highlights include multi-colored light sources, carbon-fiber inserts, and aluminum-inspired accents.
In one of these official images in official photos, we can see an air deflector that retracts above the windshield as well as an air shield that is vertically located in the back of the cabin. The elements will ensure that all passengers are comfortable even at high speeds with no roof and reduce air turbulence over the cabin.
Its engine selection for the CLE Cabriolet will most likely be similar to that of the CLE Coupe, which is powered by the E-Class. The Coupe is offered with mild-hybrid diesel and petrol engines and plug-in hybrids are expected to be available in 2024. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, along with those with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol are equipped with a 9-speed auto gearbox. The power is sent through the rear axle and to each of the 4 wheels using an optional system called 4Matic. The AMG-branded models, they are expected to be released this year for both Coupe as well as the Cabriolet body style variations.
Concept
Because it’s expected that the CLE can replace both the soon-to-disappear C-Class two-door model (still running on the C-Class’s previous generation platform) as well as their current E-Class counterparts, you’d expect it to be in between both in many ways, but this isn’t completely the case.
The CLE will be riding the twin platform that is modular “MRA II” platform architecture like the newly-redesigned C-, E- as well as S-Class models, which means there are a lot of common features. The size-wise, however, it is a bit smaller. CLE Coupe is slightly longer than the previous 2023 E-Class Coupe, at 191 inches in length, riding a 114.1-inch wheelbase. It’s also larger than the original C-Class Coupe.
According to the automaker will give more space than its predecessor, the C-Class. According to Mercedes-Benz, the C-Class will have 2.8 inches more rear knee space (to 34.8 inches) and 2.1 cubic feet more storage space than the previous E-Class (for the equivalent of 12.6 overall, judging from the current C-Class Coupe’s specifications). Mercedes-Benz officials also have stated that the floorplan was redesigned to provide more legroom in the forward but exact numbers weren’t disclosed.
It’ll also be simpler to climb into the back seats. A majority of coupe owners do not utilize the rear seats of their cars to store anything however BMW’s affluent Eight and Four Series coupes have comfortable rear seats, something that old C-Class coupes didn’t have, and which smaller coupes such as the Lexus RC or BMW 2 Series would never be able to rival. It’s now more accessible to the rear of the car thanks to an easy-entry switch that is activated by a Nappa leather loop that is located on the top edge of the front seats.
Visually it appears that the CLE is a bit closer in appearance to the former C-Class Coupe but is much larger than the vehicle it is set to replace that is which is the E-Class Coupe. AMG variants, as well as an AMG-line appearance pack, are expected. Mercedes-Benz The dashboard screens, vents, and dashboards appear exactly like the ones of the C-class as well as the latest GLC.
It has a 12.3-inch screen for the driver as well as an 11.9-inch center information screen that runs the most recent MBUX software. Front seats are unique with the CLE and include headphones in the headrests and the cabin has the same appealing ambient lighting that other new Benzes have featured. A head-up display with an optional option could be in the works.
Sadly, the gorgeous hardtop roof, which was a feature for E-Class coupes for years that simulated an open-air feeling even when the car had a fixed roof, is gone. Interestingly, the initial CLK did not have this feature, either. Instead, the CLE will have a standard B-pillar, similar to the C-Class Coupe, likely for security reasons and costs however it could also be to help make the car more quiet. If you’re looking to get an outdoor experience, you’ll have to be patient and wait until the Cabriolet. At the very minimum, the panoramic sunroof option will be an option for the Coupe.
No B-pillar or not B-pillar, the CLE looks great. Sporting the most recent variation of the muscular but soft “Sensual Purity” design language that has been a staple of the Mercedes-Benz lineup for the last half-century, the CLE riffs on the previous C and E models while making something completely new.
It’s a Mercedes-Benz coupe that looks just like CLA and the Mercedes-AMG CLA and SL. CLA however, appears fresher and cleaner than the rivals from BMW. The interior, cabin, and screens are straight from C-Class as well as GLC however that’s not a negative as the design is one of the best in the respective class of these vehicles. It’s also luxurious in this model. Mercedes-Benz
Powertrain
While Mercedes-Benz hasn’t yet announced specific specifications but the company did announce this morning that CLE will come with 2.0-liter four or 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines and that all engines will come with 48V mild-hybrid assist systems. It is likely this means that CLE Coupe will use the identical 255 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is found in the C-Class and GLC as the engine of its base (for a CLE 300) as well as the more powerful 375-hp 3.0-liter inline-six engine from the E-Class as an alternative (for a CLE 450), though the exact specifications could differ, and they won’t be released until the end of the year.
Both versions are likely to feature the same nine-speed automated that is used in both models, as well as also the GLC crossover. The CLE will likely also include four-wheel drive with 4Matic as an option, along with an assortment of 18- to 20-inch rims. It’s too early to know what tuner inside AMG will be offering on the vehicle, however considering that the CLE will replace two models which were available with AMG 53 and 63 S models at different dates, the future is likely to feature scorching and hot variants however, it’s likely to be the end of 2024 or at the beginning of 2025.
Mercedes-Benz will include the same safety features that are available on the GLC and C-Class models with automatic emergency stopping, a driver’s pay-attention monitor as well as active brake assistance. The entire suite of safety features, including the same level 2 driving aid features found on other models, will be available as an option.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet Price & Release Date
In 2024, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe will arrive in the showrooms of dealers this fall, and the C-Class Cabriolet coming right in time for the Spring of 2024. Mercedes-Benz hasn’t announced any pricing information yet but we can anticipate it to be closer to the former E-Class Coupe in price than the original C-Class.
In 2022, the C300 Coupe started at just less than $49,000, however, the CLE’s price starting point is more likely to hover slightly over $60,000, an increase of a significant amount, but it’s also the price for a larger and better vehicle. The price isn’t yet established, but it will be lower than the six-cylinder 2023 E-Class Coupe, which starts at $70,800 with destination fees. The 6-cylinder CLE models are to be priced higher than $70,000.
In the past, even that higher cost is still an excellent bargain. When the W124-series’ final E320 Coupe was new in 1996, it was priced at $63,000 (the equivalent of $124,000 in today’s dollars). 1998’s CLK was the first time it was available to the U.S., listed for less than $40,000, which would be about $75,000 in the present. If Mercedes-Benz follows this same pattern and sells more coupons at a slightly lower cost in 2024, no one will be dissatisfied.
We’ll find out more information concerning this Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet closer to its launch, which is scheduled for 2024. The BMW 4-Series Convertible and the Audi A5 Cabriolet restrict the rivals of this new car. The only available drop-top model from the Mercedes range can be found in its SL Roadster.