2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet: A Breath of Fresh Air in a Diminishing Segment

For automotive enthusiasts, the decline of the performance car is a frequent lament. However, there’s an even rarer breed on the modern market: the stylish two-door luxury convertible. Once a staple of the automotive landscape, these vehicles have become increasingly scarce. But fear not, purveyors of open-top opulence, as the all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet emerges, ready to fill this void.

This fresh model cleverly merges the essence of two previous Mercedes convertibles, the E-Class and C-Class, into a singular, compelling package. Boasting a longer wheelbase and a more substantial presence than the outgoing C-Class convertible, yet stopping short of the full grandiosity of the E-Class, the CLE Cabriolet strikes a unique balance. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing the entry-level 2024 Mercedes-benz Cle300 4matic model amidst the sun-drenched boulevards of Los Angeles. The question lingered throughout my drive: in an era dominated by SUVs and sedans, why aren’t more people drawn to this class of car?

The Fundamentals of the CLE Cabriolet Design

Generally, convertibles born from coupe designs often suffer aesthetically. Think of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet (non-Targa), or the open-air FC-generation Mazda RX-7 – not paragons of beauty. However, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet defies this trend. Whether the top is up or down, the CLE maintains an appealing visual harmony, especially when the roof is stowed. Its flowing lines and abbreviated rear overhang contribute to a refined and undeniably luxurious appearance. After spending time with the base Mercedes Cabrio, I’m compelled to revise my stance: cars initially conceived as coupes can sometimes translate beautifully into convertibles.

Even staunch critics of coupe-to-convertible transformations will likely find little fault once inside the CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet. The interior of my test vehicle was remarkably spacious and inviting. Front occupants enjoy a generous 40.2 inches of headroom with the top raised and 55.7 inches of shoulder room. Rear passengers are also treated reasonably well, with 36 inches of headroom and 48.1 inches of shoulder room. Cargo capacity is a respectable 9.6 cubic feet, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats offer added versatility for carrying larger items.

Sinking into the CLE’s plush leather seats, equipped with both heating and ventilation, is a genuine pleasure. High-quality materials abound throughout the cabin. Mercedes-Benz has also incorporated a special coating on the Cabriolet’s leather seats, purportedly capable of keeping them up to 53 degrees cooler in direct sunlight. During my sun-drenched drives in Southern California, I can’t definitively say I noticed a dramatic cooling effect, but the seats remained comfortable even in intense heat.

Mirroring the broader Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLE’s interior largely eschews physical buttons and knobs in favor of a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. These systems are powered by Mercedes’ third-generation MBUX software. On the positive side, wireless Apple CarPlay connects effortlessly and boots up rapidly. Navigating through menus and apps is generally lag-free. However, there are drawbacks. The haptic feedback steering wheel controls require acclimatization and can be frustrating. The MBUX system itself has a learning curve, and the glossy screen is prone to fingerprints and smudges. On a positive note, borrowing a feature from the SL, the screen can be tilted at the touch of a button to minimize glare, a welcome feature in bright sunlight.

Driving Dynamics of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC

Convertibles inherently carry a weight penalty due to the structural reinforcements needed to compensate for the missing roof. The mechanism for retracting and deploying the soft top also adds mass. Even so, I was somewhat surprised to discover the curb weight of this base, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC variant: a hefty 4,288 pounds. That’s heavier than a BMW M3 all-wheel-drive sedan, a vehicle known for its substantial dimensions and rigidity.

Initially, the specifications of the four-cylinder engine might seem underwhelming for such a car: 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, delivered at 5,800 and 2,000 rpm respectively. However, all CLE models benefit from Mercedes’ 48-volt mild hybrid system. This system contributes an additional 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque when needed, and its impact is noticeable. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.2 seconds – not blistering, but certainly swift enough, especially for a car exceeding two tons. It readily cruises at highway speeds without feeling strained. The nine-speed automatic transmission, while slightly hesitant to downshift aggressively for passing maneuvers, is nonetheless well-suited for overall fuel efficiency. At 80 mph, the engine hums quietly around 2,000 rpm.

Another pleasant surprise, considering the weight, is the CLE300’s ride and handling. While not a full-fledged AMG performance model, it provides a very satisfying experience for everyday driving.

Although not an AMG in name, my test 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet was AMG-packaged. It featured passively damped sport suspension paired with a four-link front and five-arm multilink rear independent suspension setup. Body control on twisty mountain roads was commendable. In fact, it was genuinely enjoyable. Compression and rebound were well-managed, and the chassis felt composed at moderately spirited cornering speeds. Occasional mid-corner shudders served as reminders of the absent steel roof – the unibody exhibited a slight wiggle, akin to a “galloping river otter,” but this sensation was more amusing than unsettling. Ride quality did suffer somewhat on severely uneven Los Angeles roads, but this is to be expected of any car lacking air suspension and a significantly higher price tag.

Grip from the non-performance summer tires was respectable, although steering feedback was limited. The steering itself was light and only gained a subtle amount of weight when turning beyond 90 degrees at speed. The brake pedal offered a pleasing balance between softness and firmness, and braking performance was impressive, thanks to the multi-piston sport brakes fitted to my test car.

Mercedes’ latest suite of driver assistance technologies proved generally user-friendly and functioned reliably. Activating radar cruise control (dubbed “Distronic” by Mercedes) was straightforward and operated smoothly. Lane Change Assist worked effectively, even disengaging when it detected another vehicle encroaching on its intended lane. Active Steering Assist performed adequately, although Southern California’s often-poor highway lane markings pose a challenge for any automaker’s version of this technology.

The Ups and Downs of the CLE300 Cabriolet Experience

Overall, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet capably caters to a broad range of tastes and needs. Its open-top experience is genuinely excellent, encouraging me to drive with the roof down as much as possible during my 550-mile test. Wind noise with the windows up is minimal, even at highway speeds. Mercedes’ Aircap system – an integrated wind deflector – further enhances wind management. While not the most elegant visually when deployed, its functionality is undeniable.

With the top raised, sound insulation remains comparable to a traditional hardtop coupe, and the CLE Cabriolet retains its handsome aesthetics. Furthermore, Mercedes includes its Airscarf system as standard – seat vents that blow warm air around the neck – although I didn’t require it during my week in sweltering summer conditions.

While the CLE300 Cabriolet excels as a daily-drivable convertible, some minor drawbacks exist beyond the MBUX system’s learning curve. The four-cylinder engine’s soundtrack is not particularly inspiring, although the distinct turbo spooling sound echoing off nearby structures is a unique auditory element.

Being a roofless coupe, the doors are substantial and could prove cumbersome for smaller or elderly occupants. With the top up, rear visibility is somewhat limited, as is over-the-shoulder visibility for lane changes. Modern driver aids mitigate much of this, but for those accustomed to older vehicles, it’s worth noting. Additionally, the parking sensors were quite sensitive to the car’s surroundings. This over-reactivity is not unique to the CLE – I’ve experienced it in other recent Mercedes-Benz models – but it remains a minor annoyance.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Features, Options, and Competition

The base price for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet is $65,500. This includes features such as dual-zone climate control, voice command functionality, a premium Burmester 3D sound system, heated seats, three USB-C ports, power-folding mirrors, and a leather steering wheel. My test vehicle was further equipped with Starling Blue metallic paint ($750), 20-inch AMG wheels ($1,150), the AMG Line package ($3,000), front seat ventilation ($450), multi-contour massaging seats ($950), and the Driver Assistance Package ($1,095), bringing the total to $73,750.

Mercedes-Benz considers the BMW 430i convertible its primary competitor, starting at $59,695. The BMW boasts a similarly potent turbo-four engine, a negligibly quicker 0-60 mph time, mild hybrid assistance, rear-wheel drive, and a comparable array of luxury amenities and options. Audi also enters the fray with the A5 Cabriolet, priced from $56,695. The Audi offers slightly more horsepower, a marginally faster 0-60 mph time, and all-wheel drive, albeit without hybrid assistance.

The “race” between these convertibles extends to their soft tops. The Mercedes top deploys or retracts in 20 seconds, the BMW in 18 seconds, and the Audi in a mere 15 seconds. However, the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet boasts the highest operating speed for its top mechanism, functioning at up to 37 mph, slightly faster than its rivals.

Fuel Economy of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC

Thanks to its mild hybrid system and fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. While I didn’t test the more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six CLE450 with its 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, it surprisingly claims the same fuel economy figures. Compared to its direct competitors, the CLE300 is marginally less fuel-efficient, but still remarkably thrifty, particularly for a vehicle weighing over 4,000 pounds.

Value and Final Verdict on the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is a testament to the enduring appeal of the luxury convertible. Beyond its BMW and Audi rivals, the market offers few alternatives in the realm of compact premium convertibles that aren’t either extreme sports cars or ultra-luxury vehicles. This scarcity makes the CLE Cabriolet all the more significant.

With its comfortable and refined interior, competent handling and ride, adequate performance, commendable fuel economy, and year-round usability, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet injects a sense of occasion into everyday driving. Anyone considering a luxury convertible should absolutely include the CLE on their list. In fact, even if you aren’t actively in the market, the dwindling numbers of two-door convertibles make the CLE a compelling proposition worth reconsidering. You might just find yourself embracing the open-top lifestyle as much as I did.