Mercedes-Benz continues its legacy of crafting dream cars with the introduction of the breathtaking 2024 CLE Cabriolet, a four-seat, open-top marvel. Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships in Spring 2024 with a starting price of $64,350, the Mercedes Benz Convertible 2024 promises to blend dynamic driving pleasure with unparalleled everyday comfort. Joining the recently launched CLE Coupe, the Cabriolet distinguishes itself with a classic acoustic soft top and optional leather seats featuring a special reflective coating to ensure coolness even on the hottest days. This new convertible comes generously equipped with standard features including the AIRCAP® electric wind deflector system, the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system, the immersive Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System, and the intuitive third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, among others.
The mercedes benz convertible 2024 offers a significantly more spacious interior compared to the previous C-Class Cabriolet, thanks to a wheelbase extended by 1 inch. Rear passengers will appreciate the enhanced roominess, enjoying an additional 0.6 inches of legroom, 0.9 inches of shoulder room, and 0.7 inches of elbow room. The trunk provides a practical 9.6 cubic feet of storage space with the soft top raised. For larger items, the 60:40 split-folding rear seat backrests can be deployed to expand the cargo area.
Luxurious and Tech-Forward Interior
The cabin of the CLE Cabriolet is a sanctuary of modern luxury and technology. It features a driver-focused design with a freestanding 12.3-inch digital driver display and an 11.9-inch central display oriented in portrait format. Addressing potential sunlight glare, the central display’s tilt is electrically adjustable from 15 to 40 degrees. Adding to the ambiance, dynamic ambient lighting sweeps across the instrument panel, doors, and rear side panels, complemented by elegant chrome trim accents throughout the passenger compartment.
For those sunny top-down drives, the optional leather upholstery incorporates a special coating designed to keep seat surfaces significantly cooler – up to 53 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than untreated leather when exposed to direct sunlight. The front seats, uniquely designed for the CLE, boast an integral sports seat architecture. In conjunction with the standard Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System, the front seats integrate speakers into the headrests, creating an immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. This high-fidelity sound system comprises 17 speakers with a total output of 710 watts, a substantial 120-watt increase over the previous generation.
Advanced MBUX Infotainment and Personalization
The third-generation MBUX infotainment system in the mercedes benz convertible 2024 provides an expandable suite of in-car applications. A standout new feature is “Routines,” allowing drivers to personalize their CLE by automating comfort functions based on individual habits. Users can select from pre-set templates, such as “Cold Days” which automatically activates the seat heating when the outside temperature drops, or create custom routines linking various comfort features and conditions via the central display.
Performance and Smooth Hybrid Power
The mercedes benz convertible 2024 is engineered for both comfort and dynamic performance. The CLE 300 4MATIC comes standard with comfort suspension, lowered by 0.6 inches compared to the previous C-Class Cabriolet, achieving a balance of ride comfort and sporty handling. The CLE 450 4MATIC elevates the driving experience with standard Sport suspension featuring continuously adaptive damping, offering a spectrum of driving modes from comfortable cruising to highly dynamic maneuvers. The DYNAMIC SELECT controls enable the driver to tailor the vehicle’s setup, adjusting engine, transmission, and steering characteristics to their preference.
Both models feature 48-volt mild hybrid powertrains, delivering a refined and potent driving experience. An integrated starter-generator (ISG) provides electric support at low engine speeds, along with gliding and energy recuperation functions. The CLE 300 4MATIC is powered by a 2.0-liter Inline-4 turbocharged engine, while the CLE 450 4MATIC boasts a more powerful 3.0-liter Inline-6 turbocharged engine.
| CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet | CLE 450 4MATIC Cabriolet | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | cc | 1,999 |
| Output | hp | 255 |
| Torque | lb-ft | 295 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | s | 6.2 (est.) |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | mph | 130 |
Aerodynamic Excellence and Refined Open-Top Experience
Mercedes-Benz has paid meticulous attention to aerodynamics in the mercedes benz convertible 2024, particularly important for open-top vehicles. Beyond minimizing drag, engineers focused on reducing wind noise and drafts for all occupants. The enhanced standard AIRSCARF® and AIRCAP® systems maximize comfort, making open-air driving enjoyable even in cooler conditions. AIRSCARF® envelops front occupants in a warm air stream around the neck, while AIRCAP® employs a windshield-mounted deflector and an automatic rear deflector to channel airflow over the cabin. Extensive wind tunnel testing refined the AIRCAP® system’s design, optimizing airflow management through detailed adjustments to louver geometry, radii, and the interaction with the rear wind deflector.
The acoustic soft top further enhances the refined experience by significantly reducing wind and road noise, thanks to its multi-layer construction with substantial insulation. The power-operated top opens or closes in a swift 20 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 37 mph. Rigorous wind tunnel testing at even higher speeds ensures the soft top’s reliability and acoustic sealing, examining all components from kinematics to gasket joints. A seamless one-piece outer cover is a novel element of the soft top design. Even in wet conditions, the CLE Cabriolet’s design channels rainwater effectively, maintaining visibility through precisely sculpted windshield frame, A-pillars, and mirror covers.
Striking Exterior Design and AMG Line
Mirroring the CLE Coupe, the mercedes benz convertible 2024 presents a powerful and athletic exterior, characterized by the aerodynamic “shark nose” front and a seamless rear. The forward-leaning front with a low hood and flat LED headlights leads to a newly designed three-dimensional chrome grille featuring the Mercedes-Benz pattern. The two-part LED taillights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies are a distinctive rear highlight.
The optional AMG Line package (standard on CLE 450 4MATIC, optional on CLE 300 4MATIC) amplifies the sporty aesthetics and performance features. It includes AMG exterior design elements, larger front brake discs, an AMG front bumper with sporty air intakes and chrome accents, a sporty exhaust system with visible tailpipe trim, and enhanced engine sound. Interior enhancements include a Nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel, AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals, and silver chrome accents on climate control vents and door trim. Further personalization is available through the Night Package, a selection of exterior paints including four MANUFAKTUR colors, and wheel options up to 20 inches.
Advanced Safety Features
The mercedes benz convertible 2024 prioritizes safety with a robust bodyshell and comprehensive standard safety equipment, including 11 airbags. Notably, it is the first Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet to feature a dedicated head protection system with two separate head airbags for rear passengers. Standard driver assistance systems are extensive, including Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and ATTENTION ASSIST. The optional Driver Assistance Package expands functionality with Active Lane Change Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Assist, and Route-Based Speed Adaptation, among other advanced safety and assistance technologies.
Trim Levels: Standard and Pinnacle
The mercedes benz convertible 2024 is offered in two trim levels, Standard and Pinnacle, each available for both the CLE 300 4MATIC and CLE 450 4MATIC models. The Standard trim is generously equipped, featuring highlights like the acoustic soft top, AIRCAP®, AIRSCARF®, heated front seats, third-generation MBUX, Burmester® 3D Surround Sound, and wireless smartphone integration. The Pinnacle trim elevates the experience further, adding DIGITAL LIGHT with projections, Parking Package with 360° camera, MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation, MBUX Entertainment Plus, GUARD 360 with picture taking, and a Head-Up Display.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is poised to redefine open-air luxury, delivering a compelling blend of style, performance, technology, and comfort, making it a true dream convertible for discerning drivers.
