Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Cabriolet Review

It might not be immediately apparent, but there are some large shoes that the car you see above must fill.

You see, the open-top lineup from Mercedes-Benz never used to be this slim: The brand can count icons including the S-Class Cabriolet, SLK-Class, and the CLK Cabriolet amongst the historic drop-top models it used to offer.

But with this CLE Cabriolet replacing both the C-Class Cabriolet and the E-Class Cabriolet and with the SL now an AMG-only model (save for this Mercedes-Maybach SL, that is), this CLE has found itself the sole non-AMG progenitor of a long and varied lineup of convertibles from Mercedes-Benz.

So, if open-top motoring aft of a three-pointed star is your idea of a weekend well spent, this now is your sole option. Can it count itself as a true member amongst this venerable lineup?

Multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and a muscular rear bumper add to the visual appeal of the CLE Cabriolet

Shining star

It's a good thing this CLE is such a looker then.

Visual highlights of the car include its forward-sloping front, muscular bulges on the bonnet, and the slim taillight arrangement at the rear. Pick yours in Polar White as in the example you see in the photos that best shows off the creases that adorns its flanks, and to this writer's eyes, the CLE even has some resemblance to the A217 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, which is no bad thing.

Fold the roof away and the visual drama continues: Its 20-second operation time is outright leisurely compared to any other modern convertible you care to mention, but that just means there's more time for you and those around you to soak in the complex acrobatics that follow.

Highlights in the cabin include extending seatbelt handles as well as a 64-colour ambient lighting system

Alone in space

And a contortionist you need not be to get comfy in this CLE.

The space offered for the two rear passengers is just about enough to see to longer journeys, and those at the front sit low to the ground, as you'd want to in a car like this.

Overall material use is impressive, and the CLE comes with an ambient lighting system (with 10 colour themes or your choice from 64 different colour options), 11.9-inch infotainment display (complete with its own electrically powered tilt adjustment), and little handles that extend once you're seated so you need not stretch to retrieve your seatbelt. All of these are more than capable of charming any accompanying passenger princess.

Operation of the roof (a 20-second procedure) is accomplished via physical rocker switches, and those at the rear will find just about enough space for longer drives

There's one more nice touch I think needs highlighting: Deploying and retracting the roof, as well as the deploying the car's wind deflectors, are all done by a rocker switch each - a welcome useability improvement over the touchscreen-based controls offered in the AMG-SL.

Having said all this, I did find the driver's footrest annoyingly short for comfortable use; the opening of the cubby in the centre console too small for easy retrieval of a smartphone from its holder (never mind the fact the fact that this is impossible without first removing your drinks from the cupholders); and pulling on those leather straps to fold the front seats an unnecessary effort, when the simple pull of an aluminium handle (or the press of a button) would have been easier.

These seats and the leather on the doors of the Mercedes-Benz CLE can be had in macchiato beige, black, and tonka brown, on top of this red

Fusion-powered

Still, all these are but small issues that quickly fade to background once you push that gear selector into drive.

The 201bhp from its 2.0-litre engine feels just about right for the task of hauling its 1,925kg body (a total of 135kg more than the CLE200 Coupe we reviewed in May 2024), is sufficiently muted, scarce of any unpleasant vocals, and creamy smooth in its operation.

Combined, all these attributes make this CLE the sort of car you'll want to simply settle into a gentle cruise in - a welcome distinction from the more excitable engines in the host of AMGs we've had the pleasure of testing recently.

The 201bhp 2.0-litre engine in the CLE is creamy smooth and the car does a good job of smoothing over any bumps on the road

And the rest of the car has been crafted to suit: Ride quality is excellent, with the CLE exhibiting a knack for simply coasting along unperturbed by worn surfaces. This is paired with a steering that is well-judged when it comes to both pace and weight for the task of sweeping though long, gentle curves.

All this is only let down only by the fact that general noise insulation isn't that great - a fault we found present even on the CLE Coupe.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet oozes visual appeal and delivers an excellent ride to boot

Money green

It looks like it's all good news for this sole convertible in Mercedes' lineup, then. But there is one issue that can't quite be dismissed: At $393,888, this CLE200 Cabriolet is not cheap. For some context, the recently updated BMW 420i Convertible in its 'M Sport Pro' trim comes in at just $337,888 while coming up only 20bhp short next to this CLE (all prices as of 13 September 2024). 

At this price, I can't help but feel that those strolling about the Mercedes-Benz showroom will even be tempted to forgo the opportunity for open-top motoring in favour of more practical considerations - such as rear passenger comfort and boot space - and make a beeline towards the near similarly priced 'Avantgarde' trim Mercedes-Benz E-Class (read our review of the Mercedes-Benz E200 here).

But at least those willing to fork out this tall price can take heart in the fact that they are driving about in one of Mercedes-Benz's more special offerings, and a worthy progenitor to a long lineup of exquisite models.

Shopping for a convertible? Do also check these other reviews:

The Porsche 718 Boxster is a lithe and agile two-seater

There's only this MINI Cooper Convertible, with its charming exterior to consider

Or maybe this Morgan Plus Four might be the more exotic thing you're looking for