Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet review: The perfect convertible

There are some experiences in life that become iconic not because of the experience itself, but because of the memories it evokes in you. These experiences match your interest in cars, which is largely personal and subjective. I am a child of the 90s and I still remember watching I Love You for the first time on the big screen. Three friends, a trip to Goa and a convertible SL Mercedes. I can clearly remember the nervousness in my heart, but for whatever reason, I can’t remember the rest of the plot. It obviously left a lasting impact.

Yes, I know we won’t be reviewing the Mercedes SL in the next few pages, but convertible Mercedes will always be special to me. The car we are going to talk about today is the new CLE 300 Cabriolet. It is built as a replacement for the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class Cabriolet, all in one unit. This means, it aims to be as affordable and sporty as the C-Class, as tech-laden as the E-Class, and as luxurious and spacious as the S-Class. Now, this is surely a tall order for any vehicle, especially in a picky country like India.

Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Convertible review: Design

If we talk about styling, the new Mercedes CLE 300 fully embraces the company’s current design language. Its main features are the long hood, low side profile, strong rear end, clean lines and forward-leaning design. In my opinion, this is one of the best-looking convertible designs I have ever seen, with a three-pointed star on the grille. Mercedes India has also carefully decorated the CLE 300 to attract Indian customers, which means a lot of chrome. When I saw the Mercedes CLE in photos, I was a little skeptical about all the chrome. However, after seeing it in person, I really started to like it. I usually don’t like such a lot of chrome, but I must admit that the CLE 300 really shows it off well.

Up front, you’ll find a massive honeycomb chrome grille, and if you get a little closer, you’ll notice the multiple chrome three-pointed stars that adorns it. Above this, the chrome extends to the front diffuser, door handles, shoulder line, rear diffuser, and exhaust outlet surrounds. Next, the CLE we tested was equipped with the AMG Line package, and a highlight for me personally were the multi-spoke 19-inch aero-optimized AMG alloy wheels. Just like the chrome, this was another aspect that I was skeptical about, but was once again proven wrong when I saw it in person. Now, while the front and rear styling of the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 are definitely something to write home about, the rear styling is a mixed bag.

While the design is stunning and cohesive till the rear quarter panels, the rear doesn’t blend in very well with the rest of the car. In my opinion, Mercedes-Benz tried to fit a lot of design into one, but it didn’t work well for me. You see a one-piece black panel sitting between the LED taillights, similar to the Mercedes-Benz EQS. However, unlike the one-piece LED light bar, this one doesn’t have any lighting elements in between. Apart from that, the fake exhaust cutouts do nothing to enhance the sporty appeal of the CLE 300. Overall, while the rear profile is questionable, what you see is absolutely stunning and it turns heads faster than an amazing Bollywood action film.

Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet review: Comfort and features

If you’re familiar with the interior design of current Mercedes-Benz vehicles, especially the SL55 AMG, then the styling and layout of the new CLE 300 Cabriolet should be familiar. The steering wheel is sleek, with split paddle shifters in the center. The dashboard design is dominated by a large, vertically mounted touchscreen in the center, with jet-like air conditioning vents adding drama. However, what really catches the eye when you enter the car is the clear, well-laid-out 12.3-inch instrument cluster that sits in front of you. Likewise, the 11.9-inch infotainment system has beautiful graphics and also brings with it the MBUX system that’s easy to understand (and use). However, if I had to pick a small quibble, it would be the integration of the air conditioning controls into the touchscreen system, which tends to be distracting when trying to change the temperature or fan speed and when driving.

One neat touch, though, is its ability to tilt the screen upwards to an angle that helps reduce glare on sunny days when you have the roof open. This is similar to a feature we first saw in the SL55 AMG. Other highlights include 3D navigation, a full-colour head-up display and a 360-degree parking camera. You also get a 17-speaker Burmester surround sound system and if you are a music lover, you will not be disappointed with its sound quality. Then, you also have the soft-top mechanism, which can be folded up or down in just 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h. If you live in Delhi and prefer to keep the roof down during winters, you can use its Airscarf feature, which blows hot air towards the driver and passenger’s necks to keep them warm. Now, while you do get a host of luxury and technical details, one thing is for sure – it has the typical Mercedes fit and finish. The quality of the materials used for the dashboard and door panels is top-notch, while everything else feels incredibly solid.

Also read: Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV review: Brave and bold!

As an alternative to the E- and S-Class Cabriolet, comfort is another area where it excels. The sports seats, which are covered in Artico artificial leather, support your body well, and space was never an issue during our test drive. However, while the front seats provide ample space for medium to large adults, this is a 4-seater convertible, and of course we have to talk about that. In my opinion, the rear seats are best reserved for three types of passengers. They are children or teenagers, adults in emergencies, and annoying friends who won’t move unless they are carried. Still, the dual air-conditioning vents, bottle holders, and smartphone holders do add a little comfort to the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Convertible review: Performance and handling

Before I talk about handling or mechanical specs, I want to make one thing clear. While the Mercedes SL 55 AMG is the most powerful car in the company’s lineup, the CLE 300 Cabriolet brings a lot more practical performance to the table. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 258bhp and 400Nm of peak torque. The engine is also paired with a 48V electric motor that adds 23bhp and 205Nm of torque to the engine. All the electric motor does is actually give you a brief boost of acceleration when you choose to use it. It’s capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds and reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. In my opinion, these numbers are pretty indicative of the performance of this machine.

All in all, the performance of the CLE 300 is fascinating, and it is indeed a hot convertible sports car. When you press the accelerator pedal, it will pause briefly before starting, but once it starts, it will climb the rev band with great enthusiasm and even make you lean back in the seat a little. When I first drove the new Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, which has a performance package and explosive V8 power, I already expected this kind of performance from this car. On the other hand, I expected the CLE 300 to be a more luxurious and comfortable convertible cruiser. However, it definitely exceeded all my expectations and became a very fun car to drive. Matched with the engine is a 9-speed automatic transmission with a fairly good distribution of gear ratios. It eliminates turbo lag to a large extent, and I can feel that it is trying its best to be in the right gear at the right time. Although the engine and transmission perform well in Sport mode, the CLE 300 can also transform into a calm high-performance car in Comfort and Eco modes. Although the car switches its characteristics in different modes, there is always enough performance to make you enjoy driving.

Also read: 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 review: Convertible V8 Theater

If we talk about dynamics, the comfort and handling are matched by the engine’s performance. While other sports cars have to adapt to your daily routine, the CLE 300 embodies practicality at every turn. The car responds sharply to all your inputs and feels relatively nimble. Yes, it’s an all-wheel drive unit, so it’s not as nimble as a rear-wheel drive unit. However, it responds with tight handling no matter how hard you push it, and also benefits from all-weather performance capabilities. In my opinion, it strikes a good balance between fun and comfort. The new CLE 300 looks good and performs just as well. The biggest hindrance in its performance resume, though, is the brakes. They feel a little spongy, lack the bite to help you build confidence, and do hesitate a bit when trying to stop quickly.

Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Convertible review: Conclusion

Having read this review, you might understand that I am really impressed with the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet. It was thrilling indeed when I drove the SL55 AMG, but I expected such a great performance from this model. The CLE, on the other hand, really took me by surprise. I expected the car to be comfortable and luxurious, but it also delivered an extra dose of driving pleasure. Suffice it to say, I had so much fun that I even considered not giving my keys back to Mercedes-Benz. Add to that a great design, a great interior, loads of technology and a price tag of Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom), and the CLE 300 should definitely be at the top of your list if you are looking to buy a convertible coupe. In my opinion, while the hardcore SL55 AMG has to make compromises in India, the CLE 300 Cabriolet is a great fit for it.