Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet Review & Prices

The Mercedes CLE Cabriolet is Mercedes’ latest convertible model, and it actually replaces two cars at the same time. Mercedes has dropped both the C-Class and the E-Class Cabriolets from its range, and slotted the CLE into the middle as its sole four-seater convertible - as a sister model to the CLE Coupe, which we’ve reviewed here and which replaced the C- and E-Class Coupe models.

Though it’s more closely-related to the C-Class, it has some features that feel much more E-Class, such as six-cylinder engines and rear-wheel steering. It’s a bit like a posh London apartment - it might be small, but that doesn’t mean it has to be Spartan.

There are very few cars left on sale that you could consider as an alternative to the CLE, as most convertibles are either supercars or much smaller two-seat roadsters. The only real competition comes from the BMW 4 Series Convertible, which also features four seats and a fabric roof.

The CLE’s roof is a simple affair, but it’s highly insulated to keep out wind and road noise and can be had in black, red or grey. It opens or closes in 20 seconds - a little slower than the BMW 4 Series, but it can be done at speeds of up to 37mph.

The CLE Cabriolet comes with a choice of four engines. The basic option is the CLE 200, which uses a four-cylinder petrol engine with a mild hybrid system kicking out 204hp. The CLE 300 has the same engine, but with four-wheel drive and 258hp.

There’s also a diesel option - the CLE 220d, with 197hp and identical performance to the 200 petrol. At the top of the range (for now) sits the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder CLE 450, with 380hp. You can expect Mercedes-AMG models, with a sporty makeover and more power, to follow soon.

The CLE Cabriolet’s interior is identical to the Coupe’s, and very similar to the C-Class, which is no bad thing. There’s a 12.9-inch driver display and a huge 11.9-inch infotainment screen in the centre, which sits vertically. It’s quick and responsive, which is handy since you have to control almost everything - including the air-con - through its interface.

The CLE Coupe’s rear seats were quite tight, but you can expect the Cabriolet’s to be even smaller still due to the need to accommodate the mechanism for the folding roof behind them.

Though we expect the CLE Cabriolet to be a lot like the Coupe to drive, we’ll reserve judgement until we’ve driven it later this year. If you can’t wait that long, check out our list of the best convertible cars on sale.

In the meantime you can find out how much you could save by checking out Carwow’s Mercedes CLE Cabriolet deals, as well as great prices on other Mercedes models. You can also take a look at used Mercedes from our network of trusted dealers, and Carwow can even help you sell your car when the time comes.

Prices kick off at £52,995 for the CLE 200 model, making it just over £6,000 more expensive than the CLE Coupe. That’s a little more than the entry-level BMW 4 Series Convertible, though there’s not much in it.

Prices rise by a few thousand pounds for the diesel, stepping up to just under £60,000 for the CLE 300 and just over £70,000 for the CLE 450. Those are all quite parallel to the 4 Series Convertible, which steps up to £67,345 for the range-topping M440i.

CLE Cabriolet trim levels start out with sporty-looking AMG Line, moving up through AMG Line Premium (which is the lowest available for the 450 model) and up to AMG Line Premium Plus. The range-topper is called the Premier Edition and stands out thanks to the ‘Night Package’ which adds gloss black exterior trim, 19-inch wheels and a different pattern to the grille.