Mercedes-Benz isn’t giving up on luxury convertibles yet but it is consolidating its efforts, replacing the C- and E-Class Cabriolets with a single model: the all-new CLE-Class.
Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the new CLE is closer in size to the outgoing E-Class two-door. Mercedes also combined the C and E’s engine portfolios; whereas the smaller car was previously only available with a turbocharged four-cylinder and the larger E-Class only offered with a turbocharged V-6, the CLE is available with both.
The CLE300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six motivates the CLE450 with 375 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque. Both are mild hybrids equipped with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive standard. Surprisingly, both cars deliver the same EPA-rated 23/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined.
The 2024 CLE-Class Cabriolet will go on sale later this spring. Pricing for the CLE-Class neatly bisects that of the 2023 C- and E-Class Cabriolets — even when accounting for the now-standard AWD. Mercedes offers buyers a choice between the base and Pinnacle trim levels with both engines. Full line pricing, including $1,150 for delivery, is as follows.
CLE300: $65,500
CLE300 Pinnacle: $68,100
CLE450: $75,000
CLE450 Pinnacle: $77,600
Trim Levels and Safety Features
Both the CLE300 and CLE450 are equipped with an acoustically insulated cloth top that powers up or down in as little as 20 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph. Mercedes-Benz’s Aircap wind deflectors atop the windshield and behind the rear-seat head restraints ensure serene motoring even with the top down. Heated front seats with the Airscarf integrated neck-level heat vents and speakers in the driver’s head restraint are also standard. The base trim level also features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and a 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround-sound system.
In addition to its more powerful engine, the CLE450 rides on 19-inch wheels, whereas the 300 gets 18s. (Numerous wheel designs in sizes up to 20 inches are available for both cars.) Mercedes also fits the 450 with an adjustable sport suspension and AMG Line appearance package, both of which are again optional on the CLE300. The AMG Line Package includes larger front brakes, unique front and rear bumpers, and numerous interior detailing upgrades such as a flat-bottom, Nappa leather steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.
Standard safety features on the 2024 CLE-Class Cabriolet include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot assist and a driver attention monitor. The available Driver Assistance Package bundles intersection assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, active lane-change assist and emergency steering assist.
For the same $2,600 on either the CLE300 or CLE450, the Pinnacle trim level adds enhanced LED exterior lighting, a head-up display with augmented-reality navigation, a 360-degree parking camera that can take photos if the car is disturbed while parked and an upgraded infotainment system that allows owners to download third-party apps directly to the car.
