Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet Expert Review

The Mercedes-Benz CLE cabriolet blends elegant grand-tourer looks with a relaxed convertible character. The long bonnet and flowing roofline give it a sleek silhouette, while the clean surfacing and slim LED headlamps lend a contemporary and sophisticated presence on the road. Chrome touches and balanced proportions help the CLE look poised whether the roof is up or down. 
The soft-top roof can open in about 20 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h, adding wind-in-the-hair cruising appeal. Its multiple layers of sound deadening help retain cabin quietness with the roof up. Body control is geared more toward comfort than outright dynamic sharpness, befitting its cruiser role.

The cabin combines luxury with a thoughtful layout. Materials and fit and finish feel premium, and the switchgear and infotainment are intuitive, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch central touchscreen carried over from the C-Class interior design. 
Front seats are comfortable and well cushioned, with both heating and ventilation adding to long-distance usability. Neck-level vents and a wind deflector help maintain comfort in cooler weather or with the roof stowed. 
As a 2+2, the CLE’s rear seat best suits children or shorter trips for adults, with knee room and under-thigh support limited by the car’s low roofline and convertible packaging. Boot space is modest, and the inclusion of a spare wheel further limits cargo capacity.

The CLE uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 258 hp at 5800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 2000 rpm and 3200 rpm. Mild-hybrid technology via a 48-volt system adds just over 20 hp under hard acceleration, helping smooth delivery and enhancing low-speed tractability. 
The engine’s character is refined and easy-going rather than aggressive. It produces torque smoothly and encourages a relaxed drive rather than performance-oriented urgency. Refinement through the cabin is strong with the roof up, and even under hard acceleration, noise levels remain well controlled. 
The 9-speed automatic gearbox works well, offering smooth shifts and good integration with the engine’s torque curve. A 0–100 km/h dash is quoted at around 6.7 seconds, reflecting the CLE’s cruiser-focused nature.

Fuel efficiency of the petrol soft-top pairing and mild-hybrid assistance suggest respectable returns for a powerful convertible. Mild-hybrid support also helps with stop-start efficiency in urban use. 

Ride comfort is a highlight. Suspension compliance is tuned to absorb urban potholes, bumps and broken surfaces with ease, prioritising comfort over taut handling. The setup feels soft and supple, ideally suited to relaxed cruising rather than sporty cornering. 
Steering is light and effortless, which aids in city manoeuvres and gives confidence on open roads. Although not designed as a sharp sports car, the CLE remains stable and composed once up to speed.

Features are extensive for this class, with premium infotainment, connected-car tech, dual-zone climate control and comfort enhancements like heated and ventilated seats. Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control and driver-assistance aids. Parking sensors and camera systems make everyday use easier.

Priced at around ₹1.10 crore (ex-showroom India), the CLE occupies a unique niche with few direct rivals. It is positioned more as a luxury cruiser than a performance convertible, offering refined comfort and relaxed driving character rather than outright sportiness. 
For buyers seeking a comfortable grand tourer with open-top appeal and premium refinement, the CLE’s blend of smooth performance, refined cabin and solid feature list makes it a compelling choice in its segment.