First Drive: The Mercedes CLE Cabriolet is a classy and refined drop-top

What is it?

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
The CLE feels comfortable and refined at speed

What’s new?

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
The fabric soft-top has added layers to help with refinement

What’s under the bonnet?

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
All versions get large alloy wheels as standard

What’s it like to drive?

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
There is a good number of engines to choose from on the CLE

How does it look?

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
The CLE is also available as a hard-top coupe

What’s it like inside?

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
The interior features a large central screen

What’s the spec like?

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
There’s a reasonable amount of space for those in the rear

Verdict

The CLE Cabriolet offers the kind of laid-back driving experience that you’d want from a convertible. Roof-up, it affords all the comfort and refinement that would allow it to be used day-to-day yet with the roof down, it’s got all the benefits of soft-top motoring that you need.

Some interior plastics let the side down and – in certain specifications – it is pricey, but overall the CLE Cabriolet stands tall as one of the more refined and well-rounded convertibles on sale today.

  • Model as tested: Mercedes CLE 450 Cabriolet
  • Price: £74,320
  • Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol
  • Power: 375bhp
  • Torque: 500Nm
  • Max speed: 155mph
  • 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds
  • MPG: 35.5
  • Emissions: 181g/km

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