Last summer, Mercedes introduced the CLE-class, marking a streamlining of the automaker’s coupe offerings by replacing the discontinued C-class and E-class coupes. Now, the CLE range expands slightly with the addition of the CLE-class cabriolet.
Although only the European version has been unveiled, a Mercedes-Benz representative has confirmed to Car and Driver that the model will make its way to the U.S. market in 2024.
Echoing the chic design of the coupe, the CLE cabriolet boasts an upscale appearance and will feature two electrified powertrains alongside a technology-oriented interior.
All variants of the CLE Cabriolet come equipped with a 48-volt hybrid system, with an electric motor providing an additional 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.
While Europe will have access to both a diesel option and a slightly less potent base engine, the North American iteration of the cabriolet is expected to mirror the coupe’s offerings, featuring the four-cylinder CLE300 and six-cylinder CLE450 options.
The base CLE300 is propelled by the M254 engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the CLE450 introduces the M256 powertrain, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six delivering a robust 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
For added personalization, the soft top is available in black, red, or gray, and is power-operated, capable of closing in under 20 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 37 mph.
Standard features include Mercedes’s Aircap wind deflection system and Airscarf ventilation system, with the former directing cool air over the heads of front passengers and the latter providing warm air.
Inside the CLE cabriolet, the cabin mirrors that of the coupe precisely. Behind the steering wheel sits a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, accompanied by an 11.9-inch central touchscreen that can be adjusted from 15 to 40 degrees to mitigate glare when the top is down.
The front seats, specifically designed for this model, feature a reflective coating to prevent overheating in the summer, although similar setups in previous models have been known to become quite warm.
Like other recent Mercedes models, the CLE cabriolet features an artificial intelligence assistant capable of learning the driver’s preferences for comfort systems based on time and conditions. Comparable to Apple Maps suggesting routes, this system can automatically activate features like heated seats when temperatures drop.
While pricing for the CLE cabriolet has not been officially disclosed, Mercedes has released pricing for the coupe, ranging from $57,650 for the base CLE300 to $69,400 for the top-tier CLE450 Pinnacle. Expect the convertible to command a premium of a few thousand dollars when it becomes available later this year.