Mercedes-Benz unveils new four-seat CLE Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz has added to its open-top lineup with a new CLE Cabriolet.

Based on the CLE Coupe, the cabriolet trades a fixed roof for a fabric acoustic soft top (available in black, red or grey) that utilises a multi-layer structure for insulation against noise and heat. Mercedes states that this roof can operate at vehicle speeds of up to 60km/h and can deploy or retract in just 20 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz states that the 4,850mm total length and 2,865mm wheelbase of the CLE Cabriolet ensures that it will be able to seat four in comfort

Potential customers here will also be glad to note that the car is available with optional leather seats that come with a special coating which reflects the sun's near-infrared rays. This technology, Mercedes states, allow the seats to remain up to 12 degrees Celsius cooler in direct sunlight than untreated standard leather.

Opt for the Burmester 3D surround sound system, however, and the standard sports seats will come with two loudspeakers that sit level with the head restraints, designed to deliver an immersive audio experience.

The 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display of the CLE Coupe can tilt from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent distracting glare when the roof is retracted

And for longer trips up North, the CLE Cabriolet also comes with Mercedes' Aircap wind deflector system while the Airscarf system, which directs warm air around the necks and throats of front-seat occupants, is also offered.

And while the roof is up, easy use of the car's 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display is assured thanks to its ability to electrically tilt from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent distracting glare.

As in the CLE Coupe, Mercedes states the cabriolet's 2,865mm-long wheelbase ensures that rear passengers are comfortable accommodated. And further back, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet offers a total of 385 litres of boot space, although this shrinks to 295 litres with the soft top retracted.

The car's fabric roof takes a total of 20 seconds to deploy or retract and can be operated at speeds of up to 60km/h

Mercedes-Benz is offering the CLE Cabriolet with either a comfort-oriented or a sportier suspension setup. Also available is the firm's Dynamic Body Control active suspension system, which can individually control the damping characteristics for each wheel after taking into account factors including the driving situation, vehicle speed, and road conditions.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet lineup starts with the CLE200, which comes equipped with a 201bhp 2.0-litre engine paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox that will see the car completing the century sprint in 7.9 seconds. At the other end of the lineup is the CLE450, which gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that develops 375bhp and 500Nm of peak torque, allowing the car to reach 100km/h from rest in 4.7 seconds.

Market launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLE in Europe is set to begin at the end of April 2024, with other markets to follow after.