The Mercedes-Benz CLE is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in April, priced from €66,400. The company formally introduced it last summer along with the coupe version (see video), but hasn’t provided any specifics until now.
A multi-layer tent top can be raised and lowered automatically in just 20 seconds as long as you keep the acceleration below 60 km/h (37 mph). Its layered composition is said to ensure a comfortable temperature in the cabin at all times. Customers can choose from black, grey and red tops.
The CLE convertible also has a feature called Airtop, which consists of a slide-out spoiler above the windshield and a pop-up screen behind the seats. Both are designed specifically to minimize air turbulence in the cabin. A function called Airscarf can be activated to pump warm air through the seat backs to the driver’s and front passenger’s neck and shoulders, keeping them from catching cold.
Mercedes says the CLE was designed based on the old C-Class generation, but the car is much larger than the C-Class at 4,850 x 1,861 x 1,424 mm (189.5 x 72.7 x 55.6 inches). The wheelbase amounts to 2,865 mm (111.9 inches). The trunk size comes to 385 liters (13.6 cubic feet) with the roof raised, but drops to 295 l (10.4 cu. ft.) with it tucked away.
The infotainment touchscreen is sized 11.9 inches large and can be tilted within the range of 15–40 degrees while facing the driver. The company argues that it is the best solution for minimizing sun glare on the screen while driving sans top. The leather trim comes treated with a special solution that prevents it from getting too hot in direct sunlight. Out of the 17 Burmeister audio speakers on board, four reside in the front headrests.
For the time being, the CLE-Class will be represented by four modifications. The CLE 200 d will be the only diesel option on the lineup, pumping out 197 PS (194 hp / 145 kW). The CLE 200 and the CLE 300 will both utilize the same 2.0-liter petrol turbo four-pot, but while the former will get 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) out of it, the latter will extract a superior 258 PS (254 hp / 190 kW).
The range-topping CLE 450 spec will take advantage of a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine to drive the wheels with 381 PS (376 hp / 280 kW).
All-wheel-drive is available as a paid option for the CLE 200 and comes included as standard in the two top versions listed above. All four modifications use the same nine-speed automatic transmission and benefit from a starter-generator contributing an extra 23 horsepower (17 kilowatts) when rapid acceleration is required.