2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible

How does the CLE drive? We tested the CLE 450 Cabriolet. At our test track, it sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, just a few tenths behind its coupe counterpart. In other words, it's plenty quick, and the smooth delivery comes with very little turbo lag and plentiful power no matter where the engine is in its rev range. The nine-speed automatic is an excellent partner to the six-cylinder as well, with smooth and seamless shifts. However, just note that the four-cylinder version isn't quite as happy a marriage, with the smaller engine sometimes hunting for the right gear.

Around corners, the CLE Cabriolet's smooth ride belies surprisingly good handling up to a point. The standard all-wheel-drive system distributes power exceptionally well, and freeway on-ramps and other bends are put to bed easily. In tighter corners, the car's weight undermines its agility, but if you're expecting Miata-like handling from a big 2+2 convertible, that's your fault. We wish there was better steering feel, but the quick response and light effort make the CLE a breeze to park.

How comfortable is the CLE? Ride quality is excellent overall. The CLE soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease, with even sharp bumps sending only a tiny vibration through the cabin. Seat comfort is nice. Our test car's optional upgraded front seats had lots of adjustments for lumbar, bolstering and more. Dialing in a good position may take a second, but few people will have trouble finding a comfortable setting.

Like most current Mercedes models, the CLE uses touchscreen controls for the climate system. The controls are easy to reach, but the low placement on the screen and lack of physical controls mean taking your eyes off the road to make adjustments or using voice commands, neither of which is ideal. Heated and ventilated seats work well, though. The fans, like the CLE as a whole, are quiet, even at full blast.

With the top up, very little wind or road noise intrudes into the cabin, but where's the fun in that? With the top down, air management is exceptionally well controlled, especially with the car's Aircap deployed. This system of spoilers routes air over the top of the car, allowing you to talk with your passenger or on the phone at normal volume levels even at highway speeds, with only the barest of hair tousling. If the weather's cool, the Airscarf feature blows warm air onto your neck to keep you cozy.

How’s the interior? Top up, the CLE Cabriolet is just as spacious as its coupe sibling, with plenty of space in all directions for front seat passengers. The rear seats are tighter but still better than those in its rivals from BMW and Audi. Just be aware of the length of the doors, which can make it difficult to squeeze in and out of tight parking spots.

The comfortable driving position puts most of the controls within easy reach, and they're easy to see too. Unfortunately, they could use some improvement. Mercedes relies too much on touch-sensitive controls, and even the volume for the audio system is a touch slider rather than a knob. The steering wheel is covered in touch-sensitive buttons that are too easy to accidentally activate, and while the touchscreen itself is quick and responsive, you'll need to take some time to learn to use it quickly. The buttons for the seat heater, cooler and AirScarf are hard to find and distinguish from a touch. The top-up visibility to the rear is pretty awful, although the standard surround-view camera makes parking a snap. One clever touch is a tilt function for the touchscreen, which helps combat glare with the top down.

How’s the storage? Even in convertible form, the CLE manages considerably more cargo space than its BMW and Audi rivals. You can get a good amount of groceries, or the all-important two golf bags in there with no problem, although note that with the top lowered the cargo area shrinks down a couple of cubic feet. Unfortunately, the small-item storage in front is only so-so. The center console is big enough, but the cupholders are small, making accessing the touchscreen difficult, and the door pockets are long but shallow.

One clear advantage the convertible has over its coupe sibling is the ease of installing a car seat using the rear seat Isofix anchors. With the top lowered, they're much easier to reach, and installing a car seat is a breeze even if it's a little on the bigger side.

Is the CLE a good value? The Mercedes CLE is typically more expensive than rival luxury convertibles. But in return you get a lot of standard features and a more premium interior than the competition. While we wouldn't call it a bargain by any means, this Benz justifies its price tag reasonably well, even if there are less expensive ways to get into a luxury convertible.

Mercedes' four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties are average for the class. The CLE also comes with four years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance, but we're surprised by the lack of any included service visits, a common feature in this class.

When you've got the top down, Airscarf blasting, Aircap keeping your hair from getting mussed, and your favorite tunes on the Burmester audio system, driving the CLE Cabriolet is a luxury vibe that's tough to beat. Luxury convertibles like this are increasingly rare, and it's great to see that Mercedes has committed to making a truly excellent one. The styling is also a knockout, with clean lines that will look handsome for years, even if it doesn't stand out like some of its peers. It's not a sports car, but it isn't pretending to be either. It's a luxury convertible with enough power in reserve and handles well enough that zipping through freeway interchanges once in a while is still fun.