Mercedes CLE Cabrio, we tested the discovery that replaces two of them

The streamlining of the Mercedes range from which the CLE Coupe and Convertible were born to replace the similar C- and E-classes is inspired by the need to try and offset some of the investment in the electric transition and that in developing SUVs. However, the strategy does not suggest that Mercedes is abandoning sectors which, despite having become niche in many parts of the world, are attracting a good deal of interest, such as four-seat convertibles with a canvas top. A typology present, by now, only in the ranges of a few premium brands.

Developed in parallel with the Coupé, the Cabrio is also based on the Mra2 modular architecture on which both the C and E-classes are based, but in a specific declination that places its size close to that of the E-class saloon. In fact, this CLE is 4.85 metres long, 1.86 metres wide, 1.42 metres high and has a wheelbase of 2.86 metres. From the coupé, the new discovery retains substantially unchanged the entire bodywork below the beltline, defined by the soft junction of rounded surfaces and in which stand out the long sloping front integrated by ample air intakes, the bonnet surmounted by the powerdome, the recessed passenger compartment that stands out in particular when the hood is raised, the muscular wheel arches and the tapered tail crossed by the LED light signature. The alternation between the sheet metal roof and the electrically operated multilayer canvas soft top, which uncovers and covers the cabin in 20" even when moving at up to 60 mph, is resolved without affecting the elegance of the line because when it is lowered it softly joins the tail of the car, while when it is in use it draws a profile very close to that of the Coupé.

The interior of the Cabrio is configured with four seats and offers an appreciable amount of space even for those who sit on the two rear seats which, with the hood up, just as on the Coupé, can be reached with some contortion even in the presence of the electric advance of the front ones. The ambience is furnished in a refined manner, made with care to the point that you really have to pause in the lower part to notice plastic upholstery that is subdued compared to that in the field of vision and, finally, hi-tech. This is not only because the furnishings offer a dashboard that extends towards the passengers with soft forms supporting the 12.3" instrument display that can be configured extensively, and because it develops around digitisation, taking its cue from the 11.9" vertical touch display of the latest generation of the Mbux system (which also includes TikTok and the Zoom app for meetings), but also because this screen can be tilted from 12° to 32° to avoid reflections when travelling with the hood down. The CLE Convertible also dedicates to this driving condition the neck heater built into the front headrests and the Aircap, which consists of a deflector that protrudes electrically from the top of the windscreen together with a wind deflector that appears behind the rear seats to limit turbulence in the passenger compartment. The convertible conversion of the CLE implies a small boot capacity, since when the hood is raised it is 385 litres while when folded it is 295 litres.

The CLE Convertible adopts only mild-hybrid engines with 48-volt 4- and 6-cylinder technology. All use an electric unit that adds 23 horsepower and 200 Nm to the power and torque of each engine during acceleration and recovery. The range is made up of the 2-litre turbodiesel with 197 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque in the 220d with rear-wheel drive and the 2-litre turbo-petrol unit with 204 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque in the 200 offered with rear-wheel drive, its 258-horsepower and 400 Nm of torque variant that drives the 300 4Matic and, finally, the 3-litre 6-cylinder unit with 381 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque in the 450 4Matic. All are mated to the nine-speed automatic transmission. The CLE's X-ray also shows sophisticated multilink suspension front and rear and a set-up lowered by 15 millimetres compared to that of the C and E-class saloons. Optional is the Dynamic Body package that integrates electronically controlled suspension and rear steering. The standard Adas network integrates many devices, but to maximise driver assistance one has to resort to optional packages for a fee.

We tested the CLE Cabrio in the 220d top-of-the-range Amg Line Premium Plus version (82,000 euro) mainly on the most winding roads of the island of Tenerife. The car reaches 234 km/h and 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, promising an average of 18.5 kilometres to the gallon. At the end of the test, after using the most suitable configuration for each driving situation, i.e. from Eco to Sport, we displayed a mileage of more than 14 kilometres to the litre in the on-board computer. Equipped with the optional active suspension and steered rear axle, the 220d, despite its large dimensions and weight (1,925 kg), is agile, balanced even on winding stretches and reassuring even on fast motorway changes of direction.