When Mercedes-Benz announced the CLE as the replacement for the C-Class and E-Class two-door models, it wasn’t just a reshuffle of the line-up, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. For South Africa, where the weather perfectly lends itself to open-top driving, the CLE Cabriolet arrives with high expectations. With the CLE, Mercedes-Benz aims to solidify its position in a competitive segment where beauty and performance are non-negotiable.
Mercedes-Benz’s CLE range has arrived in South Africa, redefining the brand’s approach to luxury coupés and cabriolets. As the combined successor to the outgoing C-Class and E-Class cabriolets, the CLE Cabriolet combines elegance, advanced technology, and all-season versatility in a package designed to turn heads on any road. Its blend of style, performance, and practicality positions it as a fresh contender in the premium segment.
That said, beneath the striking surface lies a car that demands closer scrutiny. Is this streamlined approach from Mercedes the key to reclaiming its dominance in the luxury sector, or are there trade-offs lurking in the details?
We sense that the CLE is something of a strategic triumph for Mercedes in this market, where the brand has introduced the car at a significantly more competitive price versus its natural competitors, than some of the brand’s other recent introductions. This is strategically important for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, which has – in recent years – struggled to maintain its competitive edge in a truly tough sales environment.
MORE BLISSFUL THAN BOLD
At first glance, the CLE captivates with its refined proportions and timeless appeal. The wide, intricately detailed grille dominates the front end, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the car a piercing gaze. The flowing roofline, whether in coupé or cabriolet form, enhances the car’s aerodynamic elegance, drawing the eye seamlessly from the A-pillars to the gently sloping rear. Frameless doors and subtly flared wheel arches add a sporty edge, while a selection of alloy wheels and striking exterior paint options further highlight the CLE’s premium pedigree.
Mercedes-Benz’s designers have clearly prioritised harmony over flamboyance, resulting in a car that feels cohesive and well-resolved. This deliberate restraint ensures the CLE appeals to buyers who favour classic luxury over trend-driven flashiness. Yes, some may say that this conservative approach lacks the visual drama needed to stand out in the segment, but in South Africa, this particular segment is tiny, and traditionalists who will consider the Merc over a more audacious competitor do so deliberately.
Also, this restraint works in the CLE’s favour for buyers seeking a design that won’t age prematurely. The car’s focus on clean lines and proportionality suggests a longevity that aligns with the enduring elegance Mercedes-Benz is known for, ensuring its appeal remains strong, long after fleeting automotive trends have passed.
AN INTERIOR OF INNOVATIONS
Slip inside, and the CLE doesn’t disappoint. High-end materials like Nappa leather, brushed aluminium, and optional open-pore wood trims elevate the cabin, while the dual digital displays dominate the dashboard. The 12.3″ driver display and 11.9″ touchscreen (that has a clever tilt function to avoid glare when driving with the top down) integrate seamlessly with Mercedes’ latest MBUX system, offering voice control, wireless smartphone mirroring, and even augmented reality navigation. Clever.
For open-top motoring enthusiasts, the CLE Cabriolet’s AirCap wind deflector and AirScarf neck-heating systems are standout features. Together, they ensure year-round comfort, even when temperatures drop. Naturally we tested these features during the launch drive. The AirCap system with its automated rear wind deflector did a splendid job of reducing cabin wind intrusion to a minimum, despite some serious crosswinds experienced on the day. Is it perfect? No, you are driving without a roof so some wind intrusion is expected, but would it be as much fun if it was clinically calm? Also no.
Yet, not all is perfect. The touch-sensitive controls, while sleek, can be fiddly when used on the move, detracting slightly from the otherwise user-friendly layout. And while the front seats offer excellent comfort and support, the rear seating is more symbolic than functional. Adults will struggle to get comfortable back there, even for short journeys.
MIXED DRIVING FEELINGS
The CLE strikes a commendable balance between dynamic handling and ride comfort, a difficult feat for any luxury coupé or cabriolet. Thanks to a stiffer chassis and adaptive suspension, the car feels planted through corners while maintaining a supple ride over most surfaces.
Both variants available in South Africa offer respectable performance from their Mercedes-developed 1,999 cc in-line four-cylinder turbo (with integrated starter) engine. In the CLE200 it produces 150 kW and a healthy 320 Nm, offering smooth acceleration for everyday use, while the CLE300 4Matic takes things up a notch with 190 kW and 400 Nm, alongside all-wheel-drive grip.
While the engine is beautifully refined in both iterations, neither offers the punch you get from their six-cylinder BMW rival. There’s enough power, to be sure, and let’s not forget that the CLE’s appeal lies in its more relaxed character, rather than in its performance. Enthusiasts may also find the steering to lack some of the engaging feedback that rivals such as the BMW 4 Series cabriolet deliver.
PRACTICALITY AND VERSATILITY
South Africa’s climate is ideally suited for the cabriolet lifestyle, but the CLE offers more than just sunshine-ready driving. With the roof up, the fabric top provides excellent insulation from wind and road noise, transforming the CLE into a refined coupé. This duality enhances its practicality, though boot space remains limited.
That said, the CLE’s overall versatility is impressive. It would be as comfortable tackling the long highways of the Karoo as it is cruising along the eastern seaboard as we did at launch.
SEGMENT-BEATING PRICING
One of the CLE’s strongest selling points in the South African market is its pricing. Starting at R1,527,271 for the CLE200 Cabriolet AMG Line and R1,587,251 for the CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet AMG Line, it offers good value compared to the 4 Series Beemer (a notable departure from Merc’s more recent pricing strategy). While the latter is more powerful, it is already midway through its lifecycle and not nearly as suave in its approach to classic open-top motoring as the Stuttgart offering
LAST WORD
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet marks a bold move in simplifying the brand’s line-up while delivering a fresh take on the luxury cabriolet formula. It’s beautiful, comfortable, and packed with tech, making it a strong contender for those seeking a refined and versatile driving experience.
Despite minor shortcomings, such as its conservative design approach and tight rear seating, the CLE achieves its goal of blending luxury and performance, appealing to drivers who value timeless elegance over fleeting trends.
For South Africans who crave a car that can handle the summer heat, the winter chill, and everything in between, while looking great doing it, the CLE Cabriolet might just be the perfect fit.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA