It’s not a very large market but cabriolets are big on the cool factor.
And especially when it’s a Mercedes-Benz, in this case the CLE 200 and CLE 300 4MATIC.
Based on the CLE Coupe, which is already a head turner, the Cabriolet adds a touch not often seen around these parts and had members of the public give it a definite thumbs up around the launch route in the Western Cape.
One of the disadvantages of owning one, especially in our hot summer climate, is that the sun tends to burn your pip if you don’t have it covered and your arms if you’re wearing a short shirt and you definitely want the top up in town.
It’s easily done by pulling a lever on the centre console that will take it up or down within 20 seconds at a speed of 60km/h.
Rather it’s the kind of car made for mild summer evenings cruising around the beachfront or a pleasant sunrise drive to a weekend destination.
The CLE 200 gets 150kW and 320Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine aided by an integrated starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system with 17kW and 205Nm.
The more spritely C300 would in my opinion be the one to get with the same turbo petrol unit providing 190kW and 400Nm with the same electrical outputs.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa are also looking into bringing in a straight-six CLE 53 next year.
Merc have done some further developments to make the drive with the roof down more bearable with the Aircap electric wind deflector system and an airscarf headroom heating system.
With the touch of a button the wind deflector extends from the top of the windscreen and directs airflow over the passengers’ heads while the automatic wind deflector behind the back head restraints reduces turbulence. The Airscarf built into the head restraints blows warm air around the neck and throat.
They actually work remarkably well as we found out going up Sir Lowry's Pass when the Cape Town South Easter was in the process of building up a head of steam.
The interior of the CLE is as we’ve come to know it. Solidly put together with a premier look and feel and comfortable seats to match.
Talking of the seats, they have a special coating that reflects the sun’s near-infrared rays making it up to 12 degrees cooler in direct sunlight and with the top up they heat up less as well.
The infotainment screen can be tilted from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent too much glare and when the top comes up it automatically moves to the default position.
Modern cars are a lot more than transport and artificial intelligence has also creeped in the MBUX infotainment system to personalise your experience behind the wheel with automated convenience functions.
There are templates for standard routines that include “Cold Days” that allows the heated seats to switch on at a certain temperature or “Date Night” that plays romantic music via Bluetooth and the ambient lighting turns pink. You can also create your own routines and store them under the “my routines” menu heading.
Gone apparently are the days when we were just happy to have a date and a tank of petrol.
Merc say they’ve increased the rear passenger space as a result of the 25mm longer wheelbase with 72mm more knee room and 19mm more shoulder and elbow room.
In reality though it’s still a tight squeeze especially with the roof up and I wouldn’t want to be the two people in the back on a long drive.
Boot space is rated at 385 litres and you lose 100 of those to make space for the roof when it’s down.
With the top down the CLE Cabriolet provides a pleasant and different drive with your hair (the little that’s left, in my case) in the wind.
We had the CLE 200 for the pre lunch drive and while it's not the quickest off the mark, it still provides a brisk pace and a remarkably subtle ride.
There is some engine noise when pushed which is to be expected but the optional Burmester sound system does a good job of neutralising it.
At R58 000 more the CLE 300 provides a better choice in terms of driving engagement.
The extra power and 4MATIC system makes it solidly planted and more adept at taking on sweeping roads.
The comfort suspension and chassis seems to work better and less jarring over road imperfections.
The extra power also makes it sound more aggressive aided of course by artificial engine noise piped into the cabin.
We did twist its throat slightly over the beautiful Clarence drive past Kleinmond, Bettys Bay and Pringle Bay with the sea on the left and it played along without any real fuss.
Ultimately though the CLE Cabriolet brief didn’t have that in mind but rather the same route driven gently with an ice cold drink and the sea breeze in your face.
It comes with a five-year/100 000km service plan and maintenance plan.
Mercedes CLE Cabriolet Pricing:
- CLE 200: R1 515 350
- CLE 300 4Matic: R1 573 651