Mercedes has shown off its brand-new CLE-class cabriolet. The two-door C-class and E-class cars, which are no longer being made, will be replaced by the CLE-class coupe and convertible in 2024. A Mercedes-Benz representative told Invoice Pricing that the new cabriolet will be sold in the US starting with the 2024 model year, even though it was only shown off in Europe. When the CLE class came out last summer, Mercedes’ coupe range shrunk. With the addition of the CLE-class cabriolet, the CLE range has grown a little. The CLE coupe will take the place of the C-class and E-class coupes. A Mercedes-Benz representative told Invoice Pricing that the car will be available in the US by 2024, even though it has only been shown in Europe so far. Like the car, the CLE cabriolet has a nice look, two powered drivetrains, and an interior that focuses on technology. Under the Hood All CLE Cabriolet powertrains have a 48-volt hybrid system with an electric motor that adds 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. In North America, the cabriolet will likely come with the same four-cylinder CLE300 and six-cylinder CLE450 engines as the coupe. In Europe, however, the car will have both a diesel engine and a basic engine that isn’t as strong. What this means is that the basic CLE300 has a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged M254 engine that makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that makes 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The CLE450 is the first car to have this engine. The soft top comes in black, red, or gray, so owners can make it a little more their own. The electric motor makes it possible to close in less than 20 seconds at up to 37 mph. The Aircap wind deflection system and the Airscarf ventilation system are standard on Mercedes cars. They direct cold air over the heads of front riders and release warm air, respectively. Technology and Elements of Interior Design The new CLE cabriolet has the same cabin as the coupe. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is behind the steering wheel, and the 11.9-inch touchscreen in the middle can be tilted from 15 to 40 degrees to block glare when the roof is down. Mercedes says that the front seats were made just for this car and have a covering that reflects light to keep the leather cool in the summer. But when we tested a system that was the same as the one in the old E-class convertible, we found that the seats could still get very hot. This Mercedes, like others on the market today, has an AI helper that can figure out which comfort systems the driver uses in different places and at different times. Like how Apple Maps shows you how to get to work or home, the system can turn on the heated seats instantly when the temperature outside drops below a certain level. Mercedes just announced the price of the coupe, but they haven’t said anything about the price of the CLE cabriolet yet. The base price for the CLE300 car is $57,650, and the price for the CLE450 Pinnacle is $69,400. The convertible will cost a few thousand more when it comes out later this year.
