If there is one manufacturer that has a model in its lineup for every conceivable niche or category, then Mercedes-Benz would perhaps fit those requirements to  a “T”.

The three-pointed star has more often that not been the brand others take “inspiration” from, but when it came to ceasing production of the C-Class and E-Class coupés and cabriolets (which weren’t exactly volume sellers) and combining both these cars into a single model line, I daresay that was something not many of us would’ve anticipated. 

I can’t think of a time a manufacturer culled two variants from two different model ranges and distilled them into its own model line. Through my time with the CLE-Class Cabriolet, I wondered quietly if it was burdened by its predecessors, drawn down by the expectations of what those models were supposed to be but yet never materialised. 

With Dignity and Grace

The CLE Cabriolet, being a replacement for the C-Class and E-Class cabriolets, had big shoes to fill. And with its design, I would say it more than exceeds those expectations.

Walking up to the car, you are immediately struck by just how smooth, refined and elegant the exterior looks. Where the C-Class Cabriolet looked long in the tooth and slightly stumpy, and the E-Class Cabriolet slightly ungainly in its proportions, it is immediately obvious on just how sleek the CLE Cabriolet is from first glances.

Despite having a slightly shorter wheelbase than its E-Class predecessor, it looks more elongated and sophisticated. A low slung and long front end, complimented by a single long line running down the body from the headlights all the way to the taillights, drives home the impression of a more stretched out and graceful demeanour.

While it shares most of its looks with its coupé sibling, the main difference lies in its soft convertible top and rear decklid. Lower the top, and it transforms the car’s looks into resembling a yacht’s rear deck. The exposed rear haunches and metal grilles of the Burmester sound system give a cosmopolitan vibe, and with the top down, this would fit right in at the marina of Sentosa Cove, or cruising through Clarke Quay.  

Red, Red Wine Inside

While the interior of this press car isn’t fully red, the darker shades do provide a good amount of contrast. Soft-touch materials cover the dashboard, armrest and steering wheel, while the centre console features carbon fibre-look pieces. Visually, it helped to break up the interior into different sections, and highlighting the red even further.

A highly-configurable 12.3-inch horizontal screen serves as the gauge cluster, whereas a vertical 11.9-inch screen takes centre stage for all infotainment duties. Other interior niceties include the factory-fitted 17-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System.

However, being a soft-top convertible, there are some sacrifices that you’d have to live with. For instance, the boot space is quite compromised, with only 385 litres available to haul your belongings around with. This is quite a bit smaller than the 420 litres of the regular CLE 200.

Surprisingly, there’s sufficient room in the rear thanks to cleverly packaged and heavily sculpted front seatbacks (passengers are actually comfortable in the rear, can’t say that about many convertibles). Overall sound insulation is done fairly well, but the soft-top nature of the car means you’ll still hear higher pitched sounds like passing motorcycles, and wind noise does permeate the cabin.

Roll My Windows Down and Cruise

When I had the CLE200 Cabriolet, Jek Ray also had the CLE 53 AMG on test. While this isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison, the difference in chassis rigidity was extremely apparent, and made more evident when by not having a solid roof structure. 

Despite having some fairly wide rubber all around, chassis flex could be felt quite clearly, especially when driving through winding roads at an exuberant pace. Going over larger bumps and expansion joints also rattled the CLE Cabriolet a fair bit more than usual. This isn’t the fault of the car, as it is a consequence of its convertible nature.

That’s not to say the CLE Cabriolet is lacking in pace. Propelled by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four paired with a mild hybrid system, power is rated at 201 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, with drive being sent to the rear wheels, and the century sprint taking 7.9 seconds. Decent when you consider it weighs 1,925 kilograms.

Dynamically, however, the increase of 135 kilograms over the coupé and lack of a roof structure does mean that the CLE Cabriolet doesn’t enjoy being driven in an exuberant manner. But is it meant to be driven in an aggressive fashion to begin with? No, it isn’t. Drop that soft top, turn up the tunes, and enjoy the ride. That’s what a convertible is for. 

Comfortably Knowing What It Is

Built to replace two model variants, the CLE200 Cabriolet always had a lot riding on its shoulders. Did it accomplish what it set out to do? I would say it did, and pretty well at that.

The CLE200 Cabriolet didn’t set out to be what it isn’t. And driving it, you understand how the car was set up to do, and what it wasn’t. And what it does well is look good with the soft top down or up, music playing, and eating up the miles at a comfortable pace.

This is a car that doesn’t encourage you to drive beyond its capabilities, and knows its limitations. Why do I say this? If you were to ask me to select a car right now, out of everything I’ve tested this year, and start driving up north, this could very well be the one I choose. Why? Because that’s what it was built to do – cruise, and looking great doing so. 

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