Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet review

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There’s a moment of profundity that arrives when you’re piloting the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet along the world-famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. The azure Atlantic Ocean on one side, commanding cliffs on the other. And nothing but a thousand miles of skies up above. If you haven’t had the pleasure, it is pure automotive transcendence, a sensory symphony …

Better still, the CLE represents the thoughtful consolidation of the C- and E- coupe and convertible lines. A strategic manoeuvre that’s yielded not a compromise, but rather a masterful synthesis of the best attributes from both. Therefore, what you have before you is a four-seat convertible that occupies the ‘Goldilocks zone.’ It is genuinely one of the most accomplished luxury cabriolets I’ve ever driven. It’s not too small or cramped, neither is it too large and unwieldy to drive. At 4 850-mm long, it carries itself with the presence and comfort of a longer-wheelbased luxury vehicle. But it’s still pleasingly nimble when you decide to pin its ear’s back.

MERCEDES-BENZ CLE 300 CABRIOLET

From the elongated hood to the truncated rear deck, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet has a bewitching silhouette, especially with the roof down. And this is a feat not easily accomplished in convertible design. Many folding hardtops lack proportion to accommodate a heavy three-part roof. While most ragtops look downright awkward with the roof in place. Nevertheless, when the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet has its smart roof completely beneath the rear deck, the car’s lines are tidier than a German’s pantry.

On that point, the CLE fabric roof’s ease-of-use deserves a special mention. It’s a masterpiece of al-fresco engineering that transforms the vehicle to open-air in a mere 20 seconds. Better still, it performs this mechanical ballet at speeds up to 60 km/h. This wonderful capability meant a typically unforecast Cape Town cloudburst near Noordhoek didn’t catch me out. I executed the conversion driving down the village main road all without missing a beat as surrounding tourists gawked.

EVOLUTIONARY ELEGANCE

However, the real magic, for me, resides in the semi-autonomous driving technology of the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet. Subtly, the Silver Star’s technology has evolved to a point where it feels less like a novelty and more like a trusted co-pilot. The Drive Pilot system handles the monotony of Ou Kaapseweg with uncanny precision. In turn, this allows me to focus on more important matters. Like deciding which of the seat massage programs to select for my drive.

Yes, you read correctly, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet has so many distinct massage functions, you will develop a range of preferences. Personally, I believe you can never go wrong with ‘Classic’ but another is ‘Wave,’ which I enjoy after a good workout. ‘Activating Hot Stone’ warms the lumbar region with such therapeutic precision that it’s my go-to after a chilly surf. Once again, these aren’t mere gimmicks you’re unlikely to ever use. It’s yet another thoroughly developed wellness feature that transforms the mundanity of driving into an experience.

EASY-GOING CLE

20-inch rims and the red interior add a hint of elegance to the design. Image: Ray Leathern

Under the bonnet lies Merc’s latest 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 48v EQ Boost assistance. The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet produces a respectable 190 kW (+17 kW) and 400 Nm (+205 Nm) of torque. These figures might not inspire bedroom poster dreams, but they translate to a slippery 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. And a top speed well North of 200 km/h, which, trust me, is way more than you need with the roof down.

The clever drivetrain is mated to a 9G-Tronic gearbox that shifts with imperceptible smoothness. Think of it like a diplomat changing subjects at an otherwise awkward dinner party. Power delivery is refined and linear, with enough low-end torque to make mountain passes a breeze rather than a chore. 4Matic all-wheel drive on this more-powerful CLE 300 model ensures pleasing corner grip, too.

THE VERDICT

Finally, you cannot discount the exhibitionist factor of driving a Mercedes-Benz cabriolet. People don’t see convertibles that often, so you’re going to attract attention. As I navigated the twists of Chapman’s Peak, I became acutely aware I was no longer just reviewing a car, but starring in countless holidaymakers’ photographs. Possession of such a vehicle comes with certain ambassadorial duties. For example, a busload of Chinese tourists turned their backs on the sea view and started pointing enthusiastically. I steadied me speed to appease, of course.

At R1 573 651, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet isn’t an impulse purchase. But for those seeking the definitive Cape cruiser, there are few vehicles that combine this level of presence, semi-autonomy and open-air pleasure. So, is it worth the investment? As I folded the roof back one final time and watched the slowly setting sun paint Camps Bay in golden hues, the answer was abundantly clear. Some experiences transcend rational financial consideration and, I suspect, those are the ones people are most satisfied with. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet isn’t merely transportation, it’s a mobile observation deck for life’s most beautiful moments. And who doesn’t want to live their best-possible life?