There are some experiences in life which are iconic not because of the experience itself but the memories it evokes inside you. And these experiences, fitting your interest in cars, are largely personal and subjective. I am a 90s kid and I can still recall the very first time I watched Dil Chahta Hai on the big screen. Three friends, a road trip to Goa and a convertible SL Mercedes. I can vividly recall the butterflies I had in my stomach at that moment but for the life of me, can’t remember the rest of the plot. It obviously did leave a lasting impact.
Yes, I know we are not reviewing the Mercedes SL in the pages to follow but a drop-top Mercedes will always be special to me. The car we are talking about today is the new CLE 300 Cabriolet. It is built as the replacement for the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class Cabriolets, all rolled into one cohesive package. That means, it aims to be as affordable and sporty as the C-Class, as tech-loaded as the E-Class, and as luxurious and spacious as the S-Class. Now, that is definitely some big shoes to fill for any vehicle, especially in a country as picky as India.
Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet Review: Design
If you talk about styling, the new Mercedes CLE 300 incorporates the company’s current design language to the tee. Dominated by a long bonnet, a low side-profile, a stout rear-end, clean lines and a mass-forward design. In my opinion, this is one of the best looking convertible designs I have seen with a three-pointed star on the grille. Mercedes India has also carefully decked out the CLE 300 to appeal to Indian customers and that means dollops of chrome. When I saw the Mercedes CLE in pictures, I was a little sceptical about all the chrome. However, seeing it in the flesh, I’ve actually started to like it. I am usually one to not like such generous helpings of chrome but I must admit, the CLE 300 certainly does carry it well.
At the front, you’ll find a large honeycomb-style chrome grille and if you step closer, you’ll notice the multiple chrome three-pointed stars which adorn it. Over that, the chrome continues on the front diffuser, door handle, shoulder line, rear diffuser and exhaust port surrounds. Moving on, the CLE we had on test features the AMG Line package and a personal highlight for me is the multi-spoke 19-inch aero-optimized AMG alloy wheels. Like the chrome, this was another aspect which I was sceptical about but was proven wrong once again when I saw it in the flesh. Now, while the front and rear-profile of the new Mercedes CLE 300 are definitely something to write home about, the rear profile is a mixed bag.
While the design is stunning and cohesive all the way up to the rear quarter panel, the rear doesn’t quite gel well with the rest. In my opinion, Mercedes-Benz has tried to incorporate quite a few designs into one but it just doesn’t do it for me. You get a one-piece, blacked-out panel running between the LED tail lights, similar to the Mercedes-Benz EQS. However, unlike the one-piece LED strip, this one does not have any lighting elements in between. Over that, the fake exhaust port cut-outs don’t do the CLE 300 any favour in elevating its sporty appeal. Overall, despite the questionable rear-end profile, what you get is an absolute stunner which turns heads faster than a neck-snapping Bollywood action sequence.
Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet Review: Comfort and Feature
If you are familiar with the interior design of the current crop of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, especially the SL55 AMG, the styling and layout of the new CLE 300 Cabriolet should be a familiar affair. You get a sleek steering wheel finished in Nappa leather with split-style stalks in the middle. The dashboard design is dominated by a large, vertically-mounted touch screen in the middle and the jet-style AC vents add to the drama. However, what truly catches the eye when you get inside is the crisp, well laid-out 12.3-inch instrument cluster which sits in front of you. Similarly, the 11.9-inch infotainment system features good-looking graphics and also brings in an easy-to-understand (and use) MBUX system. However, if I have to pick out a niggle, it would have to be the integration of the AC controls into the touchscreen system which does tend to be distracting while trying to change the temperature or fan speed and driving.
A neat touch, though, is its ability to tilt the screen up to a certain degree, helping to cut out the glare on sunny days when you have the roof down. This is similar to the feature we first saw in the SL55 AMG. Other highlights include 3D navigation, a full-colour heads-up display and a 360-degree parking camera. You also get a 17-speaker Burmester surround sound system and if you are a music aficionado, you won’t be disappointed even slightly with how it sounds. Then, you also have the soft top mechanism, which has the ability to fold up or down in 20 seconds and up to a speed of 60km/h. And if you live in Delhi and prefer to have the roof down in winter, you can benefit from its Airscarf feature which blows hot air towards the driver and passengers' necks to keep them warm. Now, while you do get a host of luxury and tech niceties, one thing is for certain - it carries the typical fit and finish of Mercedes. The quality of materials used on the dashboard and door panels are top-notch, while everything else feels exceptionally solidly built.
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Being the replacement for the E-Class and S-Class convertibles, comfort is another aspect it has nailed down. The sports seats, finished in Artico man-made leather, hold you in place well and space was never a concern during our test drive opportunity. However, while the front seats offer plenty of room all around for medium to large-sized adults, this is a 4-seater convertible and we certainly have to talk about it. In my opinion, the rear seats are best left for three types of passenger. These are kids or adolescents, adults in emergency situations and your annoying friends who won’t budge until you’ve given them a ride. Nevertheless, the availability of twin AC vents, bottle holder and smartphone holder does add a tad more comfort to the mix.
Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet Review: Performance and Handling
Before I talk about handling or the mechanical specifications, I would like to get one thing out of the way. While the Mercedes SL 55 AMG is the outright performer in the company’s lineup, the CLE 300 Cabriolet brings in more usable performance to the mix. What you get under the hood is a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder unit which produces 258bhp and 400Nm of peak torque. The unit is also assisted by a 48V electric motor which adds 23bhp and 205Nm to the mix. The whole point of the electric motor is actually to give you a brief boost in acceleration when you choose to utilize it. It has the ability to go from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds and go on to hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. These numbers, in my opinion, are quite indicative of the performance that this machine has to offer.
All in all, the performance from the CLE 300 can get addictive and it certainly is a little firecracker of a roadster. When you step on the throttle pedal, it does have a brief pause before it gets going but once it does, it climbs up the rev band with gusto and even pinning you back into the seat slightly. When I initially drove the new Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, with its performance package and explosive V8 power, I already expected the vehicle to perform the way it did. On the other hand, I expected the CLE 300 to be more of a luxurious and comfortable convertible cruiser. However, it definitely surpassed all my expectations and turned out to be one hell of a fun driver’s vehicle. Mated to the engine is a 9-speed automatic transmission and the gear ratios are spaced out pretty well. It manages to cut out turbo lag to a large extent and I could feel it trying its best to be in the right gear at the right time. While the engine and transmission offer exquisite performance in sport mode, the CLE 300 can also transform into a sedate performer in Comfort and Eco mode. While the car does switch its characteristics in different modes, there is always plenty of performance in reserve to have some fun.
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If we talk about dynamics, the comfort and handling complement the performance of the motor quite well. While other sports cars have to be adapted to your daily grind, the CLE 300 has practicality written all over it. The car responds sharply to all your inputs and it also feels relatively nimble. Yes, it is an all-wheel drive setup and thus, not as agile as a rear-wheel drive setup. However, no matter how hard you push it, it responds with taut handling and also benefits from all-weather performance capability. In my opinion, it hits a good balance between fun and comfort. As good as the new CLE 300 looks, it performs equally well, too. The biggest hindrance in its performance CV, though, has to be the brakes. They feel a tad spongy, don’t have the bite to help your confidence and do suffer from a bit of hesitation when trying to bring the car to a quick halt.
Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet Review: Verdict
Reading this review, it might have been clear to understand that the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet definitely impressed me. When I drove the SL55 AMG, it was definitely a hoot but I expected that model to perform the way it did. The CLE, on the other hand, actually managed to surprise. I expected the car to be comfortable and luxurious but it brought along an additive fun-to-drive personality, too. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed myself to the point where I contemplated not handing back the keys to Mercedes-Benz at all. Coupling that in with the fabulous design, great interior, plenty of tech and price tag of Rs 1.1 Crore (ex-showroom), the CLE 300 should definitely be on top of your list if you are in the market for a convertible two-door sports car. In my opinion, while the hardcore SL55 AMG has to make compromises in India, the CLE 300 Cabriolet suits it perfectly.
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