We’ve seen the stunning new CLE Coupe, now Mercedes lifts the lid on its incoming CLE Cabriolet
Just a day after the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe emerged, the German luxury car-maker has followed up with the equally all-new and just as stunning drop-top version – the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet.
As we’ve reported, Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed both the CLE Coupe and Cabriolet will launch Down Under in the second half of next year.
As per the CLE Coupe, the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet – which features a foldable fabric roof – effectively replaces both the C-Class Cabriolet and the larger E-Class Cabriolet.
No other specific details have been released on the new CLE Cab, but it’s set to share much with the CLE Coupe, including its MRA architecture and dimensions.
We expect it to measure up at 4850mm long, 1860mm wide and 1428mm tall, making it 15mm longer than the outgoing E-Class Cabrio while retaining the same width and height.
The more generous proportions should translate to greater cabin space, although the folding roof might impact on boot volume, which in the CLE Coupe is a generous 420 litres.
Created to rival drop-top versions of the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, the CLE Cabriolet is expected to offer a choice of four- and six-cylinder longitudinally-mounted petrol and diesel engines, combined with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
In the CLE Coupe, just four powertrain variants will be offered at launch in Europe: a 145kW/440Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (CLE 220d); a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four developing 150kW/320Nm (CLE 200) or 190kW/400Nm (CLE 300); and a more muscular 280kW/500Nm 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder (CLE 450).
All engines come with mild-hybrid tech that incorporates an integrated starter-generator to provide an additional 17kW/200Nm boost.
Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is available on the CLE 200 and is fitted standard on the CLE 300 and CLE 450, while all engines are combined with the car-maker’s nine-speed automatic transmission.
The CLE 450 4MATIC Coupe can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.4 seconds and we’d expect the equivalent CLE Cabriolet will match that, despite carrying a little more weight.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain will also be introduced in Europe after the initial launch, offering a pure-electric range of up to 100km.
Count on two Mercedes-AMG powertrains too, although many will rue the fact that no V8 engine will be offered in the CLE, especially given it’s such a stunning-looking sports-luxury car.
Inside, the CLE Cabriolet will come with the same 2+2 cabin layout as the Coupe and gain newly developed front seats with optional seven-zone massage function and stereo speakers embedded into the head restraints (part of the 17-speaker Burmester surround sound package).
Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 11.9-inch portrait-mounted infotainment system that runs Mercedes’ latest software, as seen in the C-Class.
Mercedes-Benz is expected to release full details of the CLE Cabriolet shortly.
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Keyword: New 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet unwrapped