New Mercedes CLE Cabriolet released, costing from £53k

• £52,995 starting price
• Folding soft-top
• Available to order now

Pricing has been confirmed for the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet, with entry-level models starting from £52,995 – around £6,000 more than its hardtop counterpart. The CLE Coupe went on sale last year, replacing both the old Mercedes C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe in one fell swoop, and the new CLE Cabriolet will perform the same duty for the old convertible variants.

As with all Mercedes models, the CLE Cabriolet is available in a variety of trim levels, along with a selection of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines. It’s possible that a performance-focused AMG model could join the lineup in the future, following in the footsteps of the new AMG CLE 53 coupe.

What do I need to know about the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet?

There are no great surprises with the CLE Cabriolet – Mercedes has taken the coupe and swapped the solid metal roof for a folding fabric item. Raising or lowering the roof takes 20 seconds and can be operated up to 37mph. A pair of electrically operated wind deflectors – one above the windscreen and one behind the rear headrests – help to reduce cabin turbulence when the roof is retracted.

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The CLE Cabriolet also benefits from Mercedes’s Airscarf system, found in many of its convertible models for years. Air vents mounted in the front headrests waft warm air over the occupants’ necks – a handy feature on a chilly day.

Elsewhere, it’s much the same as the CLE coupe. There’s the same four-seater interior with its 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 11.9-inch infotainment screen, along with leather upholstery and ambient lighting. All models get wireless phone charging, a reversing camera and plenty of driver safety and assistance tech.

More expensive trim levels bring larger wheels (up to 20 inches), a heads-up display, massaging front seats, a surround sound system and a heated steering wheel.

What engines are available with the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet?

There are four engines to choose from, all of which feature mild-hybrid assistance. The petrol offerings consist of two four-cylinder engines and the most expensive 376bhp six-cylinder. Mercedes also offers the CLE Cabriolet with a mild-hybrid diesel engine with 194bhp, making it one of the few diesel convertibles on the market. 

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How much does the CLE Cabriolet cost and when can I order one?

Prices start at £52,995 for the entry-level CLE 200 AMG Line, rising to £76,765 for the CLE 450 4MATIC Premier Edition, complete with the six-cylinder engine and all the interior goodies. Diesel models kick off at £55,060. Orders books are open now.

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