Mercedes CLE Convertible Proves Not All Cars Have to Be Sporty

Over the past few decades, Germany’s big three luxury brands have injected a healthy dose of sportiness into even their most sedate models. Even German people-cars feature overly stiff suspensions and hyper-quick steering, offering buyers a taste of performance in a car they’ll be driving to and from work.

These things are certainly appropriate for M and AMG cars, but for other cars, comfort and luxury should be a priority. Based on my experience driving the CLE convertible for a few days, it seems that Mercedes-Benz has not lost its grip.

The CLE is a new addition to Mercedes’ lineup, launched last year to fill the void left by the discontinued C-Class and E-Class coupes. As such, it’s sized to fit between the two cars—not quite as big as the E-Class, but not quite as small as the C-Class. At 4,486 pounds, it’s no lightweight. But that doesn’t undermine the car’s luxury credentials. And with 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque coming from a hybrid straight-six engine under the hood, there’s no shortage of forward thrust.

The CLE450 I tested put its power to the ground through a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The 48-volt hybrid system is best used in stop-and-go and low-speed situations. It delivers instant torque as the turbos spool up. Climb the rev range and you’ll be treated to a linear, compliant level of acceleration—not exactly explosive, but considering this isn’t an AMG, it’s just right.

That extra electric power comes from an integrated starter-generator (ISG) sandwiched between the engine and transmission, which produces 23 hp and 151 lb-ft on its own. Power comes as smoothly and unobtrusively as it did when I first experienced this powertrain back in 2019, behind the wheel of the then-new E53 AMG sedan. The only difference here is the odd exhaust note coming from the back of the CLE. I could understand the over-the-top note if this were an AMG-badged car, but it’s not. And while straight-sixes usually make a nice sound, this one sounds oddly off-putting.

Brian Silvestro/Motor1

Pros: Luxurious attitude, good looks, nimble hybrid drive.

At least the CLE looks good. From what I can see, the front looks more like a C-Class, while the rear looks more like an E-Class. While the designs aren’t exactly a perfect match, they all come together in a cohesive package with good proportions. The bright red cloth top wouldn’t be my first choice, but I would definitely opt for the red leather interior, a $1,620 option. Visibility is good even with the top up thanks to the relatively large rear quarter glass, although the beltline is very high, so don’t expect to be able to comfortably lean your elbows out the windows.

Like every new Mercedes, the CLE’s cabin is a pleasant place to spend time, with a minimalist dashboard design and a set of very comfortable, adjustable seats. Unfortunately, almost everything—including the lumbar, bolster, and massage functions—is operated via the oversized 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen. Worse, the steering wheel controls are entirely touch-capacitive, requiring light swipes for things like volume and cruise control. Even the main volume rocker is touch-operated. A few more real buttons would be nice, Mercedes.

Brian Silvestro/Motor1

Brian Silvestro/Motor1

The CLE is most successful in its mission as a luxury cruiser. The steering feels smooth and light, while the suspension delivers a soft, supple ride. The brake pedal’s tuning allows the car to come to a controlled, linear stop, while the accelerator pedal encourages a composed takeoff. There’s no hint of sportiness here. It’s all geared toward a fun, relaxed experience that’s geared toward real-world, everyday driving scenarios. Just as it should be.

The only sporty intent you’ll find on the CLE450 is the Sport driving mode, which doesn’t change much other than throttle response. This is the kind of car that encourages you to relax and cruise to your destination, massaging the seats at full throttle. Sure, it’ll go fast and handle corners well enough, but that’s clearly not the car’s purpose, and that’s how it should be.

While I haven’t driven the CLE’s main competitor, the BMW 4 Series convertible, I have driven the coupe. As a daily driver, I prefer the Benz’s overall look and its excellent seats. It also looks much nicer. But the BMW has a more logical interior layout that includes an actual volume knob. And if you’re the type who likes to use your daily car as a fun car, the M440i has a much more characterful engine. If it were my only car, I’d probably go with the BMW. But if I wanted a fun car for the weekend, I’d go with the Mercedes.

Brian Silvestro/Motor1

Cons: Poor Capacitive Touch Controls, Weird Sounding and Buzzing Machine

The CLE450’s starting price is $75,000 including destination charge. That price tag also gets you a slew of standard equipment, including a Burmester sound system, heated front seats, and the company’s sophisticated “Airscarf,” which channels warm air through the seat to the back of your neck, so you can enjoy the open-top experience even when it’s cold outside.

Our test car came with about 10,000 options, including Alpine Grey paint ($1,750), a 360-degree surround-view system ($600), 20-inch wheels ($850), a head-up display ($1,100), massaging seats ($950) and seat ventilation ($450). Of all the options, the seat upgrade is the only one that’s a must-have. During my time with the car, the seat ventilation was always on full blast; it’s a lifesaver on hot, sunny days when you just want to cruise with the roof down.

The CLE convertible is proof that luxury brands don’t have to be sporty to market their products. Delivering a very comfortable and enjoyable driving experience can be just as impressive if done right. And it lives up to expectations at a reasonable price.