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Mercedes CLE Review:
Mercedes-Benz is all set to introduce an exclusive and refined luxury convertible roadster for the Indian market We found out what makes the CLE 300 a joy to drive on-road, right here….
Mercedes CLE Cabriolet Summary
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: CLE Cabriolet
- Pron: Sophisticated body shape, better noise insulation with the roof up
- Cons: No nose-lift function, small boot
Unlike many other Mercedes models which can often feel like hits for power and performance, the CLE Cabriolet is doing its best to just look good. In practice, the theme of this model is less thrillseeking fastness and more peaceful panache plow.
Mercedes CLE: Exterior Design
Mercedes intends to pamper the owners of its latest droptop. Although the CLE may appear to be a C-Class at first glance, a closer inspection shows that it has its own personality. The Indian-spec CLE gets the AMG line design package as standard, so there is a sporty feel to it without going into full-on performance-focussed territory like an actual AMG.
Detailed Design Elements
The very commanding yet elegant front fascia features a studded grille and digital LED headlamps. The bonnet sports power lines which lend to a more aggressive stance, and the front bumpers are accentuated with sharp piano black surfaces.
Outwardly in the transition to CLE, there’s maybe just a longer wheelbase over where it sits on (what we now know is) the old C-Class underpinnings but those proportions length and widthwise will give both – on Euroways or US interstates – their own visual identity. The latter are 19-inch wheels and you have to admit they do look good on a convertible.
Top-Down Appeal
With its soft top roof down the CLE certainly stops traffic. A long hood, steeply-raked windshield and thin wheels give it an eye-catching profile driving around.
Interior Features and Comfort
Inside, the CLE model features a dashboard design lifted from the latest C-Class, complete with 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen that can be canted forward for better visibility when driving topless. Mercedes is also more flexible with its colour schemes, making the cabin a bit less drab than we once found it.
Convertible-Exclusive Characteristics
The CLE 300 is open-top drives designed. The windshield and headrest-integrated climate were designed to ensure cabin occupant comfort, raising a wind deflector from the windshield while providing what McLaren calls a virtual “scarf” in colder climates. These features play a key role in making the CLE not just something you only drive during summer either, instead turning it to an all-weather driving tool.
Seating and Space
The serious cushioning and support of the front seats in the CLE make for a comfortable cruising experience. Because of the car’s 2+2 layout rear seating is rather scarce, though should be fine for a quick trip around town or smaller passengers. With the cabin as open to fresh air and sunshine, at least access to those back seats is less stymied (though headroom continues to be tight), while leg- and under-thigh-support are limited.
Boot Space and Practicality
The only real downside of the CLE is its small boot, even smaller still with the soft-top packed into it. There is room for soft bags, but those going on longer trips must plan careful packing. A set of spare tyre can eat up more space, so keep that in mind when travelling long distance.
Engine Performance
The CLE 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol making 258 hp (192 kW) / The power delivery is smooth and consistent while Mercedes’ mild-hybrid system delivers an extra 20 hp of electric power for momentary acceleration boosts. It means the CLE stays relaxed, with a silent but powerful character that’s more aimed at cruising along than bashing some apexes.
Driving Dynamics
The CLE is laid back, aimed at comfort more than confident handling. That behaviour is stable and Mercedes-Benz rather than sprightly AMG, too; although you can dial the throttle response ‘up a couple of times’ by switching from Comfort to Sport mode.
Ride Comfort and Suspension
This suspension of the CLE softens shocks on rougher road conditions making it ready for any driving environment you can throw at it in India. For a vehicle riding on 19-inch wheels, which are not the standard size for this model)the CLE is incomparably comfortable across all road surfaces. One feature that should be here is a nose-lift function for better speed bumping.
Handling and Control
The steering is light and can be tricky to modulate but gives the CLE a nimble feel, making it comfortable in traffic. Likewise, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive proves surefooted and stable during driving, though I wouldn’t exactly call it exciting like some sportier vehicles on sale now.
Pricing and Market Position
The CLE 300 sits alone in Mercedes’ line-up at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.1 crore from the former two models. However, it has no direct compeitition as such in the BMW Z4 or AMG E 53 Cabriolet range. So whereas the Z4 offers more power for less money, the CLE brings luxury and a serene driving experience.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
In India, the Mercedes CLE 300 Cabriolet slots right into this opening in its price bracket (luxurious to daily drive!) offering a practical luxurious convertible It offers a plush, smooth-riding setup that looks and feels nice enough for casual cruises. Of course, it is a significant investment but the CLE does stand out for plenty of good reasons as well.
(FAQs)
How the Mercedes CLE 300 differs from AMG models ?
This is a relaxed cruiser that’s focused on luxury and comfort rather than the high-speed performance of AMG models.
Interior room: Mercedes CLE 300 Cabriolet ?
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but legroom is limited in the rear — don’t plan on putting many adults back there for long drives.
CLE 300 Boot Space ?
Not much boot space, especially with the top down A compact spare wheel makes this a tighter process.
What horsepower does the engine in the CLE 300 have?
With the same 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine and mild-hybrid system as the CLE 300, it makes a healthy 258 hp; with an additional (much less than that of typical hybrid) boost of up to just under acceleration-generated extra power of about just over two-thirds/(probably right about there).(Author/company blurb).
Daily driving with the CLE 300 ?
Insofar as your author can attest, yes: Every-day use is shortly luxurious with an eye on smooth and refined driving.
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