What occurred to the convertible? It was once the last word image of freedom; high down, wind in your hair, not a fear on the planet. However the iconic droptop has all however disappeared during the last decade, with patrons seemingly falling out of affection with the thought of limitless headroom.

Mercedes-Benz is likely one of the few manufacturers nonetheless constructing new convertibles. Hell, it is one of many solely firms with a number of convertibles in its lineup. The just lately launched CLE—which bridges the hole between the outgoing C-Class and E-Class coupes—positive aspects a brand new convertible variant, which helps preserve the dream of a sporty droptop alive. And it does a rattling good job of it.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

In Mercedes-AMG converse, the quantity “53” marks the most effective of each worlds; cruising consolation and canyon carving capabilities. That is true of the CLE53. Underneath the hood is a sultry turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain that makes 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a smooth-shifting nine-speed computerized and 4Matic all-wheel drive with a rearward bias.

There’s nothing overly sporty about this automobile in Consolation mode. The engine delivers fast torque and buttery {smooth} thrust to get you the place you could go shortly, however not harshly. The suspension is supple and soaks up even the worst pavement Miami has to throw at it. And the steering is light-weight sufficient to your grandma to handle.

Sport and Sport+ modes liven issues up, sharpening the throttle, tightening the steering, stiffening the suspension, and sending an excellent louder burble out of the quad exhaust ideas—which you’ll hear much more clearly sans roof. Hammer the accelerator and the CLE53 Cab goes like stink to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds (or 4.2 seconds with the non-compulsory Race Begin package deal, which incorporates launch management).

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

Professionals: Silky Clean Powertrain, Glorious Dealing with, Good-looking Styling, Limitless Headroom

By way of the few “corners” Miami has to supply (learn: roundabouts and freeway onramps), the CLE53 Cab displays wonderful physique management. There’s not a lot roll or pitch, nor any apparent indicators that this automobile had its roof chopped off. Mercedes added additional rigidity to the chassis to account for that lack of steel.

The one clear and apparent draw back of the CLE53 Cabrio is that it merely does not look nearly as good because the coupe. However that is much less of an indictment of the CLE Cab as it’s excessive reward of the CLE coupe. Mercedes nonetheless did a superb job making this convertible interesting.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

The massive Panamericana grille and gaping nook vents preserve the CLE’s face offended, which presents a pleasant distinction to the Cabriolet’s in any other case elegant traces. Signature AMG “energy domes” protrude from the hood on both aspect of a useful middle air outlet, whereas the rear finish shines with a full-width mild bar.

AMG-specific flares and fenders, in the meantime, mix seamlessly with the CLE53’s trendy (and non-compulsory) 20-inch wheels. With the highest down—which occurs in about 20 seconds at speeds of as much as 37 miles per hour—the CLE Cabrio is correctly fairly.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

Cons: Not As Fairly As The Coupe, Dear With Choices

Like most droptop Benzes, the CLE53 comes commonplace with the neck-warming “Air Scarf,” which sends heat air to your higher extremities while you want it most. Heated seats additionally come commonplace on the CLE53 Cab, however ventilated seats are an possibility. I used to be glad to have them amidst Miami’s blazing solar—sure, even in early February.

To maintain the gorgeous black leather-based cool throughout the hotter summer time months, Mercedes handled the seats with a particular coating that reportedly retains them as much as 23 levels cooler than the skin temps. By no means as soon as did I hope again into the CLE53 and burn my butt.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

A pop-up wind deflector simply above the entrance windshield presents a little bit of reprieve from wind and street noise. Merely toggle it on or off utilizing a button between the roof controls. However even with the wind deflector engaged, there’s solely a lot wind and noise it might probably block out; I nonetheless closed the roof to take a name over fears it will be too loud.

And since the CLE is longer than the outgoing C-Class Cabriolet—by about 7.0 inches—the rear seats are extra usable. Common-sized adults nonetheless received’t be snug within the again seats for lengthy distances, however now there’s a bit extra legroom and headroom for shorter bouts. And there’s 9.6 cubic ft of cargo house within the trunk with the roof eliminated; I shoved three smaller baggage again there with ease.

The know-how inside is similar to what you get on a regular CLE53; a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen each operating the newest model of MBUX. There are a couple of enjoyable quirks, like a display that reveals you precisely how a lot energy is being doled out at a second’s discover, and some customizable clusters. However it’s all fairly commonplace MBUX. One factor the CLE53 Cab adopted from the SL is the tilting middle show, which adjusts at as much as 40 levels to discourage glare.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

At $83,750 with vacation spot, the CLE53 Cabrio slots in neatly between the 386-hp BMW M440i Convertible ($74,025) and the 523-hp M4 Competitors Convertible ($97,175), its two chief rivals. The 349-hp Audi S5 Cabriolet doesn’t match the Merc when it comes to energy or acceleration, which explains its more-affordable $67,195 price ticket.

A lot of the add ons on this specific automobile—the AMG Evening Package deal, the 20-inch wheels, and extra—push the worth over the $90,000 mark. With a couple of extra add-ons, the CLE comes near BMW M4 territory, which is tougher to justify.

However the CLE53 Cabriolet nonetheless makes lots of sense for anybody who needs all of the perks of Mercedes-AMG mid-range goodness with the additional benefit of much less roof. The styling is gorgeous, the engine is silky {smooth}, and most significantly, it’s a convertible.

Mercedes-AMG remains to be doing its half to maintain the droptop alive—and doing it nicely.

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Mercedes-Benz