I drove an $84,000 Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet to see if lives up to the brand's legacy of iconic convertibles

Benjamin ZhangOct 15, 2024, 23:56 IST

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet in Starling Blue Metallic. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>The all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet replaces the defunct C-Class and E-Class convertibles.</li><li>I enjoyed the CLE's mild-hybrid I6 engine, luxurious cabin, immersive tech, and quiet open-air ride.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mercedes-benz-e-class-review-cool-tech-luxury-safety-features-2024-9">Mercedes-Benz</a> has a long history of building iconic droptops, from the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/300sl-roadster-mercedes-benz-gullwing-barn-find-sold-million-2020-5">300SL</a> of the 1950s to the R107 SL of the 70s and 80s.The Germany-based automaker has remained committed to convertibles, offering them on variants of its C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, and AMG-GT supercar in addition to the SL Roadster in recent years.But with the growth of SUVs, demand for convertibles has softened over time. This year, <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mercedes-benz-e450-review-luxury-sedan-hybrid-engine-tech-2024-8">Mercedes-Benz</a> consolidated its convertible lineup to just two models, the CLE and SL.The four-seat CLE Cabriolet, which combines the former C-Class and E-Class convertibles, is all-new for 2024.

I recently spent a week driving a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 Cabriolet around suburban Atlanta.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

My test car came to $84,140.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE features an aerodynamic 'shark nose' front end shared with the current C-Class.

The CLE's front grille.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The smooth, seamless rear fascia features LED taillights and chrome faux exhaust tips.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

At 191 inches, the CLE is about half an inch longer than the last E-Class Cabriolet.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The fabric top can open or close in just 20 seconds.

The CLE Cabriolet's power-folding soft top is action.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE comes with a wind-deflection system to keep the wind out of your hair.

The Mercedes-Benz AIRCAP system.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

My test car came with 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels.

The CLE450's 20-inch multi-spoke AMG wheels.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Under the hood of the CLE450 is a mild hybrid 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 engine.

The CLE450's turbocharged straight-six engine.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE450 drives like a true grand tourer; smooth and effortlessly powerful.

The CLE450 Cabriolet's front seats.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE Cabriolet's cabin is stylish, luxurious and comfortable.

The CLE's front dash.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The centerpiece of the cabin is a 11.9-inch infotainment screen.

The CLE's 11.9-inch infotainment screen.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The coolest part about the screen is that you can adjust the angle of its tilt to combat glare.

The CLE's adjustable angle infotainment screen.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE's central screen is home to a host of systems, including its optional surround-view camera system.

The CLE's surround view system.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

In front of the driver is a stylish three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The CLE's steering wheel.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Instead of a traditional gauge cluster, the CLE has a 12.3-inch digital display.

The CLE's digital gauge display.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The attractive diamond pattern leather seats are remarkably comfortable and supportive.

The CLE450 Cab's front seats.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE Cabriolet comes with Mercedes-Benz's 'Airscarf' system.

The CLE450 Cab's Airscarf vent.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE Cabriolet is a true 2+2.

The CLE450 Cab's rear seats.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

My CLE test car also came equipped with a Burmester sound system.

The CLE's Burmester sounds system.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Out back, the CLE Cabriolet has a small truck with 9.6 cubic feet of cargo room.

The CLE450 Cabriolet's trunk.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The CLE comes standard with a host of safety and driver's assistance tech.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

My Verdict: The CLE450 Cabriolet is a stylish drop top where every drive feels like a special occasion.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

I stayed at a Gilded Age hotel built by a railroad tycoon. It was cozy but the $478-a-night cost felt steep.

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I drove an $84,000 Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet to see if lives up to the brand's legacy of iconic convertibles

I recently spent a week driving a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 Cabriolet around suburban Atlanta.

My test car came to $84,140.

The CLE features an aerodynamic 'shark nose' front end shared with the current C-Class.

The smooth, seamless rear fascia features LED taillights and chrome faux exhaust tips.

At 191 inches, the CLE is about half an inch longer than the last E-Class Cabriolet.

The fabric top can open or close in just 20 seconds.

The CLE comes with a wind-deflection system to keep the wind out of your hair.

My test car came with 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels.

Under the hood of the CLE450 is a mild hybrid 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 engine.

The CLE450 drives like a true grand tourer; smooth and effortlessly powerful.

The CLE Cabriolet's cabin is stylish, luxurious and comfortable.

The centerpiece of the cabin is a 11.9-inch infotainment screen.

The coolest part about the screen is that you can adjust the angle of its tilt to combat glare.

The CLE's central screen is home to a host of systems, including its optional surround-view camera system.

In front of the driver is a stylish three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Instead of a traditional gauge cluster, the CLE has a 12.3-inch digital display.

The attractive diamond pattern leather seats are remarkably comfortable and supportive.

The CLE Cabriolet comes with Mercedes-Benz's 'Airscarf' system.

The CLE Cabriolet is a true 2+2.

My CLE test car also came equipped with a Burmester sound system.

Out back, the CLE Cabriolet has a small truck with 9.6 cubic feet of cargo room.

The CLE comes standard with a host of safety and driver's assistance tech.

My Verdict: The CLE450 Cabriolet is a stylish drop top where every drive feels like a special occasion.