According to a recent announcement from Mercedes-Benz Australia, the first 300 4MATIC Cabriolet variants of the new open-top CLE model will go on sale soon.
Following the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, which replaces the Coupe options of the previous C-Class and E-Class model ranges, the Cabriolet version of the vehicle has joined the family in Australia. That being said, the 2017 CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet’s “pleasantly spacious new way to enjoy open-top driving” won’t come cheap; it’ll set you back at least AUD 135,900.
That comes to a minimum of $90,334, which is almost 1.5 times the MSRP of the same model in the US, where the CLE 300 starts at $64,300 and the CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet costs a whopping $73,850! Also, keep in mind that this Australian list price is the manufacturer’s suggested quote, which includes GST and any applicable LCT “but excludes all on-road costs including CTP, stamp duty, registration fees, and other expenses”.
With features that “maximize comfort and convenience for up to four people”, the CLE 300 Cabriolet includes an electrically powered soft top that can be folded or deployed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour (37 mph), split-folding rear seats that can be folded in half to increase boot space, easy entry access, the most recent Mercedes-Benz UX generation on an 11.9-inch portrait center screen with an electric tilting function that can be adjusted from 15 to 40 degrees, and leather seats “with a special coating to reflect the sun’s near-infrared rays during travel when the soft-top is open.” The new CLE Cabriolet is larger than the current C-Class Cabriolet and has a standard AMG Line appearance, a Night Package, and two-part LED lighting. Power is also provided by a turbo four-pot with mild hybrid technology at the same time. The 48V mild hybrid system provides an additional 17 kW and 205 Nm of power, bringing the total output to 255 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The CLE 300 can accelerate to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz UX multimedia system comes with the Navigation Premium package that includes augmented reality, a head-up display, heated front seats with memory function, wireless charging and smartphone integration, dual-zone climate control, and Active Parking Assist with a 360-degree camera. Other features include a standard sports suspension, an AMG Line interior, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system with 17 speakers.
Finally, there’s the regular Digital Light package, which comes with “two daytime running light ellipses in addition to blue illumination of the headlight base and a projection function.” Safety features on the CLE 300 include ten airbags, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Blindspot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Distronic with Active Cruise Control, and a Pre-Safe accident preparedness system. The Mercedes vehicle also gets 19-inch AMG alloy wheels as standard.