Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

While the CLE is available abroad in coupe and convertible body styles, Mercedes-Benz has brought the 2+2 seater to India in Cabriolet form only. The CLE 300 Cabriolet is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, delivering 258hp and 400Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic and Mercedes claims it can sprint from 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds, before topping out at 250kph.

The CLE is based on Merc's Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, shared with the C-Class and the E-Class, and borrows design elements from the outgoing E-Class coupe and cabriolet. The CLE features a large grille with a shark-nose effect, a long bonnet, and an automatic, multi-layered fabric hood that folds neatly into the boot. In the Indian market, it comes in AMG Line trim that adds aggressive styling such as sportier bumpers.

While the interior layout is the same as the C-Class – from the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment display to the dash configuration – the CLE features separate head airbags for rear passengers as standard, with Merc claiming it is the first Cabriolet to be equipped in this manner. The brand also claims the soft-top opens and closes in 20 seconds, at speeds of up to 60kph.