2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet review luxury performance and convertible design

The worlds of premium automobiles and upscale leisure pursuits intersected beautifully at this year’s Motus Mercedes-Benz Trophy in Johannesburg, where automotive excellence met the refined cadence of golf. For enthusiasts of both high-performance engineering and luxury lifestyles, the event was an appropriate stage upon which to showcase the all-new 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet — a convertible that masterfully balances sporty dynamism with elegant comfort.

In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into the features, capabilities, and driving experience of the CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet, designed for car enthusiasts and automotive dealers who appreciate German performance, open-top motoring, and superior build quality.

Welcome the CLE-Class: Bridging Coupe Legacy with Convertible Sophistication

Debuting as a replacement for both the C-Class and E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet ranges, the all-new CLE-Class unifies Mercedes-Benz’s two-door legacy under a singular banner. The 2025 CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet represents the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy — one that blends elegance and sportiness in equal measure.

Design Language and Exterior Presence

Aesthetically, the CLE Cabriolet stands apart thanks to its elongated hood, taut bodywork, and low-slung stance. The Punchy AMG Line exterior package included on the CLE300 tested brings a more aggressive front bumper, subtle rear diffuser, and sporty side skirts. The elongated proportions lend it a powerful silhouette, while the optional 19-inch alloy wheels give it real visual impact.

• Front fascia: Wide grille with vertical slats and integrated Mercedes emblem
• Soft-top roof: Automatically retracts in approx. 20 seconds, operable at speeds up to 60 km/h
• LED lighting system: Adaptive LED headlamps for optimal night visibility

As a convertible, the soft-top roof panel comes with premium insulation, making the CLE300 nearly as quiet and thermally efficient as the coupe version when the roof is up.

Interior: Driver-Centric Comfort Meets High Technology

Step inside the CLE300, and you are greeted by a cabin that showcases exemplary craftsmanship paired with advanced digital technology. Everything from the hand-stitched leather seats to the ambient lighting system exudes luxury.

Highlights include:

• 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen: Centered at the dash, angled slightly toward the driver
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster: Customizable display modes
• MBUX with Voice Assistant: Updated to the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s infotainment system
• Neck heating system (AIRSCARF): Allows comfortable top-down driving even in cooler conditions
• Four-seat layout: Spacious enough for adults in the rear, with split-folding functionality

The cabin is a mix of tactile luxury and functional elegance, making it suitable not just for spirited Sunday drives but extended journeys as well.

Under the Hood: Driving Dynamics and Performance

The CLE300 Cabriolet is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This configuration provides balanced handling and power delivery, especially useful during unpredictable road or weather conditions.

Performance Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged
• Transmission: 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic
• Power Output: 190 kW (255 hp)
• Torque: 400 Nm
• 0-100 km/h Acceleration: 6.2 seconds
• Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)

Despite being a four-cylinder rather than a V6 or V8, this engine offers refined performance and ample torque throughout the rev range. It’s an engine designed not just for swift acceleration but also sustained cruising comfort.

Ride Quality and Handling

The suspension setup complements the dual nature of the CLE300’s design — sporty yet comfortable. When set to Comfort mode, the damping smooths out imperfections in the road, making the car ideal for urban cruising or long-distance travel. Engage Sport mode, and the ride becomes firmer, throttle response sharpens, and the car tightens up perceptibly.

Mercedes-Benz includes its latest generation of the Dynamic Select driving modes, giving drivers the ability to toggle between ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. Each mode adjusts steering weight, throttle mapping, and transmission behavior.

Convertible Experience: Wind-in-Hair Motoring Refined

A key reason to choose a cabriolet — especially one from Mercedes-Benz — is for the transformative experience of open-air motoring. The CLE300 excels in this department.

Comfort and Practicality with the Top Down

• Wind deflector and AIRCAP system: Reduces wind turbulence at high speeds
• Triple-layer soft top: Offers exceptional sound insulation
• Heated and ventilated front seats: Included for year-round comfort

Even with the top down, conversations are easy and the cabin remains composed — testament to the engineering layers behind this luxury convertible.

Boot Capacity and Versatility

Convertible vehicles typically sacrifice trunk capacity for style, but the CLE300 balances form and function effectively:

• 370 liters of cargo space: With the top closed
• 285 liters: With the roof retracted
• Split-folding rear seats: Ideal for accommodating sports gear or travel luggage

This makes the cabriolet more practical than many assume, suitable for golf weekends or cross-province getaways.

Technology and Safety: Mercedes-Benz at Its Intelligent Best

Mercedes continues to lead from the front with innovations in driver assistance and safety. The CLE300 is a showcase of these advancements.

Driver Assistance Highlights

• Active Brake Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Adaptive Cruise Control (DISTRONIC)
• Lane Keep Assist
• 360-degree camera system

These systems provide a safety net without becoming intrusive, aligning comfortably with the driver-focused nature of the vehicle.

Infotainment Suite

The MBUX system remains one of the most advanced in the luxury sector:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Wireless connectivity supported
• MBUX Voice Assistant: Can control navigation, climate, and audio functions
• OTA updates: Ensures system improvements over time

For audiophiles, the optional Burmester surround sound system delivers crisp, immersive sound — whether you’re listening to classic jazz or modern podcasts.

Comparison: How the CLE300 Stands in Its Segment

Competing amongst fellow European drop-tops like the BMW 4 Series Convertible and Audi A5 Cabriolet, the CLE300 differentiates itself with its unique blend of visuals, tech, and comfort.

• Better ride refinement than the sharper-handling BMW
• More cargo space than Audi’s competitor
• Superior infotainment when compared to both rivals

Its unique soft-top design and longer wheelbase provide a more grown-up, premium intent while maintaining sportiness when prompted.

Conclusion: A Convertible That Rewrites Expectations

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4MATIC Cabriolet is a harmonious blend of luxury, performance, and intelligent design. Whether you’re a dealer evaluating inventory for discerning clients or an enthusiast craving a drop-top grand tourer, the CLE300 delivers across every metric. It’s attractively styled, technologically immersive, and engineered with thoughtful attention to both driver engagement and passenger comfort.

As top-down motoring surges in appeal for driving purists and lifestyle-focused buyers, the CLE300 stands ready — poised to define the next chapter in Mercedes-Benz two-door excellence.

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