Mercedes CLE Cabriolet CLE 300 4Matic AMG Line Premium 2dr 9G-Tronic Review
Category: Convertible
Section: Version review
The Mercedes CLE Cabriolet is a brilliant drop-top that’s refined and good to drive, plus its classy interior provides greater practicality than you get with a BMW 4 Series Convertible. True, you have to pay a little bit more for the CLE, but it makes up for it by being better equipped and holding its value well. The CLE 300 AMG Line Premium is our pick of the range.
The trim
See full equipmentEven entry-level AMG Line trim comes well equipped. Highlights include 18in alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, ambient interior lighting, two-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, an 'Aircap' wind deflector and 'Airscarf' headrest heaters. The only extras that you get by upgrading from AMG Line trim to AMG Line Premium are 19in (rather than 18in) wheels and hugely powerful Digital Light headlights that can adapt to changing traffic, road and weather conditions. However, this is the cheapest trim that’s available with our recommended engine: the CLE 300. AMG Line Premium Plus brings 20in wheels, a head-up display, ventilated front seats with a massage function, and a Burmester 3D surround-sound audio system.
The engine
See full engine specsThe 300 name is somewhat misleading, because you actually get a 2.0-litre petrol engine with this model, but it’s a lot more powerful than the one in the CLE 200, so brings the 0-62mph time down to 6.6sec and raises the top speed to 155mph. In addition, while the CLE 200 is rear-wheel drive, the CLE 300 comes with Mercedes’ 4MATIC four-wheel drive system.
