2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet review

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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet

The allure of open-top motoring has lost some of its shine in recent years, but one brand that has kept the convertible flag firmly flying, and to good effect, is Mercedes-Benz.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet carries on the brand's tradition of luxury open-top motoring with a new one-size-fits-all model that replaces two outgoing models – the C-Class and E-Class cabriolets.

It's all part of Mercedes-Benz’s rationalisation of its range of coupes and convertibles. Where once you could buy a C-Class coupe or cabriolet or the bigger E-Class coupe or convertible, today the German brand has merged both to create a single, one-size-fits-all model, the CLE300 Cabriolet you see here.

So has Mercedes-Benz taken the best bits from two of its most popular cabriolets to create one big super convertible? That's what we're here to find out.

How much is a Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE300 cabrio is the only roofless model in the CLE range.

It's priced from $135,900 before on-road costs and options, which equates to around $145,000 drive-away (in NSW).

That makes it once dearer and cheaper than the two models it replaces, with the last versions of the convertible C-Class and E-Class available from $103,070 and $151,570 in C200 and E350 guise respectively.

As you'd expect from the three-pointed star, the CLE300 is loaded with standard equipment befitting a luxury convertible grand tourer.

The CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet is powered by a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

That's augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system recharged during braking or by the engine, allowing the vehicle to coast with the engine off at speed. It can also add a short 17kW/205Nm boost under hard acceleration, while ensuring quicker and smoother operation of the CLE300's idle stop-start system.

The list of equipment and features is long and premium. Standard fit are both the AMG Line exterior and interior packs, which bring flourishes aplenty.

The exterior pack brings 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling, larger brake discs up front, sports suspension and a sporty engine sound, while the interior pack adds AMG-branded floor mats, lime wood interior, and an AMG sports steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather.

Additional equipment includes LED head- and tail-lights, an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and augmented-reality satellite navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and a premium Burmester surround system.

There are also heated and powered front seats, leather upholstery, Mercedes-Benz's Airscarf neck-heating system and Aircap wind deflection set-up, wireless smartphone charging, an automatic seatbelt feeder, as well as a comprehensive suite of Mercedes-Benz's advanced driver assist and safety technologies.

Our test car wore no options, other than a coat of Patagonia Red metallic paint at $1700 for a tested price of $137,600 before on-roads, or around $146,726 drive-away (in NSW).

There aren't a horde of rivals knocking the CLE300's door. Those in the market for a luxury soft-top might consider a range of BMW 4 Series options, priced from $106,500 to $197,900 plus on-road costs.

A closer match, certainly on price if not powertrain, might be the Audi S5 cabriolet that is priced from $134,515 before on-roads. It edges the Merc in grunt, though, its 3.0-litre V6 churning out a respectable 260kW and 500Nm.

And applying brute force to the convertible equation could land you a Corvette Stingray, which in 369kW/637Nm V8-powered folding-roof trim wants for $199,500 before on-road costs.

MORE: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet price and specs

How big is a Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet?

You'd expect a car that takes its cues from both the smaller C-Class and the larger E-Class range to sit somewhere between those two in terms of size.

However, the new CLE convertible is not only significantly bigger (by around 16cm) than the C-Class Cabriolet, it's also marginally longer (15mm) than the outgoing E-Class ragtop.

It uses its size well, though, with pleasing proportions that cut an imposing figure on the road.

All the Mercedes-Benz hallmarks are in place – there's the distinctive grille adorned with the famous three-point star and those lovely AMG-sourced 19-inch alloys and some nice adaptive LED headlights.

There are plenty of metal and chrome garnishes to take in, and while it all looks a bit overdone with the fabric roof in place, those garnishes come into their own with the top down, the CLE looking elegant and classy, ready for a summer night's cruise along Campbell Parade or The Esplanade.

Around the back, the flat boot lends the CLE a distinctly notchback appearance with the roof up, and to my mind it looks better than its coupe counterpart with its sloping liftback profile. Personal preference, of course. You might think differently.

Inside, the first thing you'll notice is this white leather upholstery, dubbed Macchiato Beige in Mercedes-speak. While white might not be to everyone's taste, it looks fantastic against the striking Patagonia Red metallic paint of our test car.

The sports seats up front are unique to the CLE, power-adjustable in myriad ways and, better yet, come with a memory function so you can restore your settings at the single touch of a button.

There's seat heating too and what Mercedes calls an 'Airscarf' located in the headrest. Simply, it blows a gentle breeze of warm air onto the back of your neck should you choose to enjoy the cabriolet's unique selling point on a crisp winter's day. Toasty.

The overall design of the cabin is largely taken from the Mercedes-Benz playbook, and more specifically the C-Class sedan.

The 12.3-inch driver's instrument display and 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen – as well as the dashboard, centre console and air vents – are all heavily based on those found in the latest C-Class.

The second row is a compromise but serviceable enough. Unsurprisingly, it's easier to clamber in with the top down than with the roof in place, and once ensconced, comfort levels are, let's call them tight. Mercedes-Benz has tried to maximise leg room with some deep scallops in the front seatbacks, but it remains pretty tight back there. It's also worth noting there are only two seats in the second row, the CLE300 adopting a 2+2 seating configuration.

The acoustic fabric soft-top can be lowered or raised in around 20 seconds and at speeds up to 60km/h.

Boot space is rated at a claimed 385 litres with the roof up, but drops to 295L with the top retracted and the automatic luggage protector in place.

There's no spare tyre, not even an inflation kit, the CLE300 fitted with run-flat tyres to get you to the nearest tyre store.

Does the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

An 11.9-inch portrait-style touchscreen anchors the CLE300's infotainment system. It's the same set-up as found in both the C-Class and E-Class range of sedans and runs the same third-generation Mercedes-Benz MBUX operating system.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard-fit, as is Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, and AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio.

The MBUX operating system is a good 'un, intuitive and easy to use while the screen itself remains responsive to inputs. There's also the ability to interact with the infotainment system using 'Hey Mercedes' voice commands, although I found other than effecting simple changes to the climate settings or turning up the volume, 'Hey Mercedes' struggled to interpret my voice inputs in any meaningful way.

Apple CarPlay proved faultless throughout, with a stable connection and zero drop-outs during our time with the convertible. It's worth noting here one of the infotainment touchscreen's clever and practical features, exclusive to this CLE300 Cabriolet variant. With a simple press of an icon, the screen can be titled forwards (or back) from 15 through 40 degrees. Why? To reduce the reflection and glare from the sun when the roof is open. It works a treat too. Clever.

Mercedes-Benz offers a range if what it calls Digital Extras for the CLE300 which allows for registered users to access their car remotely for a number of functions including diagnostics, navigation and maintenance notifications. However, only some Digital Extras are complimentary for three years while others are subscription-based. All Digital Extras require an ongoing subscription after the initial three-year period.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet a safe car?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, whether coupe or convertible, has not been crash-tested by Australia's independent safety body ANCAP or its European equivalent Euro NCAP. As such, it remains unrated.

What safety technology does the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet have?

A comprehensive suite of Mercedes-Benz's advanced safety and driver assist technologies are bundled into the CLE300 Cabriolet.

Standard tech includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, as well as a 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Our time with the CLE300 cab didn't note any glaring inconsistencies or overeager interventions from any of its safety systems.

The airbag complement includes dual front, front-side head and rear-side-head, as well as a centre airbag that deploys between the front seats to reduce the chance of injuries resulting from front occupants clashing heads in the event of a side impact.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet cost to run?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet is covered under the brand's standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Servicing intervals are spaced out at 12 months or 25,000km, whichever comes first. Three-, four-, and five-year service plans are available to buy at the time of purchase and will ask for $3355 (three years), $4630 (four years) or $7160 (five years).

Comprehensive insurance for the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet runs to $3404 annually from a leading insurer.

That's a smidge more than the $3199 annual premium commanded by the BMW M440i xDrive convertible, one of the CLE300's natural predators.

All insurance figures are based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet fuel-efficient?

Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, a mix of urban, suburban and highway driving.

Our week with the soft-top bettered that lab-tested claim with an indicated 6.8L/100km, achieved over a number of driving scenarios – and with both the roof up and down – including weekday traffic, urban commuting and highway cruising.

Mercedes-Benz's 48-volt mild hybrid system – and its ability to shut down the engine while maintaining momentum for brief periods in low-throttle situations – no doubt played its part.

The CLE300's 66-litre fuel tank requires 95-octane premium unleaded as a minimum.

What is the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet like to drive?

Powering the Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet is a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol mated to a nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Drive is sent to all four wheels courtesy of Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

Now, while we might lament the absence of a big, lusty six, long a hallmark of the German brand, the four-cylinder in the CLE300 is perfectly capable of delivering a pleasant, if not outright thrilling, driving experience.

Mercedes-Benz claims a 0–100km/h sprint time of 6.6 seconds, which is enough for most real-world scenarios, the big boulevard cruiser happy enough to move away from standstill with a briskness belying its near two-tonne weight.

It's comfortable enough in most daily driving situations, whether that be trundling around town, cruising down beachside boulevards, or eating up the kilometres on long highway stretches, the CLE300 cabrio rarely feels underdone.

Here too, Merc's 48-volt mild hybrid system puts its best foot forward, shutting down the engine when the conditions are right to effectively coast for short periods, helping to eke out every millilitre of fuel.

Ask for a burst of acceleration, and the big soft-top is eager to respond. Although if you're expecting any kind of a sonorous soundtrack, you'll be a little disappointed, the four-cylinder lacking in aural theatrics, despite the promised ‘sporty engine sound’ of the AMG Line exterior pack.

The nine-speed auto, however, is a slick unit, with intuitive and precise gear shifts that don't leave you floundering for more power or torque.

And similarly, the CLE300's Sports suspension – which has the convertible sitting 15mm lower on the road than a comparable non-AMG pack C-Class – brings a nice blend of comfort and sportiness to the table, ironing out minor lumps and bumps while still offering enough feedback to the driver to inspire confidence.

And while not a sports car in the truest sense of the word, attacking some twisting rural back roads with a touch of vigour is not beyond the CLE300's capabilities. The steering plays its part, nicely weighted and direct, while brake-pedal feel is reassuring.

But of course, the true measure of a convertible is in how it feels with the roof down, the rush of wind overhead and the sun on your face. Make no mistake, this car is about style first and foremost, about head-turning presence and making a statement.

Mercedes-Benz's engineers have perfected the art of cosseting occupants from the outside world even with the roof down, or rather, especially with the soft-top folded away.

The Aircap, which pops up at the top edge of the windscreen, deflects the onrushing air away from the cabin and its occupants, not only leaving hair mostly unruffled, but also ensuring occupants can talk at normal conversational levels.

Better yet, the CLE300's five-layer acoustic soft-top is a masterclass in how to do soft-tops right. It does a remarkable job of keeping the outside world outside. All too often, the cabins of soft-tops boom and echo with road noise, as if the roof is merely there to protect occupants from the elements.

Not so this one, its multi-layered construction ensuring the cabin remains a serene and calm place to be.

Can a Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet tow?

Mercedes-Benz doesn't quote towing capacities for the cabriolet, which should tell us something, more so considering the CLE300 coupe is rated to haul 1800kg braked and 750kg unbraked.

Don’t try towing with your CLE300 drop-top is our recommendation.

Should I buy a Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet?

There's something alluring about a nice convertible, and in the CLE300 Mercedes-Benz has a good one. One that will appeal to exactly the kind of buyers who value statement-making motoring.

A refined and elegant interior combined with pleasing exterior proportions, a healthy list of standard equipment, and a pleasant if not thrilling driving manner, keep the CLE300 near the top of an increasingly rare tree – luxury convertibles from prestige brands.

It’s a delightful open-top cruiser that's simply difficult not to be smitten by.

How do I buy a Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet? The next steps.

The next step on the purchase journey is to check the Mercedes-Benz website for stock levels of the CLE300 Cabriolet. Here you will be able to configure and price to suit your needs.

You can also find Mercedes-Benz vehicles for sale at Drive Marketplace.

We strongly recommend taking a test drive at a dealership before committing because personal needs and tastes can differ. Find your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer here. We'd also recommend test-driving the open-top versions of both the BMW M440i XDrive and the Audi S5, both of which are slightly more expensive but do bring a sportier edge to the performance table.

And if you want to stay updated with everything that’s happened to this car since our review, you’ll find all the latest news here.

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