FYI: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 Cabriolet integrates practicality and luxury, making it a noteworthy contender among modern convertibles.
Saving Convertibles in Style with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 Cabriolet
As manual cars and convertibles become rarer, especially those with back seats and affordable price tags, enthusiasts must treasure vehicles like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 Cabriolet. While not the cheapest option, it offers practical features that extend its appeal beyond the confines of luxury, making it suitable for daily use—even for families.
Sun-Reflective Leather Innovation
A prominent feature in the CLE 450 Cabriolet is its sun-reflective leather interior. Unlike standard leather, which can become unbearably hot, this coating reduces heat buildup by up to 50 degrees. This is a thoughtful inclusion, especially considering the car’s design for sunny climates. Though black interiors wouldn’t be the first choice for many, the sun-reflective technology enhances comfort significantly.
AirCap System: Practical but Loud
The CLE’s AirCap system employs a blend of a windshield header trim with an underlying mesh net and an electrically operated pop-up wind deflector behind the rear seats. This system mitigates wind turbulence effectively, a particularly useful feature for occupants with long hair. However, a notable drawback is the noise generated when the system is deployed, especially at lower speeds. The noise contrast without the system is so stark that it might be tempting to forgo this feature despite its aerodynamic benefits.
Spacious Back Seat for a Convertible
One of the CLE’s standout features is its ample rear seat space. It’s notably larger than rivals in its class and even surpasses more expensive convertibles like the Bentley Continental and BMW 8 Series. This roominess is validated by the ease with which large car seats fit, enabling comfortable family travel—a unique advantage in the convertible market.
Enhanced Convenience with Car Seats
With my son’s first-ever convertible ride, we easily installed a Britax Boulevard car seat in the back. Accessibility was straightforward thanks to the cleverly designed removal points for the rear head restraints and rear LATCH anchor threads. Lowering the roof via key fob as you approach the car adds to its practicality, making child seat installation and removal expedient.
Dynamic Interior Ambient Lighting
Children and adults alike will appreciate the CLE’s customizable ambient lighting. With voice-activated controls, changing the interior lighting color adds a playful, personalized touch. The system’s integrated voice assistance makes it an entertaining, if frivolous, feature that enhances the driving experience.
A Rewarding Drive
The CLE Cabriolet boasts an exquisite driving experience. The inline-six engine delivers responsive power, effortlessly navigating the varied terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains. Its refined handling and luxurious feel confirm its status as a top-tier convertible. The overall driving experience remains consistent with Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for high-quality engineering.
Challenges in Michigan: A Midwest Perspective
The CLE’s challenges quickly become apparent in less convertible-friendly climates. Heavy doors and difficult rear seat entry create practical hurdles, particularly in tight parking situations or with larger passengers. Despite its spacious back seat, maneuvering in and out can be arduous, as noted during the Michigan test drives.
Stop-Start Quirks
The automatic stop-start system, intended to conserve fuel, can be slightly abrasive. Drivers might experience a noticeable jolt when the engine restarts, affecting passengers prone to motion sickness. This is an area where the expected seamlessness from a premium brand like Mercedes could use refinement.
Effortless Performance and Fun Eco Displays
Despite the start-stop hiccup, the CLE’s performance feels consistently premium. Its turbocharged mild-hybrid setup ensures quick acceleration and smooth transitions through gears. One engaging feature is the Eco Display, which gamifies efficient driving. This feature turned out to be a family favorite, turning fuel economy into an interactive experience.
Practical Luggage Capacity
A clever trunk divider lets you manage your luggage even when the roof is down. For those poolside trips, fitting a variety of bags around the divider was effortless, proving the CLE’s practical design in real-world uses.
A Family Favorite
The CLE Cabriolet became a household favorite, often requested for daily journeys over other more practical vehicles. Despite its few inconveniences, its allure lies in the exceptional driving experience, luxurious features, and relative practicality as a family-friendly convertible.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 Cabriolet is a prime example of how luxury convertibles can blend practicality with high performance and comfort. For those looking to save the rare species of family-friendly convertibles, the CLE 450 stands out as a compelling option.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
