A CLEan Slate

Is it a C-Class? Is it an E-Class? Yes, it's a CLE. The all-new two-door model line steps in to fill a massive multi-car void for Mercedes-Benz. We drive the CLE Cabriolet with the four-cylinder petrol engine

-  Jim Gorde

A TWO-DOOR CONVERTIBLE IS ALWAYS AN exciting proposition. Whether they're small cars with tiny engines—Honda S660 or Mazda Miata— or powerful touring machines—think 911 Turbo Cabriolet or the old S-C Cabriolet—they have a greater element of involvement. The open-top driving experience puts one into the environment rather than in a capsule on a ribbon of tarmac. The new CLE Cabriolet is a car to be enjoyed and for many reasons.

But, first, why “CLE”? It’s no secret that just a few years ago, Mercedes had cars in every segment and created new segments where a potential gap existed. We had coupé and cabriolet twins of the C-Class, E-Class, and even the S-Class, plus the SLC which replaced the SLK. And we had the AMG GT Roadster in three flavours, too. What changed? The return of the king. The arrival of probably the most iconic name in Mercedes’ histoi ry, the SL, made its return and in style; developed entir¢ ely by their high- performance arm, AMG. To give the SL its s pace, all the aforementioned models were cleared out from the portfolio. The flagship convertible with a soft-top and an all-AMG model line then settled into its rightful place. However, there were many pies Mercedes could not take a bite out of.

The first change was the return of the AMG GT, essentially an SL with a fixed roof along with new styling and badging. The next was an amalgamation of classes with the CLE. A car which would blur the lines between Cand E-Class yet ably fill the spots left vacant and allow Mercedes to take a piece of those pies again. So, is the CLE just a filler or is there more to it?