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A sun-soaked Goa road trip in the Mercedes CLE 300 Cabriolet. What's not to like?

- By Kurt Morris

There are few things in life as exhilarating as ticking off a long-cherished dream. For car enthusiasts and travel lovers, one such fantasy is the open-top road trip to Goa - wind in your hair, music in the air, and endless corners. As automotive journalists, we're fortunate to experience many extraordinary drives, but this one was special. It wasn't just about the car or the destination; it was about fulfilling a fantasy that Bollywood had etched into our minds over two decades ago - the iconic 'Dil Chahta Hai' road trip.

For generations, Goa has been synonymous with carefree holidays, beachside revelry, and scenic drives, and there's something magical about experiencing it in a convertible. The ability to smell the sea breeze, feel the sun on your skin, and hear the sounds of the coast transforms the journey into something visceral. The CLE 300 Cabriolet, with its fabric roof, plush interiors, and powerful 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, was the ideal companion. Unlike hardcore sports cars, it's designed for comfort -perfect for long highway stretches and lazy coastal cruises. And yet, when the road gets twisty, it hugs the tarmac with the poise of a true Mercedes.