On the day of testing the Cabriolet, rain poured down. Yet, this too felt romantic. And it was in Busan… I drove the CLE 450 4MATIC Cabriolet along a one-way route of 55 km from Seven Island in Gangseo-gu, Busan, to Ananti in Gijang-gun on the 16th.
The CLE Cabriolet is the open-top version of the CLE coupe that debuted in February and was launched in the market in June. Its gigantic front grille, featuring a triangular star pattern and a prominent central star, accentuates the style of the CLE Cabriolet. The horizontally long rear lamps create a family look, allowing it to be recognized as a Mercedes from afar, even in the pitch-black night.
With dimensions of 4,850 x 1,860 x 1,430 mm, this car boasts a low height and a sleek silhouette that captivates immediately. Compared to the C-Class Cabriolet (4,700 x 1,810 x 1,400 mm), the body size has significantly increased. The now larger body features a wheelbase that has been extended from 2,840 mm to 2,865 mm. Additionally, rear knee space has increased by 72 mm and shoulder space by 19 mm compared to the previous C-Class Cabriolet. Now, you can enjoy the Cabriolet not just alone but with your loved ones.
The interior features an 11.9-inch vertical display. This display can tilt to avoid light reflections while driving. Moreover, it includes the third generation of the MBUX infotainment system. The addition of the third generation MBUX enables the use of third-party apps like music streaming and video services. Now, you can enjoy your favorite content freely on the go. This is no longer a mere car; it’s the world of mobility.
It is equipped with an Air Balance package. In a reality where fine dust and various illnesses are rampant, the car’s air purification feature activates as soon as you sit in the CLE Cabriolet, allowing you to breathe fresh air.
The steering has a lock-to-lock ratio of 2.1. You can immediately recognize the characteristic heavy and smooth feedback of the steering that is unique to Mercedes. The head-up display integrates with the TPEC traffic information navigation system, allowing you to stay focused on the road without distraction. It also continues to inform you vocally of traffic conditions, alerting you to congestion. Although T-map navigation is set to be applied later this year, the current navigation is already smart enough not to fall behind T-map.
This is augmented reality navigation. The augmented reality navigation accurately informs you whether to continue forward before making a directional change at confusing moments. It is a great blessing for those who struggle with navigation. The ambient light shines enticingly while passing through tunnels, further enchanting you with the charm of a Mercedes. This moment feels like a magic spell, settling you into the amusement park ride of the CLE Cabriolet.
The CLE Cabriolet can open its roof in just 20 seconds at a speed of 60 km/h. However, due to the relentless rain, I couldn’t utilize the Cabriolet’s Air Scarf and wind deflector features.
The CLE 450 4MATIC is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 381 horsepower and a peak torque of 51.0 kg.m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
In the bustling city of Busan, as I repeatedly accelerate and decelerate, only the vibration of the road flows through my body. Rather than a mild hybrid, I might say the engine runs quietly and sweetly like a baby’s snores. It is not a mild hybrid; it is a sweet hybrid. The sound of the pouring rain is soothing and tranquil. It feels like enjoying coffee in the comfort of my living room during a storm.
At a speed of 100 km/h, the engine’s RPM ranges from 1,400 in 9th gear up to 4,800 in 3rd gear. As the speed increases, particularly with the open-top feature, wind noise becomes prominent, yet the CLE 450 4MATIC maintains a clear perception of road noise and vibrations.
The driving assistant package, Driving Assistance Package Plus, has also been included. The adaptive cruise control of the CLE Cabriolet adapts to the flow of traffic in the congested streets of Busan, avoiding the insistence on maintaining its own speed.
Additionally, the Driving Assistance Package Plus utilizes vehicle cameras and radars to detect roundabouts and highway ramps, automating brake and throttle responses instead of the driver. Now, during risky moments, the driving assistant of the CLE Cabriolet automatically intervenes, showcasing its delayed learning and intelligence.
During the two-hour round trip driving through Busan, the CLE Cabriolet proved to be so comfortable and smart that I didn’t want to get out. This car, more than just being named a Cabriolet, deserves the moniker of ‘well-crafted open-top sedan.’
The test car was the Mercedes CLE 450 4MATIC, priced at 100.8 million won.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr