By Sala Masindane

Depending on your age, you might not be familiar with Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John. The song is a heartfelt plea to someone Elton once loved, who is now rejecting him and no longer understands him. In many ways, the sun is also setting on sedans—and more so on convertibles. Not because of any fault of their own, but simply due to the direction the automotive industry is heading.

Mercedes-Benz has recognised this shift and responded by blending the best elements of the C-Class and E-Class to create the striking CLE. The result is a model that’s well worth considering—especially if you’re a fan of convertibles or feel a sense of nostalgia for the iconic CLK. We had the chance to spend time with it during the early days of summer for some memorable top-down moments.

Exterior Design

The CLE stands out, particularly with its fabric soft top, which opens and closes in just 20 seconds. Its aggressive front end, low-slung bonnet, and sleek LED headlights give it real road presence. The design, which merges C-Class and E-Class aesthetics, works seamlessly and feels both elegant and athletic.

Interior and features

Inside, the CLE has a familiar yet premium ambiance. It features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch central display powered by Mercedes’ latest MBUX system. Other standout features include 64-colour ambient lighting and an optional Burmester 3D surround sound system, which adds a rich audio experience.

The two-door cabriolet offers supportive, sporty front seats, while the rear seats are best suited to medium-sized adults due to limited legroom. As expected in a convertible, the boot is somewhat compromised but still has enough space for small luggage. Thankfully, the infotainment system is intuitive and easy to navigate.

Drive and performance

Under the bonnet, the CLE 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 190 kW and 400 Nm. Thanks to the hybrid assistance, it accelerates briskly with minimal turbo lag. The ride is smooth and refined, and handling is assured, striking a good balance between comfort and engagement.

Mercedes claims a fuel consumption of 7.8 L/100 km, and we managed an impressive 7.2 L/100 km during our city drives.

Final word

The CLE 300 Cabriolet offers comfort, impressive fuel economy, and an all-round enjoyable driving experience. Add the ability to drop the top at a moment’s notice, and it becomes a highly compelling option—especially in a market where convertible choices are becoming increasingly rare. As one of the last models of its kind, it carries a unique appeal for those who still value the open-air driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is priced from R1,527,271.