You couldn’t get a extra geographically acceptable check drive than the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet, within the Western Cape, in November. Firstly, a cabriolet cruise across the coast is one of life’s great intangible joys. The breeze in your hair, the scent of ocean air, sun-kissed pores and skin and one thousand miles of headroom. Secondly, the notorious Cape South Easter blows so exhausting this time of 12 months, it’s the final check of a drop high’s true mojo.  

MERCEDES-BENZ CLE 200 CABRIOLET

Like the CLE Coupe we’re going to judge quickly, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet is the alternative to the C-Class convertible. The four-cylinder turbo petrol mechanicals with 48V mild-hybrid EQ Boost persists. There is a CLE 300 4Matic accessible, however we concentrated our drive on the most affordable CLE 200 variant that actually impressed on the South African launch.

We say this, principally, as a result of all Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet fashions now include the AMG Sports package as commonplace. So, say ‘hello’ to a fantastically sculpted physique package, three-pointed-star grille and 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. In the previous, you needed to pay further for all this aesthetic goodness. Better nonetheless, the brand new cabriolet is longer and wider than its predecessor, however it’s a lot better proportioned throughout, too. It appears to be like like one-point-five million bucks, however does it drive with the identical vigour?

SILKY SMOOTH

We’ve examined all of the premium four-seat cabriolets through the years and so they nearly at all times endure from scuttle shake. A roll bar must be fitted and the physique shell bolstered, which makes it heavy and invariably blunts efficiency. Not so within the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet. Hand on coronary heart, there is no such thing as a judder by way of the steering column or chassis to talk of on the transfer with the roof stowed. And the claimed efficiency and effectivity figures checkout, because of the ever-present 48V battery increase.

In phrases of dynamism, it’s not precisely one to egg you on to drive like a madman. The Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet is far more of a mellow cruiser. And it does this with aplomb. We crisscrossed the perfect Western Cape roads round False Bay and at no time did it really feel out of its depth with the roof down. Which, by the way in which, is an operation undertaken at speeds as much as 60 km/h and takes simply 20 seconds from closed to open. Body and roof colors – like gray, pink and black – can be found in pre-set configurations solely.

WHAT ELSE MAKES IT A GREAT CABRIOLET

Being a Benz, the engineers considered all the things to make the cabin expertise within the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet like that of the hard-top coupe. So, the soft-top roof makes use of a brand new acoustic multi-layer material design. Standard is the evolution of the agency’s Air Scarf, Air Cap programs which have been painstakingly wind-tunnel examined. New energy domes behind the rear headrests assist channel air over the uncovered cabin even higher than earlier than.

The consequence, as we skilled on our Western Cape cruise, is an alfresco motoring expertise like no different. The automotive industry has become so serious and outcome-driven of late. We overlook what it’s wish to drive a well-sorted cabriolet for no other reason than to simply go for a drive. If you rely your self inside the demographic that has R1.5 million to partake in such an indulgence, we salute you. And inform you that the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet feels prefer it’s value each penny.

THE FIGURES

• Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet
• Price: R1 515 350
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol + EQ Boost
• Power: 150 kW (+ 17 kW) and 320 Nm (+ 205 Nm)
• Transmission: 9-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
• Fuel Economy: 7.2 l/100 km (claimed)
• Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds / high velocity 236 km/h

IS THIS MERCEDES CABRIOLET ON YOUR WISH-LIST?

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