2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 Cabriolet Review: The Grand Open-Top Tourer

Open-top  motoring  holds  an  undeniably  romantic  appeal  in  Australia.  From  cruising  along  Sydney's  coastal boulevards  to  carving  through  the  winding  roads  of  the  Adelaide  Hills,  drop-tops  offer  an  emotional  driving experience that no sensible SUV can match. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz decided to streamline its two-door portfolio. Instead of building separate two-door versions of both the compact C-Class and executive E-Class, the German brand created a single, unified nameplate: the CLE. It is designed to combine the athletic agility of the C- Class with the generous proportions and luxurious comfort of the E-Class.

While the hardtop CLE Coupe arrived first, the true glamour model of the range is the CLE Cabriolet. Tested here in popular CLE 300 4Matic specification, it features a multi-layer acoustic fabric soft top that opens or closes in just 20 seconds at speeds up to 60km/h. Under the sculpted bonnet sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with  a  48-volt  mild-hybrid  system,  sending  190kW  and  400Nm  to  all  four  wheels  via  a  slick  9-speed automatic  transmission.  Packed  with  thoughtful  convertible  innovations—including  neck-level  Airscarf  heating, Aircap wind deflectors, and an electrically tilting touchscreen to counter sun glare—it aims to be a proper year- round grand tourer.

Priced at $137,500 before on-road costs, the CLE 300 Cabriolet commands a serious $12,200 premium over its Coupe sibling. It lands squarely in competition with the BMW 430i Convertible. Can this elegant drop-top justify its six-figure price tag on coarse Australian country bitumen? How does the mild-hybrid four-cylinder perform when you pick up the pace? In this comprehensive YEECAR 3.0 review, we break down local pricing, real-world fuel economy, cabin comfort, and driving manners to give high-intent luxury buyers the definitive verdict.

HOW MUCH DOES THE 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE300 COST?

Let's talk pricing. Mercedes-Benz has simplified its two-door lineup in Australia, offering clear steps between rear- wheel-drive efficiency, all-wheel-drive four-cylinder touring, and six-cylinder AMG performance.

The CLE range opens at $104,100 before on-roads for the CLE 200 Coupe, which utilizes a 150kW rear-wheel- drive configuration. Stepping up to the more muscular 190kW CLE 300 Coupe costs $125,300, bringing standard 4Matic all-wheel drive.

The open-top star on test here is the CLE 300 4Matic Cabriolet, priced at $137,500 before on-road costs. That is a $12,200 premium over the hardtop CLE 300 Coupe. Once you factor in luxury car tax (LCT), state stamp duty, registration, and dealer delivery, drive-away pricing lands around $150,000 to $155,000 depending on your home state. For that investment, Mercedes-Benz Australia includes both the sporty AMG Line Package and the Night Package as standard equipment, meaning you get aggressive bumpers, 19-inch gloss-black alloys, and darkened exterior trim without paying extra.

Options remain focused. Buyers can select different soft-top fabric colours (such as red or grey) alongside various interior leather combinations. The main option box is the Plus Package ($4,900), which bundles multicontour front massaging seats, seat ventilation, the Air-Balance cabin fragrance system, and the complete Driving Assistance Package Plus suite. When cross-shopped against the BMW 430i Convertible, the CLE 300 Cabriolet commands a slight price premium, but counters with standard all-wheel drive, greater interior technology, and a fresher aesthetic.

WHAT IS THE 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE300 CABRIOLET LIKE ON THE INSIDE INCLUDING DIMENSION?

Climb inside the CLE 300 Cabriolet, and the interior ambiance feels thoroughly premium, high-tech, and beautifully finished. Borrowing its dashboard architecture from the current W206 C-Class while stretching dimensions closer to the E-Class, it provides a tailored luxury cockpit.

Build quality is rock solid. The doors close with a heavy, satisfying thunk. Soft-touch materials wrap the upper dashboard, door cards, and center armrest, highlighted by open-pore woodgrain trim and brushed metallic air vents. The front sports seats are finished in heat-reflective genuine leather upholstery, specially treated to prevent the seat surfaces from scorching your skin on hot Australian summer days with the roof down. The front seats feature full electric adjustment, driver memory presets, power lumbar support, and heating. Best of all, Mercedes fits its clever Airscarf system as standard: with the press of a button, heating vents built into the front headrests blow a warm cushion of air around your neck, allowing you to enjoy top-down driving on crisp winter mornings.

Technology is front and center. Taking pride of place is a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central touchscreen running the latest MBUX infotainment system. Convertible owners will love its party trick: an electric tilt mechanism that adjusts the screen angle between 15 and 40 degrees at the touch of a button, completely eliminating blinding sun glare when the roof is down. Ahead of the driver sits a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a clear Head- Up Display projected onto the windscreen. The system features wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, augmented-reality navigation, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system that bathes the cabin in a neon glow at night. The  standard  17-speaker  Burmester  3D  surround-sound  audio  system  features  Dolby  Atmos  and  integrated headrest speakers, ensuring concert-hall acoustics even at 100km/h with the roof stowed.

Dimensions, Passenger Space, and Boot Practicality

The CLE is a substantial two-door grand tourer, measuring nearly 4.85 metres long with a generous 2865mm wheelbase.

Front passenger space is cavernous, feeling just as roomy as an executive saloon. In the second row, space is practical for a convertible, though realistic expectations are needed. The front seats feature an Easy-Entry leather loop that slides them forward automatically. Once seated in the back, knee room and toe room are acceptable for teenagers or average-sized adults on shorter trips, but tall passengers will find headroom tight with the fabric roof closed. Rear occupants get directional air vents, dual cup holders, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points on both rear seats.

Boot utility requires the typical convertible compromise. The hands-free power boot lid can be opened via the key fob or a foot-kick sensor beneath the bumper. With the multi-layer fabric roof closed, boot capacity measures a generous 385 litres. Dropping the roof lowers an internal divider that reduces cargo capacity to 295 litres. While the luggage opening is somewhat narrow, there is still ample room for a couple of soft carry-on travel bags or a set of golf clubs for a weekend getaway. Note that like many modern European luxury cars, there is no spare tyre; the vehicle relies on run-flat tyres.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

Under the long, sculpted bonnet of the CLE 300 sits a responsive, mild-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder petrol powertrain.

The  2.0-litre  turbocharged  four-cylinder   petrol   engine  produces  190kW  of  power  and  400Nm   of  torque.   It incorporates  a  second-generation  48-volt  mild-hybrid  system  featuring  an   Integrated  Starter  Generator  (ISG) mounted directly between the engine and transmission. This electric motor provides an instantaneous boost of torque at low engine speeds, completely eliminating turbo lag and enabling silky smooth engine restarts at traffic lights.

Power is managed via Mercedes-Benz's smooth 9-speed automatic transmission (9G-Tronic) and channeled to all four wheels through the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The extra traction launches the CLE 300 Cabriolet from 0 to 100km/h  in  a  brisk  6.2  seconds.  The  66-litre  fuel  tank  ensures  long  touring  range  between  stops,  while  the powertrain requires 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.

HOW DOES THE 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE300 DRIVE?

Out on Australian roads, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic Cabriolet behaves as an accomplished, refined, and deeply relaxing grand tourer. It strikes a sophisticated middle ground between sports car agility and executive comfort.

Top-Down Touring and Wind Management

Open-top cruising is where the CLE 300 delivers pure magic. Dropping the multi-layer fabric roof takes just 20 seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 60km/h. With the roof down, Mercedes-Benz's clever aerodynamics shine. Raising the side windows and deploying the standard Aircap system—which extends a wind deflector from the windscreen header rail and raises a mesh screen behind the rear headrests—drastically reduces cabin buffeting. You can hold a normal conversation at 100km/h without shouting, while the Airscarf vents keep your neck comfortably warm.

When the weather turns foul, closing the acoustic soft top transforms the cabin. Sound insulation is exceptional; road and wind noise are sealed out so effectively that you easily forget you are sitting inside a convertible. Forward visibility over the long bonnet is clear, the turning circle is sharp for urban maneuvering, and the high-resolution 360-degree camera system makes parking next to high concrete kerbs effortless.

Urban Manners and Suspension Balance

Around town, the 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivers benchmark refinement. The engine shuts off seamlessly as you coast to a halt, firing back up instantly with zero starter-motor shudder when you lift off the brake pedal. The 9- speed automatic shuffles unobtrusively through its gears, keeping the 2.0-litre turbo right in its 400Nm torque sweet spot.

Ride comfort is generally well-sorted. The sports suspension is softer and more forgiving than the old C-Class Cabriolet, soaking up gentle road undulations with poise. However, because the CLE 300 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with stiff run-flat tyre sidewalls, sharp suburban potholes, bridge expansion joints, and broken bitumen can transmit  noticeable thuds  into  the cabin.  It  lacks  the  ultra-plush,  floating  compliance  of  an  E-Class  fitted with optional air suspension, but it remains composed and comfortable on daily commutes.

Dynamic Handling and 4Matic Grip

Find a winding coastal road, twist the Dynamic Select dial into Sport mode, and the CLE 300 sharpens up nicely. The steering weights up progressively, throttle response becomes more immediate, and the 9-speed gearbox holds lower  ratios.  The  steering  is  direct,  precise,  and  communicative,  allowing  you to  place the front  wheels  with confidence.

While it is not an ultra-hardcore sports car—its heavy convertible chassis means you can feel its mass during rapid direction changes—the standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system provides phenomenal mechanical grip. Accelerating hard out of damp corners, there is zero tyre slip or drama; the car simply digs in and powers forward with complete composure. The brakes are progressive, firm, and fade-free, giving drivers total confidence when scrubbing off speed into tight bends.

WHAT ARE THE STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR EACH VARIANT?

Mercedes-Benz Australia equips the CLE 300 Cabriolet with high levels of standard luxury, styling, and convertible convenience equipment.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic Cabriolet Standard Equipment:

• 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in gloss black with run-flat tyres

• AMG Line exterior styling package with sports front and rear aprons

• Night Package featuring high-gloss black exterior trim elements and mirror caps

• Digital Light package with adaptive high-beam assist and matrix LED headlights

• Multi-layer acoustic fabric soft top (opens/closes in 20 seconds up to 60km/h)

• Aircap electric wind deflector system and Airscarf neck-level heating

• Hands-free power boot lid with foot-kick gesture sensor

• 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment display with electric tilt adjustment (15° to 40°)

• 12.3-inch customizable digital driver instrument cluster

• Head-Up Display projected onto windscreen

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto

• MBUX navigation with augmented-reality route guidance

• 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround-sound audio system with Dolby Atmos

• Heat-reflective genuine leather upholstery with sports front seats

• Heated front seats with electric adjustment and driver memory presets

• Automatic front seatbelt feeders and Easy-Entry rear access

• 64-colour ambient interior lighting and wireless phone charger

Optional Plus Package ($4,900) Adds:

• Driving Assistance Package Plus with semi-autonomous highway assist

• Active multicontour front seats with massage function

• Front seat ventilation (cooling)

• Air-Balance Package with cabin fragrance and ionizer

• Memory Parking Assistant

• Guard 360° Vehicle Protection Plus anti-theft security system

IS THE 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE300 SAFE?

While the CLE-Class has not yet been individually crash-tested by ANCAP, it is built on Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-rigid passenger  cell  architecture  shared  with  the  five-star  rated  C-Class  and  E-Class.  It  comes  equipped  with  a comprehensive suite of active safety electronics and specialized convertible rollover protection.

Standard Safety Equipment Highlights:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection

• Active Distance Assist Distronic (Adaptive Cruise Control)

• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Safe Exit Assist

• Active Lane-Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning

• Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist

• Attention Assist driver fatigue and distraction monitoring

• 360-degree surround-view camera with dynamic parking guidelines

• Active Parking Assist with front and rear ultrasonic sensors

• Pop-up pyrotechnic rollover protection bars behind rear seats

• Comprehensive multi-stage protective airbag system

The standard active safety systems operate with polished German precision. The adaptive cruise control maintains safe  following  distances  smoothly,  and  the  360-degree  camera  provides  crystal-clear  curb  views.  Ticking  the optional Plus Package adds Driving Assistance Package Plus, which introduces Active Steering Assist and lane- centering for effortless semi-autonomous highway touring.

HOW MUCH DOES 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE300 CABRIOLET TO RUN?

Running a premium European convertible involves realistic fuel and maintenance considerations, though the 48V mild-hybrid system keeps everyday consumption sensible.

Mercedes-Benz claims an official combined fuel consumption rating of 7.7L/100km for the CLE 300 Cabriolet. In our real-world Australian testing encompassing Sydney suburban driving, coastal cruising, and highway stretches, the trip computer settled on an average of 8.8L/100km. On steady 110km/h regional motorway runs, the tall 9- speed  automatic  dropped  consumption  down  to  6.8L/100km.  Paired  with  a  generous  66-litre  fuel  tank,  long- distance touring range comfortably approaches 900 kilometres between fill-ups. Note that the turbocharged engine mandates 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

Warranty Coverage and Scheduled Servicing

Mercedes-Benz Australia backs the CLE Cabriolet with its factory ownership program:

• Vehicle Warranty: 5 Years / Unlimited Kilometres

• Roadside Assistance: 5 Years Complimentary (Service-activated)

• Service Intervals: 12 Months or 25,000 Kilometres

• Pre-Paid Capped-Price Servicing: $3,325 (3 Years), $4,535 (4 Years), or $6,800 (5 Years)

Service intervals are scheduled every 12 months or a generous 25,000km, which benefits higher-mileage drivers. However, pre-paid servicing is on the pricier side, averaging $1,360 per year over a five-year ownership plan. Budgeting for dealer servicing is essential to maintaining its factory warranty and resale value.

YEECAR'S VERDICT ON THE 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE300 CABRIOLET

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic Cabriolet is an exceptionally complete, beautifully engineered  open-top grand tourer. By merging the athletic agility of the C-Class with the road presence and luxury tech of the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has created a drop-top that feels special in every driving scenario.

Its thoughtful convertible engineering is what truly elevates it above competitors. The tilting central touchscreen is a masterstroke against harsh Australian sun glare, the Aircap and Airscarf systems make winter top-down driving a genuine joy, and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive delivers year-round touring confidence.

Yes, the run-flat tyres introduce low-speed firmness over sharp urban ruts, rear seat room is tight for adults, and at $137,500 before on-roads, it is a significant financial investment. But if you are looking for an elegant, tech-heavy luxury convertible that can cruise silently through town, handle a spirited coastal drive, and turn every weekend road trip into an occasion, the CLE 300 Cabriolet is one of the finest open-top cruisers money can buy.