PAW PATROL

Experience the charm of open-air cruising with the sleek new Mercedes-Benz CLE

- Kurt Morris

When Mercedes invited us to experience their new CLE 300 convertible I was both thrilled and apprehensive. The monsoon was in full swing, and I have a peculiar track record: every time I drive a convertible, the rain seems to follow. This time, luck was on my side as a rare sunny day in Pune broke through the clouds, setting the perfect scene for a drive in this elegant open-top machine.

Now the German brand has long been committed to the four-seater convertible. Unlike rivals who have moved away from this segment, Mercedes combined their E-Class Cabriolet with the C-Class to birth the CLE. The result? A stunning convertible that delivers the essence of open-top driving. With clear skies overhead, I hit the roads of Pune, basking in the experience while dodging construction zones and Pune's famously pothole-ridden streets.

Top up or down, the CLE's design shines. It's sporty yet refined, featuring a profile reminiscent of the outgoing E-Class while borrowing from the C-Class at the rear. The AMG Line trim we tested adds sporty touches, including 19-inch AMG wheels, a sleek fabric roof, and sharp lines that lend it a purposeful stance. The fabric roof, a design choice some might debate, has a charm of its own and adds a bit of nostalgia for classic convertibles. I personally prefer this fabric top over the overengineered hard metal folding roofs.

The prominent grille and refined, clean bodywork give the CLE an unmistakable look of sophistication. To watch this roof fold is like watching origami in motion.

Once out of the city, it was time to lower the roof and embrace the full cabriolet experience. Fortunately, it was effortless with a physical button in the centre console. In under 20 seconds, the roof folds seamlessly into the trunk, even while the car's moving at up to 60 kph. Pulling off this manoeuvre at a stoplight drew curious glances from passersby - a true testament to the car's headturning appeal.