Convenient functions in rows 1 and 2… blocking wind with an air cap
Superb driving performance, but… navigation remains inconvenient
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, ‘ The CLE Cabriolet, representing the open car (a car that can fold and unfold the roof) in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup, is a 2-door open car based on the CLE Coupe. It was created by combining the advantages of the E-Class 450 Cabriolet, which sells 30 to 60 units every month, and the mid-sized C-Class 200 Cabriolet. The term Cabriolet, which means open car, was adopted as the model name. Mercedes described the CLE Cabriolet released in June as a car that combines modernity and sportiness, and I test drove it in Gijang, Busan, for about 50 km.’,
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The CLE 450 Cabriolet 4MATIC released by Mercedes-Benz in June (left). It sports a slightly rounder design compared to the previous model, the E-Class 450 Cabriolet. /Reporter Kim Jihwan,
, ‘ The vehicle I test drove was the CLE 450 Cabriolet 4MATIC. The hood line has changed from the previous model E-Class 450 Cabriolet, and the curves of the headlights, grille, and elongated hood (shark nose) naturally flow into each other. The short front overhang (the distance from the center of the front wheel to the front of the vehicle), wide wheelbase, and 20-inch wheels create a sports car image. Compared to the E-Class 450 Cabriolet, it is 5mm longer, 5mm lower in height, and has a 10mm longer wheelbase.’,
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, ‘As a vehicle based on the CLE Coupe, the front space in the 1st row (driver’s seat and passenger seat) is ample. Since it is a low vehicle in height, sitting in the driver’s seat feels like sitting close to the ground. It felt distinctly lower than a regular sedan. The one-piece headrest seats were elegant and unique, reminiscent of luxurious racing car seats. Although the seatbelt was positioned further back than the driver’s seat due to the body structure, there were no issues with wearing it because the seatbelt extender function made the seatbelt come out near the driver’s seat as soon as the door was opened.’,
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The seatbelt extender function in the CLE 450 Cabriolet. /Reporter Kim Jihwan,
, ‘ It was not difficult to accommodate passengers in the 2nd row. Pulling the leather loop on the front seat backrest (easy entry) automatically folded the seat. Pulling this loop back again returned the seat to the position set by the driver.’,
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, ‘However, the legroom in the 2nd row is narrow. Knees touch the front seat and one has to sit with a straightened back. While sitting in the 2nd row momentarily is possible, it seemed like a challenging journey for long distances. The trunk has a capacity of 385 liters (L), and the rear seats need to be folded to expand the cargo space.’,
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, ‘ The visibility of the cluster and the 11.9-inch vertical LCD central display was higher than that of the E-Class 450 Cabriolet. The central screen can tilt at angles from 15 to 40 degrees to reduce light reflection.’,
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, ‘Mercedes stated that they applied the 3rd generation MBUX infotainment system to improve navigation, but it was still inconvenient. It seemed to require a long adaptation period to recognize information about the lanes to change or exits to take.’,
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Interior of the CLE 450 Cabriolet released by Mercedes-Benz in June (left). Equipped with an 11.9-inch central LCD display. On the right is the previous model, the E-Class 450 Cabriolet. /Reporter Kim Jihwan,
, ‘ The button for opening the roof for an open-top drive is on the center console. Unlike the AMG SL63, operated through the display, it was convenient to operate it with physical buttons. Even when opening the roof, there was no hindrance to driving from hair waving in the wind, thanks to the wind deflector on the headrest. It took about 20 seconds to open the roof.’,
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, ‘ The driving experience was outstanding. Driving at 40 km/h on a quiet road and flooring the accelerator, it swiftly accelerated with a hefty exhaust sound. It is equipped with a 6-cylinder gasoline turbo engine producing 381 horsepower. The maximum torque is 51 kgf·m. Although I felt the speed pressing on my body, I quickly regained a sense of stability. Even in high-speed situations entering curved roads, the car handled the speed well, smoothly navigating the curves without major shifts.’,
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, ‘The starting price of the CLE 450 Cabriolet is 108 million KRW.’,
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Engine room and trunk space of the CLE 450 Cabriolet. /Reporter Kim Jihwan,
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