Mercedes Sports
Two words when combined evoke images of luxury, technical brilliance and opulence.
Funny, then, there has never been such a car as a "Mercedes Sports".
Of course there are any number of sleek, sporty models that have rolled off the production line in Stuttgart, all fitting the definition.
But it's cars such as this one, Benz's all-new GLE Cabriolet, that quickens the pulse and sets the standard whenever that Mercedes "Sports" moniker starts flying about.
Other rivals, BMW in particular, have tinkered in this soft-top space with varying success - from everything from soft-top convertibles to folding steel roofs - that have borne that famous propeller motif.
First launched in the 70s, the coupe and cabriolet (soft top) variants have rolled out in lock-step with each successive E-Class executive sedan gracing those glossy showrooms.
The E-Class sedan can trace its heritage further back - to its first version released in 1946 and more than 16 million "E Klasse" sold in the 80 years since.
But Mercedes, when unveiling this latest E-Class cabriolet earlier in 2024, made it clear the model is not taking a backward step despite the growing appeal of hybrid and EV versions of its emissions-free fleet.
Mercedes claims that quite apart from the impact of EV, this new model will "reset the standard" for the mid-range luxury sedan.
That means, of course, the mighty S-Class limo remains as the flagship of the Benz passenger sedans range; the C-Class compact volume seller.
Benz seems confident that, despite an entire range of EV models, the C-Class is not being cannibalised by the battery-driven SUV models to have hit the market in the past year or two.
How so?
The key in this case is the rollout of ever-more efficient drivetrains, bringing together "mild hybrid" technology and, for the first time, an E-Class that does not offer a six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine.
Instead, the go-to power source for the majority of Mercedes cars is now a four-cylinder, turbocharged, mild-hybrid configuration engine producing impressive performance and excellent efficiency.
What hasn't changed, of course, is the ethereal beauty of the E-Class Cabriolet.
It's one of the few vehicles that appears as attractive with the canvas roof securely battened down and the evening chill fresh in the air.
And just in case winter makes a surprise visit the big Benz offers a brilliant '"air scarf" - a built-in warming system that pipes toasty air to your neck and shoulders, allowing you to stretch the open-air driving season for an additional month or two.
Mercedes has always aimed to be among the pioneers in its category, beating rivals to the punch with each new iteration and this model is no different.
The dashboard is dominated by the latest Benz MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) "Superscreen" which brings clever yet understated features including immersive, Interactive and intelligent functions - essentially a mobile office.
This includes cool tools allowing you, for instance, to start your slinky Benz with your Apple Watch. Nice.
The 14.4-inch SuperScreen dominates the centre stack, tilting slightly towards the driver to make touch-screen functions easier to access.
The front seat passenger gets their own screen (12.3 inches) which solves any of those disagreements over which radio or podcast is most suitable.
There's a superb 730-Watt Burmester 4D sound system worth arguing over, not to mention the rib-hugging leather seats that adorn the four pews.
The tweaked four-cylinder, turbocharged engine enjoys additional boost from the previous model, gaining a 17kW mild hybrid system, complementing the 205Nm of torque.
That translates into a combined 190kW and 400Nm combined outputs - enough to proceed with decent haste but in true Benz fashion, never becoming flustered or rushed.
Key engineering features have included a 20mm lengthening of the wheelbase, delivering 20mm of extra space to rear-seat passengers (a little snug back there) 17mm more leg room and almost 25mm additional rear elbow space.
A road test in the E300 included a scheduled golf trip - requiring some adjustment of the boot, which will swallow up with the roof folded safely inside.
The Benz uses all manner of cameras, some replacing traditional mirrors and another that will film you selfie-style or in your own video, captured from the top of the instrument panel.
Hey, why not? There's never a bad time to enjoy your own Mercedes Sports.
MERCEDES-BENZ CLE300 CABRIOLET 4MATIC
HOW BIG? It's identical in size to its E300 sibling, but only seats four rather than five.
HOW FAST? Despite being slightly heavier than its coupe and sedan siblings, the E300 covers the ground nicely, reaching the 100km/h sprint in 6.6 seonds.
HOW THIRSTY? The mild hybrid booster and nine-speed auto help the Benz to return a respectable 7.7l/100km.
HOW MUCH? Retail pricing begins at $131,500 - about $12,000 more expensive than the two-door hardtop.
