Should you buy one?

Yes. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is easy to recommend due to its high levels of luxury, and how relaxing it is to drive with the roof up or down.

It offers something very different to the corner-focussed BMW 4 Series Convertible, while an abundance of grip (particularly in 4Matic versions) means it’s confidence-inspiring when hurried. Even so, it feels much more at home at a luxurious waft rather than outright sportiness.

The most impressive element of this car is just how refined it is with the roof down. A lack of blustery wind in the cabin thanks to the Aircap and efficient seat heating (including from the clever Airscarf) means you’ll get more top-down motoring for your money than rivals too.

Pitched somewhere between the space and comfort of the E-Class, and the athletic handling of the C-Class, the CLE Cabriolet combines the best of both in a package that is familiar and yet distinctive.

What we like

We love how Mercedes has thought hard about how the CLE’s roof can be lowered whatever the time of year. Clever wind deflection systems (which are standard) keep you cocooned all year around, and give it all-year-round usability that other convertibles can’t match. It’s surpremely refined and comfortable, while offers an impressive amount of rear-seat space, even for adults. A great choice of engines and an impressive, tech-laden interior make it the complete package.

What we don’t like

Not much, really. If you want a sportier driving experience, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is a better option and the boot is slightly larger with that car, too. It’s also quite expensive, especially with the six-cylinder engine in the CLE 450, which is the version you really want if you’re able to afford it.