2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

Performance

The 2026 CLE Cabriolet features two different engines, a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder, both with turbochargers and a 48-volt Mild-Hybrid system. A second-generation Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) aids in power at lower speeds. The ISG supports engine efficiency with the Mild-Hybrid to ensure the motors run smoothly. The 2026 CLE 300 4MATIC® has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder that produces 255 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque from 2,000-3,200 rpm.

If you choose the CLE 450 4MATIC®, you will get a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder that makes 375 horsepower from 5,800-6,100 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque from 1,800-5,000 rpm. Thanks to the Twin-Scroll Turbocharger and ISG, the CLE 450 has virtually no turbo lag. The 48-volt Mild Hybrid System can boost the Internal Combustion Engine with 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

New for 2026 is the AMG® CLE E 53 Cabriolet, featuring an enhanced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with hybrid assist and an electric auxiliary compressor. This unique driveline can produce 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.

The 2026 CLE 300 and 450 models have a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. For the 2026 CLE, the 9G-Tronic has been optimized, with the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission cooler moved into the transmission itself. The AMG® CLE 53 model sends its power through an AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9-speed Automatic transmission.

4MATIC® All-wheel drive is standard on all 2026 CLE Cabriolets. It has been optimized to handle more power at the front axle and to better distribute it between the axles, resulting in better overall driving dynamics. Weight has also been reduced across various areas to make the system lighter than previous iterations of the 4MATIC®.

Handling is the primary focus of the 2026 CLE, with the CLE 300 4MATIC® coming standard with a new comfort suspension tuned to deliver incredibly luxurious ride quality while maintaining direct handling in all conditions. The CLE 450 4MATIC® comes standard with Sport Suspension, while the CLE 300 can be optioned with Sport Suspension via the AMG® Package. Also, you can opt for the new Adaptive Dampening Suspension on all models.

On the AMG® CLE 53, standard 2.5-degree rear-axle steering can turn in the opposite direction or with the front wheels, depending on speed, mode, and vehicle dynamics, to enhance stability, agility, and maneuverability. AMG® parameter steering also adapts feel and feedback.

Exterior

The CLE Cabriolet features a compelling design. It has a long wheelbase and an A-pillar angled to show off a lower roofline that elegantly and sportingly leads straight back to the rear trunk lid.

Mercedes-Benz calls its current model design language “Sensual Purity.” With this Sensual Purity, you get a sculpted-like style defined by its long, flowing surfaces and seamless transitions between body panels. The 2026 CLE Cabriolet feels naturally athletic, with its progressive front end earning comparisons to a shark nose. The 3D grille is elegant and tasteful, and the power dome hoods on all 2026 CLE Cabriolet models give the model a mature, muscular look.

The triple-layer “acoustic” fabric soft top is offered in three rich colors. It lowers in under 20 seconds with a single button, revealing the richly appointed cabin. Natural-grain woods and modern metals complement a spectrum of upholstery options.

Interior

Standard and AMG® Line CLEs come with MB-TEX seat upholstery made from 65% recycled materials, while the seat inner lining is 85% recycled. Quilted Nappa leather seats with longitudinal piping and diamond-shaped perforated surfaces are optional. Plant-based tanning agents are used to create the seat colors. Colors available in MB-TEX include Macchiato Beige/Black and Tonka Brown/Black.

As mentioned before, the 2026 CLE 450 is standard with the AMG® Line, and with that, the instrument panel and beltlines are lined in MB-TEX, which mimics Nappa leather. Upholstery color options include Black to Macchiato Beige/Black, Tonka Brown/Black, and Power Red/Black to White/Black Nappa leather.

The available interior trims are natural-grain walnut, fineline anthracite wood, metal weave, a new silver mixed-metal fabric trim, and an open-pored black wood veneer interspersed with fine aluminum inlays.

The front seats feature heating and AIRSCARF® neck warming. On the AMG® CLE 53 model, you can choose the racing-inspired option of AMG® Performance seats. You can opt for the MANUFAKTUR Edition for the AMG® CLE 53 with bespoke additions inside and out.

Technology

The 2026 CLE Cabriolet is equipped standard with the Burmester® 3D surround sound system*. This system takes the immersive audio experience to a new level with its native integration of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos®. All occupants will enjoy a 360-degree audio experience with Dolby Atmos®, while the Burmester® system* features 17 speakers.

The Burmester® sound system* has 16 channels and 710 watts. It includes two front bass speakers in the front footwells, one midrange speaker each in the doors and rear side panels, one tweeter each in the doors and rear side walls, two surround speakers on the parcel shelf, a center fill speaker in the center of the instrument panel, and two near-ear loudspeakers in each of the front seats.

If you have an Apple Music subscription, you can take advantage of more songs being added to the Spatial Audio collection with Dolby Atmos®. Universal Music Group has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to be the first major record label to work with its artists to record and mix their music with Dolby Atmos® in order to sound the best in the 2026 CLE Cabriolet.

Safety

The 2026 CLE Cabriolet arrives as standard with ATTENTION ASSIST®, which includes:

• Active Brake Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Speed Limit Assist
• Parking package with a backup camera.

Optional as a package is the Driver Assistance Package with extended functionality:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® – This system can keep your vehicle at a certain distance while using cruise control; it can also react to stationary vehicles, automatically restart if you come to a complete stop, and can be set up to 130 mph.
• Intersection Approach Function – Helps keep you aware of cross traffic and its direction. A warning is given if you attempt to pull into traffic and the vehicle applies the brakes. You can cancel this by pressing the gas pedal.
• Active Steering Assist – This feature will help you steer when the vehicle is able to trace the lanes on the road, allowing you to rest your hands on the steering wheel.
• Active Lane Change Assist – Assists in changing lanes for you when you use the turn signal stalk to direct it to change lanes. It will not work, however, if it detects a solid line for the lane you are trying to move into.
• Active Emergency Stop Assist – When traveling above 37 mph, the car will monitor if the driver is paying attention and alert. If the driver is no longer placing their hands on the wheel, the vehicle will come to a complete stop and activate its hazards. At this point, the doors will be unlocked, and the vehicle assistant will immediately call for help with the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call.
• Active Brake Assist – Using sensors, the Mercedes-Benz will assist the driver in an emergency stop if it detects that a crash is imminent.
• Avoidance Steering Assistant – At up to 68 mph, the car can help the driver avoid crashing into other cars, people, and bicyclists.
• Active Lane Keeping Assist – Available from 37 mph and faster, monitors lane markings on the sides of the vehicle to help keep you in the lane you are in. If there is a potential for a crash, the vehicle can help steer out of the potential situation and will alert the driver visually and audibly.
• Active Blind Spot Assist – Provides visual and audible warnings to the driver if the vehicle starts to leave its current lane without signaling, or if signaling is present but there is something in the blind spot. If you are stationary, the system can still alert you to something approaching you when you go to open your door to get out.
• PRESAFE® PLUS – If the vehicle senses a rear-end collision is imminent, it will pre-fire the seat belt tensioners to help brace for the incoming impact. If you are stationary and the sensors detect a potential crash, it locks the brakes to minimize forward movement when the vehicle is impacted. This helps to ensure less damage to other vehicles and reduces whiplash for occupants.
• PRESAFE® Impulse Side – If a side collision is detected, the car will inflate air chambers in the side bolsters of the front seats to push the driver or passenger toward the center of the vehicle before the side impact occurs. Mercedes-Benz says these will immediately deploy within fractions of a second before the side of the vehicle is impacted.