The Perfect Fall Colour Tour: Why the 2025 CLE Cabriolet is Made for a Drive Through Muskoka
September 27 2025,
Fall in Ontario offers one of nature's most spectacular displays, and there's no better way to experience the season's vibrant colours than from the open cockpit of a Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet. The journey from Ottawa to Muskoka transforms into an immersive sensory experience when you can feel the crisp autumn air and hear the rustle of leaves overhead.
The CLE Cabriolet's all-season power soft top can be lowered in seconds with the touch of a button, instantly connecting you to Ontario's autumn landscape. Unlike hardtop convertibles, the sophisticated fabric roof provides superior insulation when raised, making the CLE suitable for year-round enjoyment even as temperatures begin to drop through the season.
Open-Air Comfort in Autumn Weather
The CLE Cabriolet comes equipped with AIRSCARF neck-level heating technology, which creates a gentle flow of warm air around the neck and shoulders of front seat occupants. This innovative system extends the convertible driving season well into Ontario's cooler months, allowing drivers to enjoy top-down motoring even when morning temperatures hover around 10 degrees Celsius.
Combined with heated front seats and the AIRCAP wind deflector system, the CLE creates a comfortable microclimate within the cabin. The automatic wind deflector behind the rear headrests works with the windshield system to minimize turbulence, creating a peaceful environment where passengers can enjoy conversations and the natural sounds of the Ontario countryside.
The triple-layer acoustic fabric roof provides excellent thermal insulation when closed, while the heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control ensure comfort during temperature transitions throughout the day. This comprehensive comfort system allows drivers to adapt quickly to changing autumn weather conditions.
Powertrain Options for Highway Touring
The CLE lineup offers two distinct powertrain options designed for different driving preferences. The CLE 300 4MATIC features a 2.0L turbo engine with mild hybrid technology, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides smooth highway cruising with excellent fuel economy for longer touring distances.
For those seeking more dynamic performance on Muskoka's winding roads, the CLE 450 4MATIC steps up with a 3.0L inline-six turbo engine and mild hybrid system. This sophisticated powertrain produces 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds while maintaining refined highway manners.
Both engines feature mild hybrid technology with an Integrated Starter-Generator that provides electric boost during acceleration and enables smooth stop-start operation. The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission includes shift paddles for manual control during spirited driving on scenic routes.
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive Confidence
Both CLE Cabriolet models come standard with Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which continuously monitors traction conditions and adjusts power distribution accordingly. This technology adds confidence on wet roads covered with fallen leaves, a common autumn driving challenge throughout Ontario.
The 4MATIC system's lightweight and nimble design adds confidence on wet roads and provides stability in dry corners. For autumn touring through varying road conditions, from urban Ottawa streets to rural Muskoka highways, this all-weather capability ensures consistent performance regardless of surface conditions.
The system can transfer power from 0 to 100 percent between front and rear axles as conditions demand, providing optimal traction whether navigating leaf-covered curves or accelerating up hills with varying grip levels.
Sensory Driving Experience
The CLE Cabriolet's design maximizes the connection between occupants and their surroundings. With the top down, drivers experience the full spectrum of autumn's sensory offerings: the scent of wood smoke from cottage fireplaces, the sound of geese overhead, and the visual feast of maple, oak, and birch trees in their full fall glory.
The convertible's low seating position and wide field of view create an ideal vantage point for taking in scenic vistas along Highway 11 or the more intimate back roads around Gravenhurst and Huntsville. The experience transforms simple transportation into active participation in Ontario's seasonal transition.
The 60/40-split folding rear seats provide additional versatility for camera equipment, hiking gear, or souvenirs from autumn excursions, while the electric trunk partition automatically optimizes cargo space whether the roof is up or down.
Technology Integration for Touring
The CLE Cabriolet features Mercedes-Benz's third-generation MBUX system with an 11.9-inch touchscreen central display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system integrates seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing easy access to navigation, music, and communication features without compromising the open-air experience.
MB Navigation provides real-time traffic information and route optimization, helping drivers avoid congestion and discover scenic alternatives. The system can identify points of interest along the route, highlighting lookout points, hiking trails, and local attractions that enhance the autumn touring experience.
Voice control through the "Hey Mercedes" assistant allows hands-free operation of navigation and entertainment functions, keeping attention focused on the road and scenery rather than touchscreen interactions.
At a Glance: CLE Cabriolet Highlights
|
Model |
Engine |
Power |
0-100 km/h |
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CLE 300 4MATIC |
2.0L Turbo + Mild Hybrid |
255 hp |
6.6 seconds |
9.1 L/100 km |
|
CLE 450 4MATIC |
3.0L I6 Turbo + Mild Hybrid |
375 hp |
4.7 seconds |
8.9 L/100 km |
Storage and Practicality
Despite its convertible configuration, the CLE offers practical cargo space for weekend getaways. With the top up, cargo capacity reaches 385 litres, while top-down driving still provides 295 litres of storage. The electric trunk partition automatically adjusts to optimize space regardless of roof position.
This flexibility makes the CLE suitable for both day trips and extended touring adventures throughout Ontario's cottage country. The rear seats accommodate two adults comfortably for shorter journeys or fold down to create additional cargo space for longer items.
Your Autumn Adventure Awaits
Experience how the CLE Cabriolet transforms a simple drive into an immersive autumn adventure. Contact our sales team at Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown to learn more about these sophisticated convertibles and discover which CLE model suits your touring style through Ontario's spectacular fall landscapes.
