Convertibles are not so dead for Mercedes. The brand of the star has taken two out of the sleeve, the AMG SL and the new CLE Cabrio that is under development. However, the firm has a major problem with the latter and, in particular, with the sportier version of AMG.
That convertibles are niche and whim cars is a reality, within the reach of very few. The convertible have lost the bellows they had until a few years ago, being relegated to a minimum expression and only in the prestigious brands and the most exclusive. Mercedes is one of them. It has recently premiered the new AMG SL and, next spring, will debut the new Mercedes CLE-Class Cabriolet.
This model, currently under development, will also have a sports variant signed by AMG. and lo and behold one of the big problems the one facing the star mark. Although the replacement for the AMG GT Roadster has opted for an interior with or2+2 seater configurationwith the rear ones somewhat smaller than usual, the new CLE Cabrio has two perfectly usable rear seats by people of almost any size.
Mercedes-AMG CLE Cabrio vs AMG SL, the duel of an impossible coexistence?
The second big problem lies in the more powerful mechanics of the second, since the German brand has not planned that the AMG CLE Cabrio is a plug-in hybrid with “AMG E Performance” technology. The approach is exactly the same as the E-Class Cabrioletwhich never had a more brutal version than that of the “AMG 53”, so under the front hood it will have the new gasoline engine from 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric turbo.
It is the same block that has released the most basic version of the “AMG SL 43”, with its 381 hp maximum power. These two circumstances become a major problem for the star brand, because one of the two models is condemned to a certain ostracism. the two models pass the barrier of 100,000 eurosmore comfortably in the case of the AMG SL and, at the same time, the one that leaves the most money in the box, so the big question that arises is which one to opt for.
The AMG SL with two small rear seats or the AMG CLE 43 and two usable rear seats? Except for surprise, this model will not be a PHEV, so the firm faces an important dilemma for position the model as a product that does not oppose the AMG SL. The exclusivity has a price, but the important investment that the German brand has made in the two models also. Mercedes doesn’t even remotely want a cannibalistic effect to take place.