THE new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet has arrived in the UK with prices starting from £52,995 for the CLE 200 AMG Line.

Combining the design of the CLE Coupe with a multi-layer fabric soft top that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds, the new CLE Cabriolet continues a tradition of four-seat open-top vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.

Initially the new CLE Cabriolet is available in AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications.

At launch the range of powertrains includes four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel - all with mild-hybrid technology.

The new CLE Cabriolet is fitted with an electrically operated fabric acoustic soft top which can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds while the vehicle is travelling at up to 37mph.

When lowered, a powered divider automatically separates the folded soft top from the remaining luggage space.

Standard equipment includes the Mercedes Aircap wind deflector and the Airscarf heating system.

The Aircap is made up of two elements, a wind deflector above the windscreen which extends at the touch of a button to direct airflow over occupants' heads, while the automatic wind deflector behind the rear head restraints reduces turbulence.

The Airscarf circulates warm air around front seat occupants' necks, keeping them warm in cold or windy conditions.

Other standard equipment on all models includes the latest MBUX infotainment system with a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display, in user-friendly portrait format.

In the CLE Cabriolet, the central display can be tilted electrically from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent glare when the soft top is lowered.

The range of powertrains available in the new CLE Cabriolet includes four-cylinder petrol, six-cylinder petrol and four-cylinder diesel engines.

All engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 48-volt mild hybrid technology, with a second-generation integrated starter generator which provides more power in the low-speed range.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is available in two output levels with 204hpas the CLE 200 and with 258 hpas the CLE 300.

The CLE 450 is equipped with a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with 381hp while the CLE 220 d is powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 197hp.

The CLE 300 and CLE 450 are equipped with variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The line up tops out from £76,765 for the CLE 45- with the diesel option costing from £55,060.