While winter calls for the warm rumble of powerful engines built to conquer the cold, summer belongs to convertibles – those magnificent cabriolets that capture the spirit of open-air freedom and sun-drenched skies.
In 2025, two new luxury convertibles will make their debut on South African roads, offering a driving experience where every moment becomes a celebration. Both convertibles embody more than just performance and luxury; they’re an invitation to embrace life’s finer moments, to drive not just for the destination, but for the experience itself. As South Africa’s scenic landscapes come alive in the summer sun, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ and Bentley Continental GT Convertible will let drivers immerse themselves in beauty and adventure.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet
Around mid-2024, I attended the launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe in KwaZulu-Natal, an elegant harbinger of the CLE Cabriolet, which followed in November 2024 in Cape Town (visit our website for my driving impressions). With the arrival of the AMG CLE models, Mercedes-AMG has set the stage for the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet – a car that joins the legendary SL Roadster in offering open-top exhilaration tailored for all seasons, but primed for summer.
Imagine cruising through the Western Cape’s Franschhoek Pass or Mpumalanga’s Long Tom Pass in this masterpiece – the AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet is crafted for such scenic routes.
Scheduled to hit South African roads in the first quarter of 2025, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet comes packed with performance and comfort. Beneath its sculpted hood lies a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine with twin turbocharging, delivering 330kW of power and 560Nm of torque, with a temporary over-boost function pushing torque to 600Nm for added thrills. An integrated starter generator adds a brief 17kW and 205Nm, feeding the 48-volt electrical system. Paired with the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, this setup launches the cabriolet from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
Its bold design, from the wide flared arches to the Monobloc-inspired alloy wheels, commands attention. Step inside, and you’re welcomed by an AMG-exclusive interior that exudes refined luxury with sport-inspired elegance. Features like AirCap® and AirScarf® ensure comfort, while a suite of tech enhancements promises a driver-centric experience.
Open-Air Superluxury: The Bentley Continental GT Convertible
Picture gliding through the Cape Winelands, or perhaps an unforgettable coastal journey along KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast in the Bentley Continental GT Convertible, a car
designed for both leisurely drives and grand tours.
In the latter half of 2024, Bentley Motors revealed the fourth-generation Continental GT Convertible, carrying forward the iconic legacy of the Continental GT family while pushing boundaries in craftsmanship, performance, and elegance. It’s an ultra-luxury hybrid masterpiece with a fresh design aesthetic that channels the DNA of Bentley’s exclusive Bacalar and Batur models.
The Bentley Continental GT Convertible has an impressive 4.0-litre V8 engine with an electric motor, producing a staggering 575kW and 1 000Nm of torque. This hybrid powertrain provides thrilling acceleration, reaching 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, it also offers an electric-only range of up to 81km. With emissions as low as 29g/km, the Bentley sets a new standard in eco-conscious luxury without sacrificing performance.
Its sleek exterior design introduces single headlamps, a nostalgic nod to Bentley models of the 1950s, marking the biggest revision to the Continental’s look in two decades. Inside, the cabin redefines opulence with cutting-edge wellness features, including air ionisation and innovative seat technologies for ultimate comfort. Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship shines through with three-dimensional leather textures, dark chrome finishes and signature modern quilting.
The Essence of Open-Top Driving
These two convertibles are not merely cars; they’re crafted for dreamers who seek luxury in every breath of fresh air. From spirited drives across mountain passes to sunset cruises along the coast, 2025 promises to be a thrilling year for those who yearn for the wind in their hair and a sense of boundless adventure.
