Embark on a breathtaking journey along Europe’s most scenic driving routes, where the road itself becomes part of the adventure.
For many, the joy of driving lies in the beauty of the landscape. When every twist and turn offers views that captivate your senses, the journey becomes truly unforgettable. Add a car that blends comfort, performance, and the thrill of open-top cruising, and you’ve found the perfect recipe for adventure. The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is designed for just that, with dynamic driving capabilities, all-season comfort, and seating for four. Whether it’s the fresh mountain air or coastal breezes, Europe’s best driving routes are the ideal playground for this luxurious ride.
Most Scenic Driving Routes
Stelvio Pass: Europe’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio Pass boasts one of the world’s most awe-inspiring views, making it a favorite among car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Stretching between Stilfs (Stelvio) in the northeast and Bormio in the southwest, this iconic route near the Italian-Swiss border is a must for thrill-seekers. Getting there from the Ipsala Border Crossing is about 2,000 kilometers, but worth every mile. One way to tackle this epic route is to ship your car to Bari and explore Italy from south to north. And with the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet’s AIRSCARF system, warm air gently wraps around the front seats, ensuring that even in high-altitude conditions, your comfort remains intact, making every drive as exhilarating as it is comfortable.
Coordinates:
Transfăgărășan Pass: A Driver’s Paradise
Winding through the southern Carpathian Mountains in Romania, the Transfăgărășan Pass is hailed as a mecca for car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Gaining global fame thanks to the Top Gear TV show, this mountain road is known for its stunning landscapes and thrilling twists and turns. Although it can be closed during winter due to challenging weather conditions, it remains a year-round destination for those seeking the ultimate driving experience. Just 230 kilometers from Bucharest and around 600 kilometers from the Kapıkule Border Gate, this route offers an unforgettable ride.
If you plan to visit the Transfăgărășan during cooler weather, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet’s AIRCAP system ensures your comfort. With the touch of a button, the wind deflector on the windshield extends to direct airflow above the passengers, while an automatic rear wind deflector reduces turbulence, making your open-top adventure smooth and comfortable, no matter the season.
Coordinates:
Targa Florio: The Route of Legendary Pilots
Nestled in the stunning Italian island of Sicily, the Targa Florio is one of the world’s oldest motorsport routes, renowned for its rich history. Established in 1906 with an endurance race near Palermo, this legendary track has seen the most powerful and resilient cars—and their skilled drivers—claim victory over the years. Spanning approximately 75 kilometers, the Targa Florio features a challenging circuit that ascends to an impressive altitude of 1.1 kilometers above sea level, demanding thousands of gear changes along the way.
For those looking to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Sicily beyond the famous race, you can design your own scenic route. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet enhances your driving experience with its central media screen, which can be electrically tilted between 15 and 40 degrees to minimize glare when the acoustic fabric awning is open. Plus, the interior is adorned with 64-color ambient lighting that gracefully extends from the cockpit, across the doors and rear side panels, to the back of the rear seats, creating an inviting atmosphere for your journey.
Coordinates:
Rte de Gentelly: The Spirit of James Bond
When we think of James Bond films, thrilling car chase scenes often come to mind. One memorable chase occurs in Goldeneye, as Bond speeds from France to Monaco along the Rte de Gentelly, also known as Route de Thorenc. This picturesque route winds from the Alps to the Côte d’Azur, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. While navigating this iconic drive, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet keeps you in command with its 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch central display, designed with the driver in mind. Thanks to the innovative black ARTICO leather-covered center console, interior window sills, and chrome trim throughout the passenger compartment, you can enjoy a temperature that is up to 12 degrees cooler than with standard leather. The specially designed leather seats also reflect the sun’s near-infrared rays, helping to prevent overheating during those warm summer drives.
Coordinates:
Atlantic Way: The Appeal of Coolness!
For those seeking an exhilarating drive, the Atlantic Road in Norway offers a chill like no other. Renowned for its stunning views, this coastal road entices car enthusiasts with sweeping curves that traverse the breathtaking Norwegian fjords. Connecting countless small islands, the Atlantic Road showcases a unique spectacle in every season—sometimes fierce waves leap over the roadway, while other times, a blanket of snow transforms the landscape. Whether you’re breathing in the crisp air or admiring the mesmerizing green-blue hues of the water, the experience is unforgettable. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet enhances this open-top driving pleasure, even in chilly conditions, with its standard AIRCAP electric wind deflector system and AIRSCARF neck heating system.
Coordinates:
Furka Gate: An Icon!
If you’re on the hunt for stunning road trip destinations, you’ve likely encountered the Hotel Belvedere at Furka Pass. This Swiss landmark is perched alongside the Rhone Glacier and is beautifully situated on one of the many “hairpin” bends, showcasing its classical architecture amid breathtaking natural surroundings. While winter can make access challenging, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet’s specially designed front seats, featuring an integrated sports seat design, provide the support needed to tackle the curves with confidence. The Burmester 3D surround sound system enhances your driving experience, with two speakers positioned at headrest level delivering an immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. With a total of 17 speakers, the premium sound system ensures that your journey through the Furka Pass is all the more enjoyable.
Coordinates:
Cascais N247 Road: The Explorer’s Starting Point
Nestled on the western edge of Lisbon, Cascais boasts one of the most stunning ocean-view driving routes in continental Europe. The N247 road, approximately 10 km long, winds around the peninsula from Cascais, offering numerous opportunities to park and explore scenic spots, swim at beautiful beaches, and indulge in fresh seafood cuisine. Along this route, you can also visit Cabo da Roca, the “Westernmost Point in Europe,” located about 40 kilometers from Lisbon. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is the ideal companion for this adventure. With options for a black, red, or gray acoustic fabric canopy, the CLE Cabriolet’s insulated multi-layer canopy can be folded down in just 20 seconds while traveling at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Plus, the folding acoustic fabric awning automatically separates from the luggage compartment, providing ample space for your belongings as you embark on your journey.
Coordinates:
