- Styling: Does It Go Far Enough?
- Powertrains And Performance: Standard 4Matic AWD And Two Mild Hybrids
- Interior: E-Class Tech Meets C-Class Style
- Pricing And Availability
Both coupe and cabriolet versions of the CLE will be available.
- New CLE Coupe replaces both C-Class and E-Class Coupes
- CLE Coupe launched first, Cabriolet to follow at a later date
- Two mild-hybrid engines topped by 375-hp inline-six
- Now the largest coupe in the midsize segment
- Arrives at local dealerships early in 2024
Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the new CLE Coupe and Cabriolet, with these models tasked with replacing both coupe and drop-top derivatives of the C-Class and E-Class. Despite declining coupe sales, we are pleased that Mercedes is still committed to releasing a new model that sacrifices some practicality for the more elegant proportions that often follow when a pair of rear doors are binned. In another sign that the new CLE is more of an emotional purchase, Mercedes has resisted downsizing to the extent of the new four-cylinder C63, with the CLE 450 available with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that should deliver the power and refinement expected of a vehicle like this. Expected to be priced at a higher point than the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, here's everything worth knowing about the new CLE.
Styling: Does It Go Far Enough?
The long hood, gracefully sloping roofline, and short overhangs are all typical ingredients of the coupe body style. Besides that, the new CLE Coupe's sheer size – at 191 inches, it's even longer than the E-Class Coupe, and just as wide – should give it the in-person presence that customers will find desirable.
But although it is attractive, the new CLE also looks a lot like an amalgamation of several other new Mercedes models. The LED High Performance headlights (Digital Light headlights are available) and three-dimensional grille are only subtly different from those found on the new C-Class Sedan, and Mercedes proudly touts the forward-leaning front section with its “shark nose,” a description that BMW purists may scoff at. Dual power domes on the hood add a sporty touch.
At the back, there are more obvious links to other members of the Mercedes stable such as the CLA and new SL. The CLE has curvy taillight clusters with a prominent lighting bar as well as a dark red center section that links the two clusters. Lower down, there is a chrome strip between the exhaust outlets.
As standard, the CLE 300 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels whereas the CLE 450 comes with the AMG Line specification and 19-inch wheels, but wheel designs of up to 20 inches will be available. Customers will also be able to choose from a selection of 10 exterior colors, which represents the level of customization we are used to from the brand.
Powertrains And Performance: Standard 4Matic AWD And Two Mild Hybrids
Unlike the older C-Class and E-Class coupes, the new CLE doesn’t have a rear-wheel-drive option. Both the CLE 300 and CLE 450 come with the marque’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
With a new integrated starter generator (ISG) featuring a 48-volt on-board electrical system, both models are mild hybrids. This system has a new battery to increase the small electric motor’s output to 23 horsepower, along with a boost torque figure of 148 lb-ft. With this system, the CLE’s gas engines deliver power more optimally at lower speeds and without turbo lag, the start/stop system operates with greater refinement, and the transition between coasting to the engines switching on is also smoother.
The base CLE 300 comes with the M 254 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, while the CLE 450’s M 256 M unit is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering a punchier 375 hp and 369 lb-ft.
Both models have a 130-mph top speed but no 0-60 mph times were claimed, although we presume that the CLE 450 can accomplish the benchmark sprint in under five seconds quite comfortably.
Merc’s 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on both trims and has been tuned to work more fluidly with the ISG system. This transmission is now more efficient and packaged better than before, which has also contributed to a weight saving. As for the 4Matic system, greater torque can be transmitted to the front axle and this system is also lighter than before.
Compared to Merc’s sedan series, the CLE Coupe has a lower ride height of 0.6 inches, and the CLE 300 has a comfort suspension as standard. A stiffer sports suspension is standard on the CLE 450 and available for the CLE 300, and it delivers improved handling and agility, along with reduced body roll.
Interior: E-Class Tech Meets C-Class Style
It may not have the Superscreen found in the latest E-Class, but the new CLE's high-tech cabin does adopt many of the technologies found in this mid-size sedan. It's the second Mercedes after the E-Class to come with the third generation of the brand's MBUX system and latest electronic architecture.
Customers will also be able to access various third-party apps such as TikTok and Zoom, 5G ensures quick data transfers, while artificial intelligence enables automated personalization of functions like lighting and temperature based on the specific routines of each driver.
The tech overload doesn't begin and end there, and music lovers will be happy to learn that Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal are all fully integrated. Regardless of your music platform choice, you'll be able to enjoy the Burmester 3D surround sound system with its 17 speakers, including integration of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and near-ear speakers placed in the front seats.
Inside, the CLE has a layout that's very similar to the new C-Class, with the same tilted 11.9-inch portrait-style touchscreen and free-standing 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Multi-contour front seats are heated and have electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support as standard, while seven-zone massaging and ventilation are optional.
Black MB-Tex upholstery is standard, but there are many more options, such as Macchiato Beige/Black or Tonka Brown/Black color schemes. This can be replaced by leather with quilting and longitudinal piping, with additional Nappa leather color schemes like Power Red/Black and White/Black. Technical or natural trim inlays will be available, from a new silver mixed-metal fabric to more traditional natural grain walnut wood.
A new Easy-Entry function makes accessing the rear seats more convenient, with an elegant Nappa leather loop quickly unlocking and moving the front seats out of the way. Once seated, rear-seat passengers will find 2.8 inches more knee room than in the C-Class Coupe but 0.28 inches less than in the E-Class Coupe. Rear shoulder room is over two inches more than in the latter, though. A decent 14.8 cubes of cargo space is sufficient for three golf bags.
The list of standard and available driver-assistance features is too long to cover exhaustively here, but many of these functions have been refined. A parking package and attention assist are standard, while customers also have access to adaptive cruise control that works at up to 130 mph, active steering assist, and active blind-spot assist.
Pricing And Availability
While we know that the CLE Coupe will arrive in US dealerships early next year, the exact release date of the CLE Cabriolet hasn’t been announced yet. Another question mark is pricing, which will probably only be shared closer to the on-sale date. The positioning of the CLE Coupe is closer to the E-Class Coupe than the C-Class Coupe, so a price range of around $55,000 to $65,000 doesn’t seem out of the question. This will make it pricier than the closest equivalent coupes from BMW and Audi.
Keyword: 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Revealed: Keeping The Luxury Coupe Alive