Ultimately, there were simply too many models of the “Dream Cars” category with which the then CEO Dieter Zetsche absolutely wanted to enrich the Mercedes model portfolio. Motto: into every niche. Customers could choose between coupés and convertibles of the C-, E- and S-Class as well as the Roadster SL and AMG GT as a coupé and roadster. In particular, the two models – Coupé and Cabriolet – of the C and E Class were dangerously close to each other in size and design. That’s now over. The product strategists at Mercedes are streamlining the range of their emotional models, in the future the C and E coupés and convertibles will merge into a new series called CLE. The coupé is scheduled to launch in November at prices starting at 58,000 euros, and the convertible will be launched in time for next spring.
As a target group, Mercedes wants to appeal primarily to the so-called silver agers, well-off older couples whose children have already left home. Why do you need a car with four doors?
In terms of design, the coupé follows the classic silhouette. Long hood, short front overhang, a more sloping windshield and a smoothly flowing rear end. Add to that a large wheelbase and so-called blisters over the fenders, and you have a well-proportioned coupé.
Strictly speaking, Mercedes did not place the CLE Coupé with a length of 4.85 meters between the C and E, but rather slightly above the E-Class Coupé. This measures 1.5 centimeters less. The CLE is separated from the C Coupé by over 16 centimeters. Mercedes describes its new two-door model as “the largest coupé in the mid-size segment”.
Confident price
Prices start at just under 60,000 euros.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Familiar interior
The large screen characterizes the cockpit.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes wants to score points in terms of space and package. Guests in the rear particularly benefit from this and have quite comfortable freedom of movement. The developers were even able to get 60 liters more out of the trunk compared to the C-Class Coupé; it now measures 420 liters. Of the golf bags that are mandatory in this vehicle segment, three should fit inside. If space is tight, the rear seat backs can even be folded down separately. In any case, the rear is likely to become a “second” trunk for many CLE owners.
Familiar things reveal themselves behind the wheel. The display graphics and their arrangements were taken from the C-Class. However, the MBUX architecture (voice control/infotainment/apps/personalization) behind it corresponds to that in the new generation of the E-Class that has just been introduced. Even a Zoom conference with the office is possible from the car. Using the system and the operating structure should not cause any problems.
In any case, Mercedes handling is one of the most intuitive in the industry. The system responds quickly and the screen is easy to read thanks to its good resolution. Integral sports seats and a Burmester 3D surround sound system are optionally available.
The six-cylinder in-line engine in the CLE 450 is also convincing – the current top engine in the series, at least until the performance subsidiary AMG starts working on the CLE.
More storage space
In any case, there is enough luggage for the trip
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Built long
Strictly speaking, Mercedes has positioned the CLE Coupé, with a length of 4.85 meters, slightly above the E-Class Coupé.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
The steering, driving comfort and noise level in the car were convincing in the test. This also applies to performance development. The three-liter gasoline engine mobilizes at least 280 kW/381 hp, with the torque of 700 Newton meters being responsible for the pulling power, 200 of which are provided by the boost electric motor. The CLE 450 is designed as a mild hybrid (integrated starter generator ISG). And not only it, but all versions of the series are electrified in this way, which on the one hand increases performance but at the same time reduces consumption.
Mercedes specifies a WLTP value of just 7.8 l/100 km for the top model CLE 450. There will also be a plug-in hybrid in the CLE in 2024. It can be heard that the range should correspond to that of the new E-Class. And this can cover over 100 kilometers. Mercedes is not yet revealing exact values, only talking about “practical” range.
If you want something more conventional: a diesel is also in the price list. The four-cylinder CLE 220d is the entry-level version in the series with 145 kW/197 hp. The petrol engines start with CLE 200 and 150 kW/204 HP. The CLE 300 ranks above this with 190 kW/258 hp. Both are two-liter four-cylinder engines, and both are also available with all-wheel drive.
High expectations
Mercedes describes its new two-door model as “the largest coupé in the mid-size segment”
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Space in the back seats
The rear is comparatively spacious.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
What all engines have in common is the nine-speed automatic transmission, which does its work discreetly in the background. With the optional Dynamic Body Control, the CLA also has continuous damper adjustment including steering rear wheels, which increases agility without compromising comfort.
And if you want sportier driving behavior overall, switch to “Sport” mode. However, our test drive showed that the “Comfort” position is the best compromise in everyday life in order to keep consumption and comfort within limits.
The CLE is also teeming with assistance systems, many of which come as standard, such as the Active Distance Assist Distronic, while others are bundled into special packages. Only the automatic overtaking assistant, as recently introduced in the E-Class, is missing from the CLE.
The price of the coupé as CLE 200 starts at 58,800 euros and is therefore a good 10,000 euros above the last price of the C-Class coupé. But the industry has always paid more for emotionality, which is what coupés usually radiate.
Mercedes CLE – technical data
Three-door, four-seater luxury class coupe
Length: 4.85 meters
Width: 1.86 meters
Height: 1.43 meters
Wheelbase: 2.87 meters
Trunk volume: 420 liters
CLE 200
2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine mild hybrid
150 kW/204 HP
electric boost 17 kW/23 HP and 200 Nm
maximum torque: 520 Nm
Nine-speed automatic
Rear wheel drive
0-100 km/h: 7.4 s
Vmax: 240 km/h
Standard consumption: 6.4 liters/100 kilometers (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 145 g/km (WLTP)
Emissions standard: Euro 6d
Price: 58,800 euros
CLE300
2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine mild hybrid
190 kW/258 HP
electric boost 17 kW/23 HP and 200 Nm
maximum torque: 600 Nm
Nine-speed automatic
Rear wheel drive
0-100 km/h: 6.2 s
Vmax: 250 km/h
Standard consumption: 7.0 liters/100 kilometers (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 159 g/km (WLTP)
Emissions standard: Euro 6d
CLE450
3.0 liter six-cylinder turbo petrol engine mild hybrid
280 kW/381 HP
electric boost 17 kW/23 HP and 200 Nm
maximum torque: 700 Nm
Nine-speed automatic
Rear wheel drive
0-100 km/h: 4.4 s
Vmax: 250 km/h
Standard consumption: 7.8 liters/100 kilometers (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 176 g/km (WLTP)
Emissions standard: Euro 6d
CLE 220d
2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel mild hybrid
145 kW/197 HP
electric boost 17 kW/23 HP and 200 Nm
maximum torque: 640 Nm
Nine-speed automatic
Rear wheel drive
0-100 km/h: 7.5 s
Vmax: 238 km/h
Standard consumption: 4.7 liters/100 kilometers (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 123 g/km (WLTP)
Emissions standard: Euro 6d
More: Fast charging, classic design – Mercedes reveals the Concept CLA Class