In November, Mercedes-Benz will bring the CLE on the market, a Coupe that uses the technology of both the C- and (recently updated) E-Class. Later (in 2024), there will also be a cabriolet version and a PHEV variant.

Although coupes and cabriolets seem to be an extinguishing species in car land, premium manufacturers like Mercedes or BMW are not ready to abandon these segments. The new CLE is proof of that. To cut costs, almost all of the technology is taken over from the existing C- and E-Class so that everything can be focused on design, comfort, and (open air) driving pleasure.

Athletic but roomy

“The progressively forward-leaning front section (‘shark nose’) with a low-slung bonnet, flat LED headlights, and the newly designed, three-dimensional radiator grille ensure an athletic yet extremely elegant appearance,” the press release boasts.

In the side view, there’s a ‘character line’ that runs from the headlight to the exterior mirror and from the rear light to the door handle. The rear wants to show muscular and is characterized by smooth transitions and two-part LED lights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies.

At 4,85 meters long, 1,86 m wide, and 1,43 m high, the new two-door is the largest coupé in the mid-size segment. With its 25-millimeter longer wheelbase, too, the CLE Coupé offers significantly more space than the C-Class Coupé, says Mercedes.

The rear passengers benefit from 10 millimeters more headroom, 19 millimeters more shoulder and elbow room, and (more important) 72 millimeters more knee room. The trunk volume offers 60 litres more volume and can easily hold three golf bags (that’s how loading space is usually evaluated in these categories).

Sporty luxury

Eye-catchers in the interior are the free-standing 12,3-inch, fully digital instrument display and the 11,9-inch, driver-oriented central display. Another highlight is the front seats in integral sport design, developed exclusively for the CLE.

In conjunction with the optional Burmester 3D surround sound system, they each have two loudspeakers at the level of the headrests and thus create an individual and immersive music experience with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio close to the ears.

The CLE adopts numerous digital innovations from the new E-Class. With the new electronics architecture and the third generation of the MBUX infotainment system, Mercedes claims it offers an exceptionally interactive entertainment experience with third-party apps and a new level of personalization with automated convenience functions (routines).

Mild hybrid or PHEV

With the new CLE Coupe, Mercedes wants to set standards in efficiency thanks to systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing. All engines are mild hybrids with an integrated starter generator and a 48-volt electrical system.

There is a choice of four-cylinder units and, as the most powerful engine, a 3.0‑liter straight-six petrol engine developing 280 kW/381 hp and 500 Nm of torque. All are coupled to a further developed 9-gear automatic transmission.

The car is first launched with the four-cylinders, diesel as well as petrol. They are mild hybrids with a turbocharger and a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG), both delivering some 150 kW, with an additional power boost of some 17 kW of the small electric motor. The torque is also boosted by 200 Nm thanks to that electric motor. With the petrol engine, four-wheel drive is available.

The ISG includes a 48-volt electrical system with a quick and convenient (re)start, which makes the stop/start function and the transition from power to coasting or vice versa almost imperceptible, according to Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer the CLE Coupé and Cabriolet as a plug-in hybrid at a later date. In purely electric driving mode, the vehicle will offer a practical range, the manufacturer promises.

The driving program will provide/reserve the electric driving mode for the most sensible sections of the route. For example, electric driving will be given priority on routes in urban areas. To our knowledge, this will be the first ‘mass-produced’ cabriolet to offer PHEV.

Driving pleasure

The chassis is lowered by 15 millimeters as standard. The optional Dynamic Body Control, with continuously adjustable damping on the front and rear axles in combination with rear-axle steering, both offered in the Technology package, ensures particularly agile and comfortable driving pleasure, says the press release.

The steering angle of the four-wheel-steering is up to 2,5 degrees. This reduces the turning circle by 50 cm. Despite its larger dimensions, the CLE Coupé with rear-wheel drive has a smaller turning circle than the C-Class Coupé (10,7 instead of 11,2 meters).

Numerous driver assistance systems, some of which have been further developed, offer situation-specific support for more safety. The standard equipment includes Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and the parking package with reversing camera. In Western Europe, Active Distance Assist Distronic is also a standard equipment.