Mercedes have revealed its new CLE, an amalgamation of the C and E class coupes. It’s close to the size of the E-Class with the looks of the C -Class from the details we’ve seen so far. It will come with one diesel and four petrol engines powered by 2.0-litre engines and all will have mild-hybrid power going through a nine-speed auto transmission. A plug-in hybrid variant will be added to the lineup in the future as well as AMG versions, as standard the CLE is 15mm lower compared to the E-Class.
Petrol power comes in the form of the CLE 200. There’s 204bhp and 320Nm of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 7.4s. The 200 will be available with Mercedes 4MATIC four-wheel drive system, which adds weight, slows the 0-100 km/h time and reduces fuel economy.
Next up comes the CLE 300 4MATIC with 258bhp and 400Nm of torque with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 s. The CLE 450 will be beefier with 381bhp and 500Nm of torque with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4s. Mercedes haven’t given any details yet on AMG variants but we won’t be long waiting.
The entry-level CLE 220 d comes with 197bhp and 440Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. Instead of full on braking regeneration they’ve worked on coasting which gives a much smoother passenger experience, there will also be small amounts of boost (23bhp with boost torque of 200Nm) and some recuperation.
Rear-axle steering is the popular add on of the day and Mercedes will offer it as part of the ‘Dynamic Body Control’ package. This it means the CLE’s rear wheels can steer up to 2.5 degrees. The package also adds continuous adjustable damping.
The interior passenger space is smaller than the E-Class with reduced legroom and headroom in the rear. The 420-litre boot has 5 litres less than two-door E-Class.
The CLE will have the ability to get over-the-air updates using (in some countries where available) 5G internet connectivity. They’ve added new apps such as TikTok, aweb browser as well as games to the infotainment.
A 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 11.9-inch driver’s display use the latest MBUX infotainment. Mercedes’ new routines function learns the habits of the driver and automatically adjusts the climate control and ambient lighting etc based on the habits of the driver.
Mercedes says the market launch of the CLE coupe will start in November with a convertible following in 2024.