The CLE Coupe has broken cover as a replacement for the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe thus streamlining the Stuttgart model line up. Unveiled in both Coupe and Cabriolet with the former retaining the cloth top in place of the less favoured metal folding top.
The front retains the design as seen on both the latest C-Class and E-Class with the prominent star taking centre stage on the grille for a shark nose look. LED High Performance headlights with a newly designed trifunctional torch for daytime running lights, position lights and direction indicators comes as standard with optional DIGITAL LIGHT headlights.
The convertible has a clot top which Mercedes claims is as quite as metal top.
When opened there is a "cape" that acts a wind deflector atop the windscreen which in conjunction with the air deflector mounted behind the rear seats protects occupants from turbulent air when driving with the roof down.
The basic variant AVANTGARDE Line rolls on 18-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. With the AMG Line, 19-inch rims are standard. A large selection of other light-alloy wheels in 18 to 20 inches and ten different exterior colours enable a high degree of customisation.
The strongly contoured power domes on the long bonnet reference the powerful engines with up to six cylinders. As is typical for coupés, the radiator grille has a single louvre in glossy black with chrome trim and a central star. Behind it shines a grille in a newly designed, three-dimensional chrome look with a Mercedes-Benz pattern.
The powerful rear is characterised by flowing surfaces and smooth transitions. Another highlight is the two-part LED lights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies. Optionally, a light show to welcome and say goodbye to the passengers is available. The rear lights are connected with a dark red design element. Like the classic chrome trim strip on the bumper, it emphasises the width of the rear. In the AVANTGARDE Line, C-shaped trim parts enclose the chrome trim strip like a classy clasp.
With its dimensional concept, the CLE Coupé is in a league of its own. At 4,850 millimetres long, 1,860 millimetres wide and 1,428 millimetres high, the new two-door is significantly larger than the C-Class Coupé, but two millimetres flatter and 15 millimetres longer than the E-Class Coupé.
The CLE interior has a cockpit with a free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch central display in user-friendly portrait format. Additional sportiness is created by the dynamic ambient lighting in 64 colours. Ambient lighting with indirect light on the trim strip of the instrument panel, the cup holders on the centre console, the overhead control unit, the door handles, the seat adjustment unit and in the front footwell is standard equipment.
As standard, the CLE has a multi-function sports steering wheel in leather and new front seats developed exclusively for the CLE. They feature an avant-garde sports seat design with integrated headrests. In conjunction with the optional Burmester® 3D surround sound system, they each have two speakers at the level of the headrests, creating a particularly individual and immersive music experience with Dolby Atmos close to the ears. The premium sound system has a total of 17 speakers. The CLE brings the third generation of the MBUX infotainment system.
The CLE 220d is the sole 2.0 4-cylinder Turbodiesel engine credited with 145kW/400Nm , fuel efficiency claimed at 5.2l/100km with performance claims of 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds (238km/h top speed). Drive on this model is to the rear wheels only. The CLE 200 has 150kW/320Nm from a 2.0 4-cylinder Turbo petrol (EG boost of 17kW/200Nm) with efficiency claims of 7.1l/100km (7.5l/100km 4Matic) with a top speed of 240km/h (236km/h 4Matic). Next up is the 190kW/400Nm CLE 300 with power coming from a 2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol in 4Matic drive. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 7.6l/100km, 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds topping at 250km/h. The CLE 450 is the sole 6 cylinder engine at present with the 3.0 6-cylinder Turbo petrol credited with 280kW/500Nm linked to a 4Matic drive. 0-100km/h is claimed in 4.4 seconds topping at 250km/h. All models get the 9G-TRONIC transmission with EG boost on all models for an additional 17kW/200Nm. The suspension of the new CLE Coupé is claimed to give agile driving fun on winding roads. At the same time, offering exceptional driving comfort over long distances.
The Mercedes CLE Coupe and Cabriolet will make its Mzansi debut before the end of 2023 with the model spec confirmed closer to local launch.