What happens when you add the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and C-Class together? You get the CLE.
The new CLE coupe and convertible, which replaces both the E-Class and C-Class coupe and convertible ranges, will hit Australia in the second half of 2024.
In Europe, the coupe will debut in November 2023 with the convertible to follow early in 2024.
Measuring up at 4850mm long with a 2865mm wheelbase, 1860mm wide, and 1420mm tall, it’s bigger than the BMW 4 Series or Audi A5 – along with the last C-Class coupe. Mercedes-Benz says that pays dividends inside with more space, particularly in the rear seats.
The boot is now capable of holding three golf bags, with a capacity of 420 litres.
Much of the cabin will be familiar to anyone who’s seen the new C-Class, or AMG SL.
The centre console is dominated by an 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen, and the driver is faced with an 12.3-inch display.
Although there are parts shared with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range, the seats are unique to the CLE. Gone are the plastic flaps to fold them, replaced with Nappa leather straps. Fancy.
An optional Burmester sound system has a total of 17 speakers, including some integrated into the seat backs.
Power at launch comes from a range of four- and six-cylinder engines, including a diesel.
The most basic engine, the CLE200, pumps out 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic. A 48V mild-hybrid system features across the range, and can contribute an additional 200Nm for short bursts. It also makes for smoother start/stop.
Topping the range is the CLE450 4Matic, which has a 280kW/500Nm turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine mated with the same 48V system.
A plug-in hybrid is being developed, and we’re expecting to see AMG variants as well.
Under the skin, the CLE has a sports suspension setup and can be optioned with an adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering.
