The two-door CLE coupé is an indirect replacement for the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class coupe and cabriolet models.
The CLE is part of Mercedes’ efforts to consolidate its ICE model range to focus more on new all-electric models.
The dashboard design and cabin layout, with a 12.3-inch driver’s display and 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment displays, is heavily based on the new C-Class.
The car is based on Mercedes’ MRA platform and shares underpinnings with the new-generation C-Class and E-Class.
At 4,850mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,428mm high, the CLE Coupé offers significantly more space than the C-Class Coupé, also thanks to its 25mm longer wheelbase. The CLE’s boot space is pegged at 420 litres.
The CLE range starts with the rear-wheel-drive CLE 200d. The 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder diesel engine pushes out 197HP and 440Nm.
All engine options are mild hybrids with an integrated starter generator and a 48V electrical system. There is a choice of four-cylinder units and a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, the latter being the most powerful. The CLE is also available in all-wheel-drive configurations.
The standard safety kit of the CLE Coupé includes Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and the parking package with a reversing camera.
Mercedes-Benz will also offer the CLE Coupé as a plug-in hybrid in the future. A Cabriolet version is expected to arrive sometime in 2024.
The steel suspension, with a double-wishbone setup at the front and multi-link at the rear, is based on the C-Class but with the ride height reduced by 15mm.