Two Mercedes-Benz two-door coupes become one with the introduction of the CLE Coupé. The C-Class and E-Class coupé variants are no more but in their place is a new model that’s bigger than both.
Compared with the previous C-Class Coupé, the new CLE Coupé is roomier with 56-72mm of added leg and knee room. There’s a new easy-entry function for rear-seat passengers as well. A Nappa Leather loop at the upper edge of the backrest facilitates sliding the front seat forward. Boot space rises by 60 litres to 420L.
The CLE Coupé is also 15mm longer than the previous E-Class Coupé, with significantly more shoulder and elbow room. M-B says the CLE Coupé is the largest coupé in the mid-size segment.
Styling elements include a muscular shoulder, sloping roofline and long bonnet for a sporty stance. There are also sculpted power domes on the bonnet, and a ‘shark nose’ front section incorporating flat LED headlights. A distinctive radiator grille features a single louvre and 3D chrome elements. At the rear are two-part LED lights and an AMG-inspired diffuser-look rear apron with integrated tailpipe trims.
Two variants will be available, the CLE 200 and CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé. Both use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine featuring mild-hybrid technology. In the CLE 200 Coupé the output is 150kW/320Nm. The CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé lifts performance to 190kW and 400Nm.
In both models, the addition of a 17kW/205Nm second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) provides torque support at lower speeds. It also includes a 48-volt vehicle electrical system to facilitate coasting, boost or recuperation, lowering fuel use further.
Both models run a nine-speed automatic transmission which is adapted for use with the ISG. The electric motor is integrated within the transmission, offering advantages in installation space and weight.
They each run on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and feature sports suspension that’s lowered by 15 mm for a more assertive stance. Compared with the sedans, there’s also less body roll and extra agility. With amplitude-selective damping, added body control does not come at the expense of passenger comfort.
Both variants have the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system accessible via the portrait-oriented 11.9-inch centre display screen.
Other key appointments include synthetic (CLE 200) and natural leather (CLE 300) seat covers, variable ambient lighting, and a Burmester surround sound system. There are also heated front seats with memory function, a panoramic sliding sunroof, head-up display, navigation, wireless charging and smartphone integration, and self parking with a surround camera.
Both models have AMG Line exterior and interior trim, and the Night Package featuring black trim elements.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Coupé is priced from $109,300 while the Mercedes-Benz 300 4MATIC Coupé starts at $126,700.
