Mercedes-Benz CLE: two birds with one stone – Preview

In the hunt for higher profit margins, Mercedes-Benz mainly focuses on the more luxurious models. Therefore, the brand is withdrawing from the lower regions of the car market. At the same time, Das Haus streamlines the range in the higher regions. For example, we see the thickest SL taking over the role of the AMG GT Roadster. It is also becoming less crowded in the middle segment. The Coupé and Cabriolet versions of the C and E-class clear the field and Mercedes-Benz also reverts to an approach that it already used with the CLK. There will be one model for it, which will assist both the C and E-class as a two-door. Mercedes sticks the name CLE on it, where the ‘E’ in the name was undoubtedly chosen to position it a little higher in the market.

Don’t be misled by the name, because as mentioned, the Mercedes-Benz CLE should appeal to customers who would still aspire to a C-class Coupé or Cabriolet. There is a chance that the CLE, in contrast to the C-class, will not only come on the market with four cylinders and that it therefore follows the E-class more in terms of engines. After all, the new E-class will soon be available with more than just four cylinders.

Mixture

The CLE sits on a base similar to both models, as both the C and upcoming E-Class are on the modular MRA II platform. In the past, the CLK played a similar dual role, but rested on the basis of the C-class. Even when the CLK handed over the baton to the first C and E-class Coupé/Cabriolet, the C-class remained the basis.

The appearance of the Mercedes-Benz CLE does not blow anyone away. Mercedes is playing it safe, as was apparent from the espionage photos on which our draftsman based these illustrations. The basic shape of both the CLE Coupé and the Cabriolet is very similar to that of the models it succeeds, although the somewhat uncomfortable-looking third side window of the E-class Coupé does not return. For the front and the rear, the CLE seems to have lost the art of existing smooth-lined models. The nose of the CLE shows similarities with that of the new SL and at the rear there seem to be light units that make it look a bit like the CLA and CLS.

Mercedes Benz CLE Cabriolet

It remains to be seen how things are going in the interior. Since we expect the CLE to get a little more close to the E-class, we are cautiously counting on a cockpit that is mainly reminiscent of that of the new E-class. What exactly that looks like is still a big mystery at the time of writing. In any case, count on a large infotainment screen protruding from the center tunnel, such as in the S-class, EQE and EQS. Naturally, Mercedes’ latest version of MBUX works on this.

Hybrid Power

If the CLE actually grabs mainly from the engine compartment of the new E-class, you can in any case choose from six-cylinder engines in addition to four-cylinder engines. Electrification plays an important role in both cases, be it mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid. As we are used to from Mercedes, the plug-in hybrids undoubtedly guarantee a decent electric driving range, but electrification may also play a prominent role in the AMG versions. The CLE Coupé you see on the illustration should represent the AMG 63, a prototype of which has already been spotted with a tailgate on it. Perhaps the 680 hp strong powertrain of the C63 (with a four-cylinder engine) will be used here and that the six-cylinder will remain reserved for milder and more comfort-oriented versions. We expect all the answers next year, because then it is expected that the CLE will make its public debut.