Mercedes-Benz CLE unveiled: one model, two roles

Mercedes-Benz has been sweeping some corners of its model range lately. For example, the previous SL, S-class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster were succeeded by one model: the SL presented in 2022. A step lower in the range, Mercedes also streamlines things. Where the C-class and E-class each had their own Coupé and Cabriolet version, there will now be one model that will fulfill that role for both models: the CLE. The Mercedes-Benz CLE is emphatically presented as a CLE Coupé, but the Germans are also releasing photos of the CLE Cabriolet without saying a single word about it.

Mercedes Benz CLE Coupe

Especially a lot of C-class

The appearance of the Mercedes-Benz CLE, as a Coupé and as a Cabriolet, is frankly not a huge surprise. The CLE broadly picks up where the two-door C and E-Class left off. In terms of profile, it mainly resembles the C-Class Coupé, with the subtly rising window line at the C-pillar. It also simply has two side windows, where the E-class Coupé had a special third side window. The front is also most reminiscent of that of the C-class, although the CLE has slightly more pinched headlights towards the middle. At the rear, it is mainly an evolution of what happened on the back of the C and E-class Coupé/Cabriolet, with the taillights tied together as a design-technical hint to the youngest E-class.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz CLE you could just imagine yourself in a C-class. There the similarities with the C are most striking. In fact, the CLE has an almost identical cockpit. So no Superscreen here as in the E-class, let alone a Hyperscreen. No, just the familiar design with the central infotainment screen protruding from the center tunnel and three oval ventilation grilles above it. Mercedes’ latest incarnation of the MBUX system works on the 11.9-inch infotainment screen. Just like in the C and E-class, you will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in front of the steering wheel. Of course, it is also possible in the CLE to lighten things up a bit to personal taste with LED lighting all around.

Mercedes Benz CLE

Four and six cylinders

Although the Mercedes-Benz CLE has mainly been inspired by the C-class in terms of appearance, that does not mean that it is mainly a C-class Coupé. That starts with the dimensions: the CLE is 10 cm longer than the C-class at 4.85 m, but has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 2.865 m. Compared to the C-class Coupé, it is no less than 16.4 cm longer and the CLE is even 1.5 cm longer than the E-class Coupé.

In contrast to the car that you can see as the ancestor of the CLE, the Mercedes-Benz CLK, the CLE is not purely based on the C-class. At the time, the C and E class each had their own base, but nowadays it works more modularly, so the CLE is on the same MRA 2 platform as both the C and E class. That also means that in terms of powertrains, everything is possible in terms of overlap. It is striking that the Mercedes-Benz CLE also goes directly to the six-cylinder. In this he therefore follows more the line of the new E-class.

The range starts with the CLE 200 with a mild hybrid 204 hp 2.0 four-cylinder that temporarily supplies an extra 23 hp with EQ Boost. It is also available in combination with 4Matic four-wheel drive. A step above it is the CLE 300 4Matic, with a 258 hp version of that four-cylinder with the same temporary power spurt with EQ Boost. At the top is the CLE 450 4Matic for the time being, with a 381 hp mild-hybrid 3.0 six-cylinder that also receives 23 hp extra power with EQ Boost. That provisional top version (AMGs are still coming) shoots from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds. Dieseling is possible with the CLE 200d, which has a 200 hp (+23 hp EQ Boost) strong 2.0 mild-hybrid four-cylinder on board. Switching is always possible with the nine-speed 9G-Tronic.

Mercedes Benz CLE Cabriolet

More things we know from the sedan and station wagon brothers of the CLE? Of course. A co-steering rear axle is also available with the CLE and can enable a steering angle of 2.5 degrees. This should shorten the turning circle by up to 50 cm, according to Mercedes. Up to a speed of 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to make the CLE feel more ‘light-footed and agile’.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé will be launched in November of this year, the CLE Cabriolet will follow next year. Prices will be announced at a later date.