Competes with: Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, fiscal responsibility
Looks like: A combination of the C- and E-Class coupes and cabriolets
Powertrain: 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (300) or 375-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (450); nine-speed automatic; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Early 2024
Coupe and cabriolet body styles were notably absent from the most recent redesigns of Mercedes-Benz’s C- and E-Class cars, and now we know why: They were busy doing the fusion dance behind closed doors to become the all-new 2024 CLE coupe and cabriolet. With standard all-wheel drive and the same four-cylinder and six-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrains found in the E-Class, the CLE aims to serve the dwindling market for two-door, gas-powered cars as Mercedes-Benz continues its transition toward an all-electric future.
Related: Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a Good Car? 4 Pros and 4 Cons
Despite its all-new status, the CLE doesn’t bring a lot of innovation to the table. It boasts new front styling, a new front-seat design and, in a first for Mercedes-Benz, “the front seats are unlocked with an elegant loop made of Nappa leather conveniently located at the upper edge of the backrest of the front seats.” Mercedes calls this feature Easy-Entry. We’ve seen the technology inside before, though the infotainment adds a few trick features.
New Styling
The CLE is bigger in every major measurement than the outgoing C-Class coupe, and while it’s slightly longer than the E-Class coupe, in most other measurements, it’s nearly identical or slightly smaller. Up front, it wears a new grille design with a three-dimensional pattern as well as unique LED headlights. The silhouette is strikingly similar to both the C- and E-Class coupes, which isn’t a bad thing, as both were rather handsome. In back, two-part taillights and large exhaust finishers in the rear bumper contribute to the CLE’s athletic appearance. A variety of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels will be available.
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Not-So-New Powertrains
Under the hood of the CLE are very familiar mild-hybrid powerplants. The base CLE300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque. The CLE450 gets a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that makes 375 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines have a boost feature that allows for an additional 23 hp and 148 pounds-feet for short periods. All CLE models will come standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The CLE also sits 0.6 inch lower than its sedan siblings when equipped with either its standard comfort suspension or optional stiffer sport suspension; the latter adds sportier steering, as well.
New Front Seats Highlight the Interior
Similar to its exterior dimensions, the CLE’s interior is roomier than the C-Class coupe but in most respects smaller than the two-door E-Class. Up front, a new seat design aims for a combination of comfort and sportiness with what Mercedes calls “avant garde” design. Audiophiles should enjoy the two speakers that are integrated into each of the front seats, as well.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 11.9-inch touchscreen display are the technological highlights, including the latest version of the MBUX user interface. Mercedes also touts the system’s artificial intelligence capabilities, including its ability to recognize frequent user actions and when they occur, and then automate those actions in similar scenarios at similar times. A new Android-specific interface allows for additional third-party apps, while some (e.g.,TikTok) come installed.
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Pricing and Release Date
Mercedes says the new CLE will go on sale in early 2024, and we expect to learn pricing as that time gets closer. Expect it to be priced from somewhere in the $60,000 range, between the C-Class coupe’s roughly $50,000 starting price and the base E-Class coupe’s $70,000-odd price tag.
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