- Mercedes has launched a new coupe called the CLE that takes over for the two-door versions of the C-class and E-class, both of which are discontinued after 2023.
- The CLE300 uses a 255-hp turbo inline-four while the CLE450 upgrades to a 375-hp turbo inline-six, and both feature electrical assistance from an integrated starter-generator.
- The cabin is nearly identical to the one in the current C-class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 11.9-inch central touchscreen.
Mercedes-Benz is shrinking its coupe lineup, with its latest two-door effort, the 2024 CLE-class, replacing two recently discontinued models, the C-class and E-class coupes. The CLE arrives with a classy, streamlined design, a pair of electrified powertrains, and a tech-focused interior that borrows from the C-class and E-class sedans. The CLE goes on sale in the U.S. in early 2024, with a cabriolet variant coming later.
The styling mixes elements from the latest C- and E-class cars. The sleek LED headlights and trapezoidal grille mirrors the C-class while the full-width taillight (actually two lights linked by a dark red trim piece) echoes the look of the E-class. The bodywork is typical Mercedes, with smooth, flowing surfaces punctuated by crisp lines down the side and sculpted bumpers. The grille design consists of dozens of tiny Mercedes-Benz three-pointed stars.
Measuring 191 inches from bumper to bumper, the CLE is a smidge longer than the outgoing E-class coupe but stretches 6.5 inches farther than the C-class coupe. The added length is almost entirely in the overhangs, with the CLE’s 112.8-inch wheelbase within an inch of both of its predecessors. Mercedes claims there is more cabin space than the previous C-class coupe and says the trunk can hold three golf bags.
The base CLE300 is powered by the same M254 engine found in the C300 and E350 sedans, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Upgrading to the CLE450 brings the M256 motor from the E450 sedan, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six pumping out 375 hp and 369 pound-feet. Both powertrains include an integrated starter-generator running on the 48-volt electrical system, with the electric motor providing a boost of 23 hp and 148 pound-feet. This extra oomph is fed in at lower rpm to reduce turbo lag and smooth out the start/stop system.
In both models, power is routed to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, which houses the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission cooler to save space and weight. The front and rear suspension uses a multilink design, and the CLE450 comes standard with a stiffer sport-tuned suspension, also offered on the AMG package for the CLE300.
The cabin looks nearly identical to the one in the current C-class, with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen angled slightly toward the driver, as well as the same circular air vents. The CLE skips a third screen for the front passenger, which is an option on the E-class. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and the front seats—designed specifically for the CLE—come heated and with four-way lumbar support as standard. Seat ventilation and a seven-zone massage function are optional. The CLE is also fitted with a standard 17-speaker Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos, which allows “individual instruments or voices to be placed around the listening area” with compatible songs on Apple Music.
While the screen layout is borrowed from the C-class, the displays utilize the interface seen on the 2024 E-class, with new icons for important functions that can be accessed more directly. The latest MBUX infotainment system lets customers download third-party apps: TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, and Zoom are available at launch. There’s also a built-in entertainment suite with video streaming and local programming including sports and news. Mercedes has integrated major music streaming platforms into the infotainment system, which can be linked to individual profiles. Those infotainment profiles can be transferred to other Mercedes vehicles with the latest MBUX system.
As on the 2024 E-class, Mercedes is implementing artificial intelligence to learn which comfort systems the driver uses at certain times and under certain conditions, and will then run these systems automatically. This includes everything from navigation to a specific address to climate-control settings to birthday reminders. Users can also create templates that support their routines—Mercedes suggests a “Cold Days” template that switches on the heated seats and turns the ambient lighting orange, or a “Date Night” preset that plays romantic music and makes the interior lighting rose-colored.
The CLE will feature remote start and a proximity unlock/lock feature, as well as hands-free access to the trunk by waving your foot in front of the rear bumper’s sensor. The voice assistant now includes a setting where it will always be listening for commands without being activated by the keyword “Hey Mercedes”—it only works if you are alone in the car. The CLE comes packed full of driver-assistance systems, with lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and traffic sign recognition as standard. An additional package adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, steering and lane change assist, and more.
There’s no word yet on pricing, which should be released closer to the 2024 on-sale date. The 2023 C300 coupe started at $50,600 while the 2023 E450 coupe cost $70,800. We expect the CLE300 to start around $60,000 range, while the CLE450 should start near the $70,000 mark.
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Associate News Editor
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
