Mercedes-Benz has rolled out the 2024 CLE-Class, the stylish new two-door wonder replacing the C-class and E-class coupes. This coupe comes packed with electrified power, a swanky design, and a tech-savvy interior that takes inspiration from the ever-so-popular C-class and E-class sedans. Let’s buckle up and dive into all the juicy details!
A Touch of Elegance and a Pinch of Panache
The CLE’s front end boasts sleek LED headlights and a trapezoidal grille just like its C-class sibling. And that full-width taillight, oh my! It’s actually two lights connected by a dark red trim, giving off that sophisticated E-class vibe. Mercedes really knows how to pull off a show-stopping design!
Size Matters, Right?
The CLE-Class has got some size to flaunt. Measuring 191 inches from bumper to bumper, it’s a tad longer than the outgoing E-class coupe and leaves the C-class coupe in the dust with a 6.5-inch advantage. Don’t worry, though—the extra length is mostly in the overhangs, so you’ll still enjoy that classic Mercedes feel with a wheelbase of 112.8 inches. Roominess inside? Check! Mercedes claims there’s more space in the cabin compared to the previous C-class coupe, and guess what? You can toss three golf bags in that trunk! Fore!
The Heart and Soul Under the Hood
When it comes to performance, the CLE-Class means business. The base CLE300 gets its power from the same M254 engine found in the C300 and E350 sedans. It’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, churning out a respectable 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Fancy a bit more muscle? Upgrade to the CLE450, and you’ll be cruising with the M256 motor from the E450 sedan. This turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six boasts a whopping 375 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque—now, that’s some serious oomph!
Power and Efficiency: A Perfect Match
Hold your horses, there’s more to the powertrain! Both the CLE300 and CLE450 are equipped with an integrated starter-generator, running on a 48-volt electrical system. This nifty electric motor delivers an extra boost of 23 hp and 148 pound-feet of torque, kicking in at lower rpm to reduce turbo lag and ensure a smoother start/stop system. Not only do you get power, but you also get efficiency—talk about having the best of both worlds!
A Suspension Built for Thrills
Don’t you worry, adrenaline junkies; Mercedes has got you covered! The CLE-Class features a front and rear suspension design that’s all about thrill-seeking and precision. A multilink setup keeps those four wheels planted firmly on the road. And guess what? The CLE450 even comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension, ready to hug those corners and keep your heart racing! If that’s not enough, you can opt for the AMG package on the CLE300 to get that same sporty experience.
Step Inside and Get Cozy
The moment you slip into the CLE’s cabin, you’ll feel like you’re in a futuristic dream. With a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen, everything you need is right at your fingertips. The layout is pretty similar to the current C-class, with a driver-centric approach. And how about those circular air vents? Classic Mercedes style, we love it! One thing to note: the CLE keeps it simple and skips the third screen for the front passenger, but hey, that’s an option on the E-class.
Luxurious Comfort, Powered by MBUX
Comfort is the name of the game, and the CLE-Class has it in spades. The front seats, specially designed for the CLE, come heated and offer four-way lumbar support as standard. But wait, there’s more! For an extra touch of extravagance, you can opt for seat ventilation and a seven-zone massage function—ah, pure bliss!
The cherry on top? The CLE comes fitted with a mind-blowing 17-speaker Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos. Feel like you’re right in the middle of a live concert with “individual instruments or voices placed around the listening area” when jamming to your favorite tunes on Apple Music. This is how you elevate your driving experience to the next level!
Your Car, Your Way: MBUX Magic
Let’s talk tech—Mercedes-Benz knows how to keep us entertained and connected. The latest MBUX infotainment system allows you to download third-party apps, so you’re always plugged in and having fun. Want to catch up on the latest TikTok trends? Done. Feeling like some Angry Birds action? You got it. Need to hop on a Webex or Zoom call? Easy peasy. This infotainment system is a true all-rounder!
The Genius of Artificial Intelligence
Prepare to be amazed! Mercedes has integrated artificial intelligence into CLE’s comfort systems. It learns your preferences and adapts accordingly. Need directions to your favorite spot? It’s got you covered. Want the perfect climate-control settings for your drives? Consider it done. And guess what? It even remembers your important dates—no more forgetting birthdays!
Tech-Savvy Assistance at Your Service
Safety? Check. Convenience? Check. The CLE-Class comes fully loaded with a bunch of driver-assistance systems, making sure you have a smooth and secure ride. Lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and traffic sign recognition come standard. And if you want even more peace of mind, opt for the additional package, which brings adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, steering, lane change assist, and more to the table.
Buckle Up for 2024!
This coupe is the epitome of sophistication and driving pleasure. While we’re eagerly waiting for Mercedes to drop the pricing details, we can expect the CLE300 to start around £60,000 and the CLE450 to hover near the £70,000 mark. Get ready to roll in style and experience the future of driving with the all-new CLE-Class. Cheers to Mercedes-Benz for yet another engineering marvel! Stay tuned for more updates, and until then, happy driving!
