A testament to the relentless pursuit of aesthetic design and technological innovation, Mercedes-Benz has once again managed to redefine the boundaries of elegance, power, and comfort with the unveiling of its new, independent series – the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe.
A harmonious marriage of the conceptual and technical marvels from the revered C-Class and E‑Class lineage, the CLE Coupe promises to add a refreshing chapter to the long-standing narrative of Mercedes-Benz’s pursuit of automotive excellence.
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The Design: An Iconic Interpretation of Sensual Purity
Draped in an elegant design language that’s quintessentially Mercedes, the new CLE Coupe is a living testament to the brand’s design philosophy of Sensual Purity.
Its timeless proportions—the long wheelbase, a strategically inclined A-pillar, a short front coupled with a slightly longer rear body overhang, pronounced shoulders, and large wheels—all amalgamate to create a silhouette that radiates a mesmerizing charisma.
The aesthetic prowess of the CLE Coupe becomes even more palpable when one considers its powerful, dynamism-filled sculptural form, which embodies an emotional statement from every perspective.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe: A Forefront of Athletic Elegance
The CLE Coupe’s front section leans forward progressively, hinting at its inherent agility. The low-slung bonnet flanked by flat LED headlights and the three-dimensional, newly designed radiator grille coalesces to present an exquisite yet athletic appearance—akin to a poised sprinter ready to unleash his power.
The power domes that contour the long hood subtly allude to the car’s powerhouse – the engines that range up to six cylinders, promising an exhilarating performance.
On the sides, the car features a distinctively shaped edge that structures the robust volume, running from the headlight to the exterior mirror, and from the rear light to the door handle, enhancing its muscular demeanor. As for the rear, it’s characterized by flowing surfaces, seamless transitions, and two-part LED lights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies.
Space: Luxurious and Practical
The new CLE Coupe is a grandeur sight, spanning 4,850 millimeters in length, 1,860 millimeters in width, and 1,428 millimeters in height, thereby earning the title of the largest coupé in the mid-size segment. The dimensional expansion, notably the 25-millimeter longer wheelbase, allows the CLE Coupe to offer significantly more space than its cousin, the C-Class Coupe.
The rear passengers stand to benefit from 10 millimeters more headroom, 19 millimeters more shoulder and elbow room, and an impressive 72 millimeters more knee room. The trunk, too, has upped its game with 60 liters more volume, making it a breeze to accommodate three golf bags.
Interiors: A Symphony of Luxury and Technology
Embellishing the CLE Coupe’s interior is a suite of eye-catching elements that embody the highest degree of luxurious comfort. The standalone 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display, the driver-oriented 11.9-inch central display in a user-friendly portrait format, and the dynamic ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colors exemplify Mercedes-Benz’s meticulous attention to detail.
The ambient lighting can be extended from the center console to beneath the outer air vents, adding an additional layer of sophistication.
The interior also introduces front seats in an exclusive integral sport design, developed specifically for the CLE, and for the first time in Mercedes-Benz history, the front seats are unlocked not with a lever, but with an elegant Nappa leather loop, conveniently located at the upper edge of the backrest.
The icing on the cake is the optional Burmester® 3D surround sound system, which places two speakers at the level of the headrests in each seat to create an immersive Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio experience.
The CLE Coupe proudly adopts several digital innovations from the new E-Class, including the latest electronics architecture and the third generation of the MBUX infotainment system. It is poised to be the most intelligent coupé carrying the star, offering an extraordinarily interactive entertainment experience with third-party apps and a novel level of personalization through automated convenience functions (routines).
Power and Efficiency: Electrified Driving Experience
Committed to sustainability, Mercedes-Benz has infused the new CLE Coupe with systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing. All engines are mild hybrids, equipped with an integrated starter generator and a 48-volt electrical system. The options include four-cylinder units and the crowning jewel—a 3.0‑litre straight-six petrol engine, ensuring an electrified driving experience like never before.
The standard chassis of the CLE Coupe is lowered by 15 millimeters, offering a sporty stance. Moreover, options such as DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL with continuously adjustable damping on the front and rear axles, combined with rear-axle steering—both included in the Technology package—promise an agile yet comfortable driving experience.
The steering angle goes up to 2.5 degrees, reducing the turning circle by 50 centimeters. Hence, despite its larger dimensions, the rear-wheel-drive CLE Coupe offers a smaller turning circle than the C-Class Coupe.
Safety: An Extensive Suite of Driver Assistance Systems
Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to safety is well reflected in the CLE Coupe. An extensive suite of driver assistance systems, including ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and the parking package with a reversing camera, is included as standard equipment.
The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC also comes as a standard feature for drivers in Western Europe.
Conclusion: A Fresh Chapter in the Mercedes-Benz Legacy
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe encapsulates the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation, design excellence, and comfort. It embodies the wishes of many Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, thus set to chart a course of its own in the mid-size segment. With its market launch in Europe slated for November and the CLE Cabriolet expected to follow next year, the CLE series is poised to fulfill the dreams of many.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is not just a car; it’s a beacon of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to creating vehicles that aren’t simply modes of transportation but experiences that encapsulate elegance, power, and innovation. It’s a testament to the brand’s legacy, and a hint at the future we can all look forward to.