The Mercedes-Benz CLE is an independent series car that in-effect, consolidates both the C-Class and E-Class Coupes into one car. Madness? Actually, we think that there is plenty of good going on here!

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 200

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Launched: 2024 – Price: 365,888
Two-door, coupe, four seats
201hp 320Nm, 2.0L turbocharged inline-four, petrol MHEV
14.1km/l

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PROS
Entertaining, engaging drive
Refined ride quality
Base car is already fantastic

CONS
Ugly 2-piece roof lets in noise
Infotainment could use more work

Photos & Text: Clifford Chow

SINGAPORE

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE has plenty to live up to, and this is because it is the replacement for the previous C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe. I have driven both the CLE’s predecessors a few years ago, when they were still new, and found them to be very different animals. On one hand the C-Class Coupe was quite the razor-sharp corner-carving coupe I had expected, while the larger E-Class Coupe leaned toward being more of a comfortable full-functioning four-seater.

But once in the cabin, you can tell that the coupe is more C-than-E. The dash is lifted right out of the C-Class Sedan, and it even has the same wheelbase as the junior executive four-door. That said, the CLE’s driving position still feels quite coupe-like, while a long(er than the C-Class) front-end perpetually hints of its grand touring intentions.

The 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is angled slightly toward the driver, is powered by the brand’s voice-capable MBUX operating system. While it does need a bit of tinkering around to get used to, it is function-rich and fairly easy to use.

While most coupes are not well known to accommodate more than two, the CLE’s rear passenger compartment is rather well-sorted. There is actually ample head and legroom for most adult passengers, and once you are seated here, it does not feel like an afterthought, since there are rear air-conditioning vents to keep things behind cool, and moulded cup holders between the seats. Perhaps they took a leaf out of the previous Audi A5 Coupe?

The boot at 420-litres is decently spacious, though it is 20-litres smaller than the BMW 4 Series Coupe. However, loading bulky baggage here might be an, as it does have a rather tall sill.

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How does it drive?

This is the base CLE 200 Coupe, which is equipped with the German automaker’s new FAME (Family of Modular Engines) 2.0-litre turbocharged MHEV powertrain. It performs beautifully, bringing the CLE to speed at a rapid-enough pace. The four-cylinder produces a decent 201hp and 320Nm, where the latter is available from a wide 1,600 to 4,000rpm band. The integrated starter generator (ISG), which is part of the engine’s mild hybrid architecture, also pads it with an additional boost of 23hp (17kW), and a 200Nm dab of extra torque. I like that acceleration through the gears feels smooth, and there is also very little in the way of judder, when the engine comes back on-line, after coasting.

While this example we are driving is not equipped with the rear-axle steer function, it still feels remarkably planted, and this is especially so when you are dicing through those spaghetti B-roads. It takes it all in, performing with the grace of Fred Astaire, while it puts a smile on your face, from being as entertaining as being in the same room as Christopher Walken. But away from the twists and turns, engineers have found that sweet spot between handling and comfort. The coupe soaks most of what lies ahead, with moderate firmness, while having enough play to keep things all calm and collected on the inside.

While all things are fantastic thus far, I do have a major gripe. It looks like Mercedes accountants will not leave their cars alone (again… remember the W210?). In the CLE’s case, the roof has been split into two separate panels. The larger portion would be where the sunroof would fit, that is if the coupe was specced with one. In our case, where there is none, we are left with an unsightly gap between the panels, but this is the less significant of the two issues. Entering a tunnel, it becomes clear that this gap would be the weak point where external road and ambient noise, especially from larger trucks inevitably find their way into the cabin.

Perhaps, I am overly critical, if I were to focus much of my attention on that roof. But the noise is going to be something you would be living with on a daily basis. 

However, if you were to look beyond this one flaw, I will dare say that Mercedes-Benz has done a rather fine job, in building quite the competent, well-rounded compact coupe.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Coupe

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