Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Debuts as E-Class Coupe’s Sportier Successor

Following the teaser earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe to the world today. This sporty coupe is poised to replace two existing coupe models from Merc’s lineup, which are the E-Class and C-Class coupes.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe

In spite of replacing two aforementioned models, the CLE Coupe can be considered as the direct successor to the E-Class coupe model, as its name suggests. This also reflects in the CLE’s dimension, too, as the new Coupe measures longer than the E-Class Coupe at 4,850 MM, while sharing a similar wheelbase as the C-Class Coupe (2,865 MM).

The CLE Coupe is offered with either a four-pot or six-pot turbocharged mill

For the European market, the CLE Coupe is offered with several powertrain flavours, with all of them features a 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system that is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with torque-converter. The baseline CLE 200d and CLE 200 rock the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged mill, delivering 194 HP and 440 NM for the diesel, 201 HP and 320 NM for the petrol. Both cars sport a rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain.

As for the all-wheel drive (AWD) variants, the CLE 300 4Matic uses the same 2.0-litre engine as the CLE 200, but with a higher state-of-tune of 255 HP and 400 NM. Meanwhile, the range-topping CLE 450 4Matic harnesses a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged mill that delivers 375 HP and 502 NM – propelling it from nought to 100 KM/H in just 4.4 seconds.

Elsewhere, the CLE Coupe stood lower to the ground compared to the C-Class sedan, thanks to the car’s multi-link suspension setup. Beside the standard suspension, the CLE Coupe is offered with a sportier AMG damper system that comes standard to the CLE 450 variant, while available as add-ons for other variants via AMG package.

The CLE Coupe bears close resemblance to the W206-gen C-Class sedan

Visually, the CLE Coupe derives several design cues from newer Mercedes-Benz saloon models, notably the W206-gen C-Class and W214-gen E-Class. Up front lies the same three-pointed-star grille design, flanked by slim LED matrix headlights with prominent lower apron and faux side vents.

The CLE Coupe, however, shares no resemblance to the two sedans once we get beyond its A-pillar. Here lies the CLE’s sporty coupe roofline that blends well with the rakish rear windscreen that flows all the way to the tailgate. Apart from that, you’ll also notice the sporty 20-inch wheels the CLE coupe rides on.

Things are a tad bit subdued once we get to the rear part, as the CLE Coupe sports slim LED taillights that look similar to ones found on the AMG-EQE saloon. Apart from that, the CLE also sports aggressive-looking faux rear diffusers with faux tailpipes juxtaposed at both ends.

On board, the CLE Coupe cabin layout mirrors the one we saw on the W206-gen C-Class sedan, featuring the latest MBUX screen layout. Crowning above the central console is the sizable 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, built-in sat-nav system, and many more. Drivers, on the other hand, get a nifty 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster that hides beneath the Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Speaking of Nappa leather, the car’s seats and door cards are also wrapped in the same upholstery material, while the front dash is donned in carbon fibre trim – giving the cabin a slight sporty edge. Elsewhere, the CLE cabin is primed with other modern amenities like the ambient lighting system, plethora of ADAS features, as well as the Burmester premium audio system with two speakers at the level of the seats’ headrests.

The new CLE also comes with a topless Cabriolet variant

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is slated to make its market entry in early 2024, with its pricing yet to be determined. This coupe model will be followed by the open-top CLE Cabriolet, set to be launched later next year. Meanwhile, a souped-up AMG version of the CLE is currently under development, so we can expect them to come much later than the two.