The new coupe that replaces the former C-Class and E-Class coupe generations relies on the classic elegance of the Mercedes Coupe, and the design is very successful. In testing Mercedes CLE 300 4Matic version, with 258 ps 2-litre turbo engine and 48V mild hybrid technology.
Photo: Bogdan Paraschiv (www.bogdanpara.com)
Do you remember the Mercedes E-Class Coupe W124? For many, it was the last classic Mercedes coupe: long hood, sculptural shapes, a rear pillar with a sharp angle for the rear side window, and, of course, no center pillar and windows without frame. It was perhaps the most beautiful coupe of the 80s, proving the creative artistry of Bruno Sacco, who also created the famous SL R129. And moving into the third millennium, the latest S-Class Coupe reminded us that Mercedes is close to haute-couture fashion, being a partner of Paris or Berlin Fashion Week. But S-Class Coupe disappeared without a successor because Mercedes directed its development funds towards electrification. And of the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, only one coupe remains, the new CLE. In fact, it’s the only two-door coupe in the entire Mercedes range, as the AMG GT is an AMG-exclusive model.
Closer to the E-Class Coupe
Mercedes decided to build a single coupe that would satisfy customer demand for both a C-Class Coupe and an E-Class Coupe. If the C-Class Coupe’s design was constrained by its compact size and the E-Class Coupe lacked a distinct personality, with the new CLE, Mercedes gave free rein to the imagination after many years.
Okay, it takes the front end from the C-Class but comes with a more raked windshield, a longer hood with two power domes, a long roof that slopes smoothly down to a short rear end with a small integrated spoiler, short consoles, and a low silhouette. We have to mention the sharp angles on the rear window and the narrow glass area that accentuates the dynamism. The elegant shape is also due to the generous length as the CLE is 15 mm longer than the E-Class Coupe, while the height is 2 mm lower, the width is the same, and the long wheelbase of 2865 mm is 8 mm shorter. Although it’s noticeably longer than the Audi A5 Coupe or BMW 4 Series Coupe, the engine range is comparable, with all three models being direct rivals.
E-Class Coupe exterior dimensions but C-Class Coupe interior: the Mercedes CLE 300 4Matic takes the dashboard from the C-Class with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the multimedia system with an 11.9-inch portrait display mounted at an angle. That’s why we find the same graphics for the digital instrument cluster, the same steering wheel with mini touch surfaces, the same head-up display, and the same modern MBUX multimedia system that is intuitive and easy to operate. Between the front seats sits a high center tunnel with plenty of storage space, and two USB-C sockets, and at the base of the multimedia display are haptic feedback buttons for the drive train, climate access, and audio volume.
The press kit informs that the rear knee room is 43 mm shorter, and the headroom is 10 mm smaller than in the E-Class Coupe. To be honest, you don’t sit most comfortably in the back, but the space is decent nonetheless. A six-footer reaches the back of the front seats with their knees and the roof with their head but without having to bend over. But there is no place to rest your feet because there’s not enough room under the front seats.
Verdict
Sleek, beautiful, classic: the new Mercedes CLE 300 4Matic appeals with its classic coupe design. Touche, Mercedes! However, the generous exterior dimensions are not reflected in the cramped rear interior. The standard AMG packages add a noble touch to the interior and partly justify the high asking price. The 4-cylinder engine is sufficient but not exuberant, but there are two options for 6-cylinder engines.
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