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- The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Coupe replaces the outgoing two-door versions of the E-Class and C-Class sedans.
- The new coupes will hit dealers early next year, with the CLE Cabriolet to follow.
- The CLE 300 will use a 2.0-liter I4, with the CLE 450 using the 3.0-liter I6. Both are mild-hybrid powertrains.
While Mercedes-Benz is thinning out its lineup with the axing of various coupes and wagons in the near future, it doesn’t mean Merc is done with fun shapes. Filling the void left behind by the departing C-Class and E-Class coupes, Mercedes-Benz is launching the aptly named CLE-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models. This new coupe and its folding top variant is longer than both the current C- and E-Class coupe models and is roughly the same width as the current E-Class. The CLE also bridges the powertrain gap and offers four and six-cylinder engines.
Under the hood, the CLE-Class offers only mild-hybrid propulsion. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 in the CLE 300 sends 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic and into the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The CLE 450 opts for a 3.0-liter I6 that makes 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, using the same nine-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as the four-cylinder.
Regardless of your engine choice, Mercedes is capping the top speed on both of these mild hybrids at 130 mph. Though, for those keeping track, both the I4 and I6 are currently available in the E-Class, with a more powerful variant of the I6 falling under the AMG banner in the E 53. That means we’ll likely see an AMG variant of this CLE sometime in the near future.
Of course, the new CLE-Class is more than just its assortment of powertrains, with a shell that follows the traditional understanding of the word coupe. That means this new model exclusively sports two doors and has a sleek top profile, while the cabriolet variant adds some open-air flavor but sticks to the traditional formula. As you’d expect from essentially a two-door E-Class, this shell offers plenty of space everywhere, with room for three golf bags in the trunk. This CLE spans 191 inches in length and 73.2 inches in width and sports a 112.8-inch wheelbase.
Inside, the CLE presents a modern Mercedes-Benz interior. That means you’ll see a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen. The CLE comes standard with a 64-color ambient lighting system and Burmester 3D surround sound. According to Mercedes, the rear passengers will have 2.2 inches more effective legroom than the current C-Class coupe. The downside is that there is 1.7 inches less legroom compared to the E-Class Coupe.
On the safety front, the CLE-Class comes standard with active brake assist, attention assist, active lane-keep assist, and speed-limit assist. You can add on creature comforts like active distance assist, active steering assist, and active lane-change assist when you opt for the driver-assistance package.
The CLE-Coupe is scheduled to start hitting dealers early in 2024, with the cabriolet following later in the year. Pricing is still to be determined, but count on the CLE to split the difference between the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe’s price points, which means this will probably start around $60,000 in CLE 300 trim, with the CLE 450 setting you back even more. Official pricing is coming closer to the vehicle’s launch.
Do you think the CLE will be a good replacement for the dismissed coupes? Tell us your thoughts below.
