2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe First Look Review: Modern-Day CLK
In the late 1990s, Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLK Coupe. Based on the underpinnings of the C-Class but with styling more akin to the E-Class of the time, it was a successful recipe. Over two decades later, Mercedes-Benz is repeating a similar formula with the new CLE, which is set to replace both the C-Class and E-Class Coupe.
Closer in size to the latter than the former, the new CLE will be topped by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 375 horsepower in the CLE 450, while the CLE 300 has a 255-hp turbo-four. The interior borrows design cues from the latest C-Class and features the now familiar 11.9-inch portrait-style center display. As the antithesis to a horde of high-riding crossovers, the new CLE should once again place the emphasis on style and dynamism.
When Is The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Coming Out?
The release date for the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe will be early in 2024, which is when the CLE will be coming to dealerships in the USA. The convertible version will follow sometime thereafter.
2024 CLE Coupe Price And Competition
As we anticipated, the price of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe starts at $56,500 for the CLE 300 4Matic in Standard trim, excluding the $1,150 destination charge. The MSRP rises to $59,100 for the Pinnacle trim. The CLE 450 in Standard guise will go on sale for $65,650 while the Pinnacle version will set you back $68,250 before options.
The CLE's main rivals are the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series Coupe. Whereas the Audi A5 coupe starts at $48,400, it can cost as much as $56,650 for the higher trim, before adding options. Similarly, the 2024 BMW 4 Series begins at a cost of $49,900.
New Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Exterior And Colors
Mercedes coupes have generally been blessed with lovely designs, so the expectations are high for the new CLE in this area. BMW probably won't be too happy that Mercedes uses the term "shark nose" to describe the CLE's forward-leaning face, as the term/design feature is closely tied to several BMWs from the 1980s and has been repeated on the new 5 Series. Nevertheless, the CLE's new three-dimensional chrome grille with a broader lower section and neatly styled LED High Performance headlights clearly resemble those of the latest C-Class. Digital Light headlights with and without a projection function will be available optionally, and these lights will include a welcome animation.
The long hood is typical of coupes and it's made more aggressive here with dual power domes. Elsewhere, the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe employs the brand's Sensual Purity design language with its flowing surfaces and seamless transitions. Overhangs are quite short, the roofline sportily low and sloping towards the rear, and the windshield steeply raked.
On the CLE 300, 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, whereas the CLE 450 comes with 19-inch alloys as part of its AMG Line specification. As usual, many other wheel designs will be available and these measure up to 20 inches in size. The ability to customize the car extends to the colors of the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, with the manufacturer saying ten shades will be available. These haven't been specified yet, but we can see here that the car will come in a moody gray and a much more expressive blue. The Night Package is optional.
From the back, the new CLE has taillights that look a lot like those on the smaller CLA. Each cluster is linked by a design element in dark red, while the chrome strip lower down contributes to the impression of width, and this is bookended by the exhaust outlets on either side of the body.
While the new CLE has an undeniably premium aura, its overall look is an amalgamation of many other Mercedes models, and the company might've done a bit more to set apart this high-end coupe.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Dimensions
The overall size and dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe have been a hot topic since it was announced. Would it be closer to the previous C-Class Coupe or E-Class Coupe? It turns out that Mercedes has gone more upmarket here, as the new CLE is even longer than the previous E-Class Coupe. It has a length of 191 inches (6.5 inches longer than the C-Class Coupe and 0.6 inches longer than the E-Class Coupe), while its width of 73.2 inches is two inches longer than the C-Class Coupe and exactly the same as the E-Class Coupe. The wheelbase is 112.8 inches, and it measures 56.2 inches in height.
No curb weight specs were shared, but the E450 4Matic will probably weigh around the same as the 4,310 pounds of the previous E450 4Matic.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Engine And Performance
Two mild-hybrid engine options are available for the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, starting with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill in the CLE 300. This unit produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a second-generation starter generator providing an extra hit of power at lower speeds. Mercedes has quoted an increase from 21 to 23 hp on the electric motor in the new CLE Coupe. Boost torque is 148 lb-ft.
Next is the CLE 450, which has a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder unit that musters 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, and has the same additional boost outputs as the CLE 300. Considering that even the new C63 has resorted to four-cylinder power, it's a relief that a larger, smoother six-pot has stuck around for this luxurious coupe.
Unlike the previous E-Class Coupe, the new CLE is only available with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system; there is no rear-wheel-drive model. Mercedes says the 4Matic system saves weight in its latest form and higher torque can be transmitted to the front axle. While 0-60 times haven't been quoted, we expect the new CLE 450 to hit 60 mph in just under five seconds, while both models have a limited top speed of 130 mph.
Shifts are handled by a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission that has been specially adapted to work with the integrated starter generator system. With greater efficiency and smarter packaging, the weight of the transmission control has also dropped by 30% compared to its predecessor.
Compared to Merc's sedan series, the CLE is lower by 0.6 inches to promote sportier handling - but not to the detriment of comfort. The CLE 450 has a stiffer sports suspension that's available on the CLE 300 as an option.
Estimated Gas Mileage
The all-new C-Class sedan's gas mileage figures should give us an accurate idea of what to expect from the CLE. The C300 achieves 23/33/27 mpg with the 4Matic AWD system. As for the CLE 450, that will be closer to the 25 mpg of the previous E450 Coupe, although the latest mild-hybrid system and more efficient transmission could result in better gas mileage.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Interior And Cargo
As with its exterior, the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is nearly identical to the one in the C-Class. As this coupe will likely be pitched at a higher price point, it's a little disappointing that it doesn't have a unique cabin layout. Then again, the design is not short of glossy surfaces, the latest technologies, and plenty of toys.
What may be of interest to many buyers is interior space since this car is longer than even the previous E-Class Coupe. However, the E-Class Coupe had more overall space than this car, if not by much. The newer one has greater shoulder and elbow room for those at the back, but rear legroom is down by 1.7 inches compared to the E-Class Coupe, and the CLE loses out in most other categories to its older sibling. It's got more space inside in all directions than the C-Class Coupe, though, so should be perfectly comfortable for those in the first row and adequate for shorter journeys for those at the back.
The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch central display, and the latter is angled by six degrees in the direction of the driver. Other high-tech features include a 64-color ambient lighting system, a 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, a new electronic architecture with 5G data transmission, and access to a host of third-party apps like TikTok. As with the new E-Class, the CLE will also come with the video conferencing app, Zoom. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and device charging are standard.
The entire infotainment system is more customizable than before, with customers able to choose from templates such as Cold Days to create a warm environment via both the temperature and even the lighting. Self-created routines will see the vehicle adjust to predefined parameters before taking desired actions, and AI-generated routines mean that the vehicle can learn from the customer's behavior and routines and pre-empt certain functions.
This tech overload extends to the many standard and available driver-assistance equipment like attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, and the parking package. Pinnacle trims get a head-up display, the Parking Package with a 360-degree camera, and MBUX Entertainment Plus additionally.
Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of luxury inside the CLE. From when you first enter the car, this is noticeable. Rear-seat passengers have access to the cabin via the new Easy-Entry function - using a high-quality Nappa leather loop, these passengers can quickly unlock the front seat. Speaking of the seats in the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, both the standard and AMG Line models ship with standard black MB-Tex upholstery. A warmer ambiance is possible when choosing either the Macchiato Beige/Black or Tonka Brown/Black color schemes. But it doesn't stop there, as customers can also equip Nappa leather upholstery with quilting and perforated diamond shapes in colors like White/Black and Power Red/Black.
The E450 comes with additional black MB-Tex, while inserts in silver mixed-metal fabric, open-pored black wood veneer, and fineline anthracite wood are all available, among others.
The cargo space in the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe works out to 14.8 cubic feet, which is just 0.2 cubes less than in the older E-Class Coupe.