Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a grand tourer which consists of the C236 coupe and the A236 cabriolet that were both launched in 2023 and replaced both the C and E-Class coupes.[8] A performance variant, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 was released and a more powerful CLE 63,[9] is also planned for 2025.[10]

Overview

In 2005 a car named the "CLE" was rumoured and was expected to arrive in mid-2006. Thought to be based on the W204, a car of this type never came to production—until 2023.[11]

The CLE Coupe replaced both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe as part of Mercedes' drive to streamline its model range.[12] At 191 inches from bumper to bumper, the CLE is 1 inch longer than the outgoing E-class coupe but 6.5 inches longer than the outgoing C-class coupe. The added length mostly in the overhang size, with the CLE's 112.8-inch wheelbase within an inch of both of its predecessors. The CLE Coupe adopted the window design of the C-Class coupe with a B pillar and fixed rear windows, rather than the pillarless design of the E-Class Coupe with roll down rear windows.

Official manufacture of the coupe began in October 2023, while the convertible followed in April 2024.

Equipment

The CLE has a rounded, single-bar grille with a honeycomb mesh insert and is accompanied by C-Class-style headlights and sporty air intakes. The rear includes LED taillights and an angular boot with an integrated spoiler. There is also a curved bumper that does not have exhaust cutouts.[6]

It also features the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which is also seen on multiple other models. The 11.9-inch vertically-positioned touchscreen comes with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster.[13]

The CLE features the KEYLESS-GO system and the GUARD 360° safety system which helps monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, and notifies the owner of collision detection via the Mercedes me app.[14]

The Cabriolet model additionally features an acoustic soft top, AIRCAP electric wind deflector system, AIRSCARF neck-level heating and ventilation, and electric cargo divider system.

Variants

The engine options of the CLE are shared with its saloon counterpart, the W214 E-Class, all of which feature the 48-volt EQ-boost mild hybrid system. This integrated starter-generator running on the 48-volt electrical system provides a boost of 23 hp and 148 pound-feet through the electric motor.[15]

Four models are available at launch, which include the petrol CLE 200, CLE 300, CLE 450, and the diesel CLE 220d.[16]

CLE 300

The base CLE 300 is powered by the M254 motor, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

CLE 450

The CLE 450 is powered by the M256 motor, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 pound-feet.

Mercedes-AMG models

AMG CLE 53

In December 2023, Mercedes introduced the CLE 53 AMG.[6] The model features a mild-hybrid AMG-enhanced M256 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor, standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering, and styling with distinctive AMG design elements and flared wheel arches.[17] The model is also available as a Cabriolet.[18]

The CLE 53 AMG produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque (443 lb-ft for 10 seconds with overboost). The 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) provides support at lower engine speeds with 23 hp and 151 lb-ft.[19]

AMG CLE 63

A Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 model is planned for 2025.[8][20] The CLE 63 will use a twin-turbo V8, akin to previous generations.

Engines

Safety

References

  1. Mercedes-Benz CLE to be introduced in 2023 Automotive Daily, February 14, 2022, retrieved August 19, 2023^
  2. August 2023 - Automotive Technology Insight - Forecasts - Industry News - Supply Chain autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com, retrieved 2023-09-14^
  3. 2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Tackles The Nurburgring Carscoops, August 19, 2022^
  4. 2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Thinks The C-Class Interior Is Too Good To Mess With Carscoops, September 19, 2022^
  5. Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Coupe Spied On The Nurburgring Motor1.com^
  6. 2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Spied As A Two-For-One Two-Door That Will Replace The C- And E-Class Coupes Carscoops, July 20, 2022^
  7. Gorden Wagener. Fantastic design sketch of our latest @mercedesbenz family member – our CLE Coupé. 12 July 2023^
  8. 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S Will Pack 671 Plug-In Hybrid Ponies Underneath Stylish Coupe Body Carscoops, October 12, 2022^
  9. New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Can't Hide Everything In Latest Spy Photos Motor1.com^
  10. 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLE Spied At The Nürburgring Showing Its Fast Bits Carscoops, April 13, 2022^
  11. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLE Motor Trend, 20 April 2005, retrieved 27 December 2023^
  12. Mercedes Launches Exclusive Mythos Brand As It Reduces Entry-Level Range To Focus On Top-End Luxury Carscoops, May 19, 2022^
  13. Mercedes-Benz CLE unveiled officially, will replace C-Class coupe HT Auto, 7 July 2023, retrieved August 19, 2023^
  14. The new CLE Coupé. Mercedes-Benz Australia, retrieved August 19, 2023^
  15. Uli Baumann. Schwäbische Stern-Schmelze auto-motor-und-sport.de, 2023-07-05, retrieved 2023-07-15^
  16. Markus Jordan. CLE Cabriolet erstmal ab 66.402 Euro bestellbar mbpassion.de, 2024-02-06, retrieved 2024-02-06^
  17. The New Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe MBUSA Newsroom, 2024-04-29, retrieved 2024-10-01^
  18. The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet: Open-top driving with AMG performance MBUSA Newsroom, 2024-05-06, retrieved 2024-10-01^
  19. Joe Lorio. 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53: The Coupe, Made Swole Car and Driver, Apr 28, 2024^
  20. Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 switches four-pot PHEV for 585bhp V8 autos.yahoo.com, 2024-05-10, retrieved 2024-10-01^
  21. 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe specs, Fuel consumption, Dimensions Auto-Data.net, retrieved August 18, 2023^