17/05/2024 The beautiful CLE is a two-door coupe from Mercedes-Benz. It is a given that any CL (coupe) Mercedes will always be an interesting choice. This new CLE is certainly striking to look at, but it is not quite perfect.
The 4.85 metre long CLE, the largest car in the mid-sized coupe segment, replaces two cars – the smaller CLC and the outgoing CLE. In terms of size the car’s footprint is slightly smaller than the E Class and in the cabin this reduction in space can be felt too. The CLE looks squat and muscular. It has great on-street presence and with its low slung, broad ‘shark nose’ front end it easily fills rearview mirrors. The CLE makes you take that second glance back when you park it up – it is that handsome. One of the joys of the saloon coupe shape is the absence of a B pillar (the one in the middle behind the driver and in front of the rear seats – sadly this is not the case in the CLE and it denies onlookers and owners of that lovely line when the windows are down. Golfers will note the boot is relatively impressive and can take three golf bags.
Inside the well built four-seat cabin there is good room up front for two adults. The dash layout features a familiarity that existing Mercedes-Benz owners will instantly feel at home with. The general ambience is more CLC than a mere clone taken from the new E-Class. In the rear you can fit to adults, gettin gin can be a bit of a struggle for those over 30 – but with a bit of stretching and flexible joints most will manage to hop in once the front seats have adjusted to room. Getting out is… how can I put this delicately… less than dignified and should be avoided if there are any onlookers. The sports seats in the CLE look excellent, and they are… for short trips, but for my ageing frame, I much prefer the comfier seats in the standard E-Class as they give far more support. In terms of the dash layout? It’s pleasant it’s nice but it feels just maybe half a generation old already compared to the best shiny examples, particularly in its saloon sibling the E-Class with its elongated dash-mounted screen display.
All engine options feature a 48voly mild-hybrid system. Our car was a CLE 200d, and therefore powered by a 2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine (four and six-cylinder engines feature in the range). The rear-wheel drive car features selectable driving modes and when in Sport mode this unit can sound nice and beefy, with a pleasant growl under acceleration. At urban speeds you will notice the engine a bit more and on the open road general tyre/road noise will drown it out. Mercedes-Benz should make this model quieter – especially as we all get used to petrol hybrids and EVs. Road noise in the cabin should not be an issue in a premium car. The CLE in diesel form is incredibly economical and this is an ideal grand tourer. You can do easily 1100km from a full tank, so no need to worry about spending time stuck at a fast charger in the corner of some filling station every two hours or so.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is, ideally, a car for one or two people. It offers and delivers a bit of indulgence that will make owners feel that bit more special. You simply have no choice but to feel good behind the wheel. The CLE delivers a sense of pride in the driver as they are safe in the knowledge that they have got a truly handsome car that makes a statement. CLE is elegant without being too brash. It’s not too flashy but flashy enough.
Is the CLE a better car than the new E-Class? No. The E Class is an excellent four-door saloon – but a two-door will always be cooler. The CLE is a desirable car, which will stand the test of time. It features classic good car looks in a sea of SUVs. CLE’s imposing presence will ensure countless nods of approval. Oh and don’t forget there is a drop top convertible CLE too! (wipes drools). Michael Sheridan
