With this new CLE, Mercedes chose to merge both C and E coupes into a single model. It’s a bit like the CLK, which preceded the last two models during 12-year between 1997 and 2009. The latter used the C’s compact platform but had an E look. This is more or less what the German engineers did again developing the CLE, based on the assumption that C coupe owners wanted more space and that the E coupe ones longed for the smaller one’s more dynamic manners.
In our view, nothing beats a coupe when it comes to automotive elegance and dynamism. Unfortunately, this type of car is becoming increasingly hard to come by these days. Proof is, this Mercedes range newcomer merges two former models. However, being totally subjective, we think the result is quite simply superb. Admittedly, its lines may appear aggressive, but we like its feline ready to pounce stance. Even if our test car is just a basic one, the AMG pack along with the Patagonia Red colour are a real bonus in grim and rainy weather. Under the long ribbed front bonnet is a 204bhp 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that’s more than up to the task providing a restrained and serene everyday driving experience. Its 320 Nm torque value being ideally suited to the job.
I like it
Once onboard, you’ll immediately fell at ease with a C- Class inspired dashboard which is appropriately digitised too. The cabin materials are high quality ones, even if, like in the C-Class and GLC, there is a fair amount of hard plastic, particularly on the door handles. The 11.9″ infotainment screen is paired with a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster. Like the latest E-Class, the CLE gets the new MBUX infotainment system, now running the new MB.OS operating software. This means that third-party applications – Zoom, Angry Birds, Sudoku, TikTok and others – are available in the car’s app shop, and should attract a younger audience keen on that kind of wizardy. Finally, the seat support the driver quite well, and space up the front is excellent. Quite logically, the rear seats require a bit of agility to get into, but they can accommodate large teenagers for miles on end.
Quite clever
The engine’s rather leisurely pace gets along very nicely with the 9-speed automatic gearbox. Gear changes are really smooth but the steering wheel paddles are streching things too far for us. We were really impressed by this car’s comfort and highly efficient soundproofing, along with the Sport suspension using selective damping. The firmer spring and damper settings and the rather direct steering combined with a 15 mm lower chassis make the car more responsive and give it a more dynamic driving experience and handling. We’d like to thank Mercedes for selecting an easily switched off small speed limit warning that doesn’t beep all the time and placing it at top of the central screen.
I don’t like it
The electric passenger seat electric backrest is very slow to move and give access to the rear seat. We already complained about it in the past. In this case, nothing beats a good old manual lever. On the other hand, you quickly get used to the automated opening rear boot, even though a manual one wouldn’t be a problem.
Why I buy it
The Mercedes CLE 2024 has to replace two models and it fulfils its mission perfectly, offering much better interior space than the late C Coupe while providing the dynamism hoped for by the old E Coupe owners. Even though the engine’s not the best to push the German coupe to its limits, its roadholding, braking and steering feel provide its driver with a certain amount of driving pleasure. This makes sense when you don’t have to deal with an SUV’s bulk and weight. However, the CLE has other assets like its 420 litres boot and quite a lot of space in the back that our 20-year-old offspring finds rather nice. Tech fans will appreciate the latest infotainment system, but the multicoloured ambient lighting is only available as an extra through the Energizing Plus pack (€2,178).
Why I don’t buy it
It’s always the same old Mercedes problem. Prices are high and even if the equipment list is quite a long one, extras and packs must be ticked to create a CLE to your taste. The AMG Line is a compulsory one, and our basicl model costs a whopping €64,130 in 2WD or €66,550 in 4WD. Some hit and miss fit and finish details will soon be obvious but it’s always nice to have that arm stretching out the safety belt and making it easier to get into the car. Without ever really keeping a close eye on fuel consumption, we averaged 32 MPG over a 322 miles journey. We were more careful on the return journey from Liège to Zaventem and arevaged 39 MPG. Life’s nice ! (Translation: Dimitri Urbain / Pictures : Pierre Fontignies)
