Mercedes Benz Coupe: A Sleek and Stylish Ride

Introduction

Mercedes-Benz has announced the release of the new 2023 CLE Coupe, with UK prices starting from £46,605. The CLE Mercedes Benz Coupe is a two-door car that replaces both the C-Class and E-Class Coupe, and is set to rival the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5.

The CLE Coupe will be available in four trim levels: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition. The entry-level CLE 200 AMG Line will cost £46,605, while the range-topping CLE 450 4Matic in Premier Edition will cost £72,765. The car will be available in UK showrooms at the end of 2023, and a convertible variant will be released in spring 2024, which will compete with the Lexus LC Convertible and the upcoming MG Cyberster.

Mercedes-Benz has designed the CLE Coupe to be a Swiss Army knife of a two-door, with enough room in the rear for two adults and a 420-litre boot. The car will be available with a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine and at least one AMG powertrain. The CLE Coupe is the successor model of the C- and E-Class coupe, and was designed to cover the changing needs of customers who wanted a car with more size and status, or a more dynamic and sporty car.

Tell me about the CLE’s engines. Will they be exciting?

The CLE range features a variety of engine choices, with some being more exciting than others. The CLE 450, for example, boasts a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with 375bhp and 369lb ft of torque. This engine is capable of accelerating the coupe from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 155mph. This makes it one of the most powerful engines in the range.

For those looking for even more power, an AMG-badged version of the CLE is in the works. While Mercedes has not yet revealed which performance engine it will use, it is expected to feature the same 670bhp PHEV powertrain as the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. This will likely make it the most powerful and exciting engine in the range.

The rest of the CLE’s engine choices are all turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel units. The line-up opens with the 220d, which is the only diesel engine in the range. It produces 197bhp and 324lb ft of torque, making it the joint-slowest engine with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. However, it is also the most efficient engine in the range, returning up to 60.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.

Above the diesel engine, there are three petrol engines to choose from. The vehicle produces 201bhp and 236lb ft of torque, with a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 147mph. The CLE 300 offers a brawnier version of the same engine, producing 254bhp and 295lb ft of torque with a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds.

Other Options

This model is also available with optional four-wheel drive, while the CLE 300 and 450 come with the drivetrain as standard. All engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and benefit from mild hybrid assistance to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.

Overall, the CLE range offers a mix of engine choices, with the CLE 450 and the upcoming AMG-badged version set to be the most exciting options for those seeking power and acceleration.

What’s Underpinning the New CLE Coupe?

The Mercedes CLE Coupe shares the same MRA platform as the C-Class saloon, but with tweaked dimensions to give it a unique feel. The CLE is 4850mm long and 1428mm tall, making it 99mm longer and 10mm lower than the saloon. However, the wheelbase remains the same at 2865mm.

The CLE Coupe’s track width has been increased by 40mm at the front and 70mm at the rear, which Mercedes claims has improved handling compared to the C-Class saloon. The Coupe’s suspension is also 15mm lower, which has lowered the car’s centre of mass closer to the road.

Buyers can choose to upgrade the car with adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering, which Mercedes hopes will increase the car’s appeal for keen drivers. The adaptive dampers help to keep the body flat in corners, while the rear-wheel steering system makes the car more eager to hunt apexes and carves half a metre out of the CLE’s turning circle.

The CLE Coupe’s alloy wheels range from 18 to 20 inches in diameter, with the entry-level trim in the UK being the Mercedes AMG Line specification, which comes with 19-inch alloys as standard. Buyers can specify smaller 18-inch alloys on all but the CLE 450 for a little more compliance on rough UK roads.

Overall, the CLE Coupe’s underpinnings have been designed to provide a comfortable and sleek ride, with improved handling and performance upgrades available for those who seek them out.

What’s the CLE’s Interior Like?

The CLE’s interior design is quite similar to the C-Class saloon. It features the same 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch portrait infotainment system and dashboard design. The CLE comes standard with keyless go, memory seats, and a customizable ambient lighting system. The ambient lighting system adds a touch of luxury and refinement to the cabin.

The CLE’s infotainment system is based on Mercedes’s aging technology, but it is compatible with a range of third-party applications such as TikTok, Zoom, and Vivaldi. The touchscreen is practical and easy to use, with an emphasis on driver focus. The automaker made a conscious decision not to include another display in the car so that the driver can focus on the road and driving pleasure.

Mercedes put a lot of effort into making the new CLE more practical than the old C-Class Coupe. The CLE’s wheelbase is 25mm longer than the old C-Class, which, coupled with some clever packaging and scalloped front seat backs, has helped liberate an extra 72mm of kneeroom for those in the back. The CLE’s larger dimensions have also created an extra 10mm of headroom and 19mm of shoulder room for those in the back. Overall, the CLE’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for passengers to stretch out and relax.

In summary, the CLE’s interior is a blend of tech and luxury, with an emphasis on practicality and refinement. From the customizable ambient lighting to the spacious rear seats, the CLE is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

How much will the new CLE cost?

Mercedes has not released the official pricing for the new CLE Coupe yet. However, based on the pricing of the C-Class Coupe and the outgoing E-Class Coupe, it is expected that the new CLE Coupe will be priced around £50,000.

According to an interview with Elena Licina, Head of Advanced Interior Design at Mercedes-Benz, the price of the new CLE Coupe may be challenging but acceptable for C-Class Coupe buyers. Licina stated that the decision to purchase the CLE Coupe will be an emotional one. If buyers are looking for an emotional car with sportiness, they may be willing to pay an additional £5,000 to £6,000 to have it.

The new CLE Coupe will be available in different specifications, including AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, and Premier Edition. The prices for each specification have yet to be confirmed by Mercedes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best 2-Door Mercedes Models

Mercedes-Benz is known for producing luxury vehicles, and their 2-door models are no exception. Some of the best 2-door Mercedes models include the Mercedes-AMG GT, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. These vehicles are known for their sleek design, powerful engines, and advanced technology features.

Price Range for Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The Mercedes C-Class Coupe is a popular 2-door model that offers a balance of luxury and affordability. The price range for a new Mercedes C-Class Coupe starts at around £41,000 and can go up to £80,000 for the high-performance AMG C63 S Coupe. The price may vary depending on the specific model, features, and options selected.

Price of Mercedes E-Class Coupe AMG

The Mercedes E-Class Coupe AMG is a high-performance 2-door model that offers a combination of luxury and power. The price of a new Mercedes E-Class Coupe AMG starts at around £70,000 and can go up to £100,000 for the top-of-the-line AMG E63 S Coupe. The price may vary depending on the specific model, features, and options selected.

Cost of Mercedes A-Class Coupe

The Mercedes A-Class Coupe is a compact 2-door model that offers a sporty design and advanced technology features. The cost of a new Mercedes A-Class Coupe starts at around £28,000 and can go up to £45,000 for the high-performance AMG A35 Coupe. The price may vary depending on the specific model, features, and options selected.

Price of Mercedes GLE Coupe

The Mercedes GLE Coupe is a luxury 2-door SUV that offers a spacious interior and advanced technology features. The price of a new Mercedes GLE Coupe starts at around £70,000 and can go up to £120,000 for the high-performance AMG GLE 63 S Coupe. The price may vary depending on the specific model, features, and options selected.

Cost of CLA 250 Mercedes

The CLA 250 Mercedes is a sleek 2-door model that offers a balance of luxury and affordability. The cost of a new CLA 250 Mercedes starts at around £30,000 and can go up to £45,000 for the high-performance AMG CLA 45 S Coupe. The price may vary depending on the specific model, features, and options selected.

In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of 2-door models that cater to different needs and budgets. From compact coupes to luxury SUVs, there is a 2-door Mercedes model for everyone.