Too many coupes: that’s apparently been Mercedes-Benz’s problem for the past few years. So out go all those C-Class and E-Class two-doors and in comes the new CLE, which essentially replaces both ranges.
The pitch from M-B is that a CLE will please those coming from a C-Class because it’s so lovely and large, while those familiar with the E-Class will be impressed by the new car’s sportier character.
One could equally argue that C-people might be annoyed their new coupe is enormous (it’s 15mm longer than the old E-Class, in fact), while E-owners might be alarmed their premium coupe looks so much like the humble C-Class. Just thinking out loud.
Anyway, this is it and the CLE does look rather good in its own way. But still very much like a C-Class at first glance, with that sharky frontal styling. It’s only in profile that you realise how large it is; the sweeping rear roofline (shades of Mercedes-AMG GT) and mass of C-pillar gives the CLE real presence. It rides 15mm lower than regular Cs and Es, which also gives it a somewhat sinister look from some angles.
The CLE comes in many flavours in Europe, but for New Zealand we’re limited to two models at launch: the 200 and 300 4Matic as tested here, both with 2.0-litre mild-hybrid power. There’s a rorty AMG version overseas too, but no sign of that for NZ just yet.
It rides 15mm lower than regular Cs and Es, which gives it a somewhat sinister look from some angles.
That doesn’t sound especially exotic, but the 190kW/400Nm 300 powerplant is familiar from the C-Class/GLC and it combines decent punch with a surprising amount of character when you select Sport mode.
The mild hybrid tech doesn’t mean eco-car levels of fuel economy, but just over 8l/100km isn’t bad for relatively brisk performance (0-100km/h 6.2sec) and the integrated starter generator (ISG) does a nice job of filling in the bottom end, delivering an extra 17kW/200Nm when needed.
It's a genuine four-seater and performs well in the internationally recognised motoring journalist test for rear-seat space: can I sit behind myself?
The 9-speed gearbox is mostly smooth, although our test car had the odd moment of staccato gearchanges under load - not something we’ve experienced with this powertrain in other models like the GLC.
The CLE is the relaxed motorway cruiser that you’d hope a traditional Benz coupe might be, and the driver assists work really well; a reminder that most so-called “legacy” carmakers make sure they nail this stuff for each market before they send a car out into the world. If only that was true for the newbies.
The screen is put to good use with the augmented reality navigation and features like traffic light view.
There’s an underlying firmness to the chassis in urban driving, but it doesn’t cross over into crashy. It’s an effortless A-to-B machine on backroads as well, especially with AWD taking up the slack on tricky surfaces.
The CLE dashboard is pure C-Class/GLC, with twin (but very separate) displays: 12.3in for the driver and an 11.9in portrait-style screen for infotainment. The latter is put to good use with the augmented reality navigation (which overlays direction graphics on a camera view, neat) and features like traffic light view, which automatically displays the intersection ahead when you stop so you don’t have to crane upwards to see the lights.
Our car had the $4900 Plus Package, which includes extra driving assistance features, memory parking and multicontour front seats with climate functions. Leather is already standard in the 300, but the upgraded chairs look and feel great - they’re exactly the kind of the thing you want/need in a premium coupe.
The CLE is a genuine four-seater and even performs well in the internationally recognised motoring journalist test for rear-seat space: can I sit behind myself? There’s an “Easy-Entry” leather tab on the front seats that can be pulled to power them forward for rear access, and once you’re in there it’s remarkably roomy.
This is a huge step up from the C-Class two-door and actually provides 54mm more rear shoulder room and 36mm extra elbow room over the outgoing E-Class coupe.
In some respects, the CLE feels like a bit of a step sideways: a very traditional Mercedes-Benz in this age of monobox SUVs and electric power. But we’re good with that; in fact, it feels quite refreshing to be behind the wheel of a low-slung coupe that looks like it means business and has actual gears.
Potentially, Mercedes-Benz could have let this segment slip away quietly (Audi has, although BMW is still going hard); it’s kind of nice the CLE has come along to keep it going.
What are the key statistics for the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300?
It's a large four-seat coupe that replaces both the C-Class and E-Class two-doors. It's powered by Mercedes-Benz's familiar 19kW/400Nm 2.0-litre mild-hybrid engine, with a 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 efficient?
Not if you hear "hybrid" and think this will be a super-thrifty machine. But the official figure of 8.2l/100km is decent for a large car and the hybrid system does a good job of providing a power boost via the integrated starter-generator without using extra fuel.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 good to drive?
It's a great cruiser. The ride has an underlying firmness in town, but the the CLE is a very quick A-to-B machine, especially with the standard AWD. We wish the transmission was a bit smoother, though.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 practical?
For a coupe, yes. It's a genuine 4-seater and the boot is also a pretty decent size. It's just a bit tricky to get in and out of with that low roof, but you expect that of a coupe.
What do we like about the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300?
It looks aggressive, the cabin is surprisingly spacious and it's highly capable in all kinds of driving.
What don’t we like about the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300?
The C-Class looks might be a turn-off to E-Class people, the transmission can be a bit indecisive and the cabin (although polished) doesn't feel that special because it's pure C-Class/GLC.
What kind of person would the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 ?
Someone who loves traditional Mercedes-Benz coupes and appreciates the step up in technology the CLE brings.
