New Coupe Threads a High quality Line Between C-Class & E-Class

There’s a cause Mercedes-Benz insisted on promoting the fourth-gen C-Class coupe and convertible regardless of introducing the all-new fifth-gen C-Class in 2022. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the reply, an all-new nameplate for the three-pointed star that slides between the C-Class and E-Class however with two fewer doorways. The CLE intends to reply the wants of premium patrons who desire a sporty and extra compact Mercedes coupe however with the roomy inside of a four-door E-Class sedan.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE: What’s New?

The German automaker calls it “the biggest coupe within the midsize phase.” The CLE is about 6.5 inches longer than the outgoing C-Class Coupe and has an extended wheelbase, whereas it extends over the outdated E-Class Coupe by an inch. The expansion spurt and marginal proportions have freed up extra head, knee, and shoulder room within the again row, whereas the trunk has sufficient house to swallow as much as three golf luggage.

Furthermore, the CLE’s design is a mishmash of styling cues from the brand new C-Class and E-Class. Just like the latter, the CLE has a cab-backward design with shorter entrance overhangs, longer rear overhangs, muscular shoulders, and an prolonged hood. The CLE will arrive in a coupe or cabriolet physique, however the former will arrive first at U.S. dealerships in early 2024.

Potent Hybridized Powertrains

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE will debut in two variants: CLE 300 4MATIC and CLE 450 4MATIC. Each characteristic mild-hybrid powertrains headlined by a turbocharged 4 or six-cylinder engine. The CLE 300 4MATIC has the model’s M254 engine, a blown 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. It’s sometimes the identical engine within the present C 300 and E 250.

In the meantime, the CLE 450 receives the M256 3.0-liter turbo inline-six from the E450, churning out 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. Each engines characteristic 48-volt electronics and an built-in starter-generator (ISG) electrical motor that delivers 23 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque as wanted, sufficient to get rid of turbo lag whereas boosting low-rpm efficiency.

Each CLE variants characteristic an all-wheel drivetrain and a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed computerized. The CLE’s transmission has the ISG, energy electronics, and gearbox cooler in an built-in meeting to save lots of house whereas lowering weight.

Sporty Low Rider

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE isn’t a cool-looking low rider, nevertheless it does sit greater than half an inch decrease than a normal C-Class sedan. Beneath its shapely, two-door physique is a four-link entrance and multi-link rear suspension with comfort-oriented tuning for the CLE 300 4MATIC. Nevertheless, the CLE 450 4MATIC has a stiffer suspension for a extra exhilarating drive.

Elegant But Sporty Cabin

Whereas the CLE’s physique panels are harking back to the C-Class and E-Class, the inside is all C-Class with its 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen. The seats are price mentioning since they’re bespoke to the all-new CLE and have built-in audio system (two in every entrance seat) to enhance the usual 17-speaker Burmester 3D encompass audio system.

The CLE 450 4MATIC has the usual AMG Line bundle that provides black MB-TEX supplies across the instrument panels and beltlines. Consumers can select from varied inside materials and colours, together with quilted and perforated Nappa leather-based, open-pore black wooden veneers, aluminum inlays, walnut wooden, and extra.

After all, the CLE options the MBUX infotainment system with on-line music streaming capabilities, a voice assistant, consumer personalization, and Android compatibility for third-party apps like Zoom, Offended Birds, or TikTok (for some cause).

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Security Options

The CLE wouldn’t be a Mercedes with out a typical array of blazing-new security expertise. The usual driving aids embody consideration help, lane conserving help, brake help, velocity restrict help, and a reverse digital camera. As well as, the non-obligatory Driving Help Package deal provides extra security nets like lively steering help, braking help, lane altering help, and lively blind spot monitoring, amongst others.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Beginning MSRP

Mercedes-Benz isn’t but prepared to debate pricing, nevertheless it promised to announce the beginning MSRPs nearer to the supposed launch date. Nevertheless, we reckon the bottom costs to begin at about $65,000 for the CLE 300 and round $73,000 for the CLE 450. The primary deliveries for the CLE hardtop coupe will start in early 2024, whereas the CLE Cabriolet will comply with midyear.

Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog characteristic columnist and an skilled in sports activities and efficiency vehicles. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his youthful years and continues to be very a lot smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He additionally likes fried rooster, music, and natural drugs.

Images & Supply: MBUSA.