An all-new model series has been unveiled by Mercedes-Benz and it is the Mercedes-Benz CLE (C236). Like the CLA and CLS, this is a coupe model. More interestingly though, this new series replaces the C-Class Coupe, E-Class Coupe, and their cabriolet counterparts. The market launch of the CLE will begin in Europe this November.
Replacing the C-Class and E-Class Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CLE measures 4,850 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,428 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,865 mm long. It is longer and lower than both the C-Class and E-Class coupe, so the CLE name is rather appropriate since it leans towards being an E-Class.
The front end draws an uncanny resemblance to the CLA, especially with the shape of the headlights (the cluster does defer though and the CLE utilizes the brand’s Digital Light technology). CLA similarities aside, the CLE does have decent proportions and a domineering appearance.
One thing that may bother fans of Mercedes-Benz’s midsize coupe is the introduction of the B-Pillar. The E-Class Coupe made do without this, but the C-Class Coupe had it. The lack of the B-Pillar in the E-Class coupe and many older Mercedes-Benz mid-size coupes gave the car a signature look. With the windows down, you had a clean opening which was quite the head-turner. That aside, the CLE is still a decent-looking car.
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Wheel sizes for the CLE range from 18 to 20 inches with varying designs and the AMG-Line CLE comes with 19-inch wheels as standard. At the back, the Mercedes-Benz CLE comes with a new set of taillights which is a two-part LED light with new contours and three-dimensional bodies.
Upon its market launch in Europe set to happen in November this year, there will be 5 powertrain options for the CLE. Namely the CLE 220 d, CLE 200, CLE 200 4MATIC, CLE 300 4MATIC, and CLE 450 4MATIC. All powertrain options are 48V mild hybrid systems with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). There are no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options yet, but Mercedes-Benz says it is a work in progress.
In its most powerful version, the CLE 450 4MATIC sources power from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 engine (M 256 M) that outputs 381 hp and 500 Nm. The ISG provides an additional boost of 23 hp and 200 Nm. Paired with the engine is the brand’s 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
Other versions of the CLE are powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine (with varying outputs with respect to variant) or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Both fuel options get assistance from the 48V mild hybrid system.
Inside, the cabin design is already quite expected. Naturally, it is in sync with the cabin of the newly introduced W214 and the W206 with its large portrait head unit and prominent centre console. Of course, the head unit features the latest version of MBUX which has become quite popular among customers.
Like the W214 E-Class, the Mercedes-Benz CLE’s head unit can be installed the entertainment platform “TikTok”, the podcast platform “Pocket Casts”, the audio and video streaming platform “Audials”, the game “Angry Birds”, the cloud-based collaboration application ” Webex”, the video conferencing system “Zoom” and the internet browser “Vivaldi”.
In Malaysia, the E-Class Coupe is still available for purchase, selling at RM520,888. The sedan E-Class for Malaysia is also currently in the W213 generation.
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