Title: Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class: The Perfect Fusion of Style and Performance
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As we witness a seismic shift in the automotive industry toward electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has taken an intriguing detour with its latest offering: the CLE-Class. Replacing the C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles, the CLE-Class introduces a new paradigm of luxury and performance while retaining an internal combustion engine. Despite being an all-new model, the CLE invokes a strong sense of familiarity, merging the best attributes of its predecessors into one compelling package.
### A Glance at the Exterior
The CLE-Class is notable for its size and stance. It exceeds the E-Class Coupe by 0.6 inches in length but features a wheelbase shorter by 0.3 inches. Its body is 0.1 inch wider, and the height is marginally lower by 0.1 inch. This makes the CLE long and low, adhering to the sleek aesthetic expected from a luxury sports coupe. The exterior design elements, including the grille, trim, character lines, and lighting, are unmistakably aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s design language. Our CLE 450 test model impressed with its Manufaktur Graphite Gray Magno paint, enhancing its sporty appeal.
### A Luxurious Interior Experience
Upon entering the CLE, you’re greeted by red leather multi-contour seats that blend comfort with luxury. The dashboard layout retains familiarity, boasting two screens – one for infotainment and the other for driver display, accented with a lighter metal-weave trim. The driving position is ergonomically designed, offering good legroom and a telescoping steering wheel, making it easy to find your perfect driving position. Despite the high beltline, visibility is reasonably good, although navigating tight corners can be a bit challenging, especially in crowded areas.
### Rear Seating and Accessibility
Accessing the second-row seats requires using the “Nappa Loop,” a clever leather hitch that helps tilt the front seat backrest forward and slides the seat to allow entry and exit. The rear seats, designed as two separate sporty buckets, offer ample comfort though they fall short in headroom. Taller passengers may find their heads brushing against the headliner, but otherwise, legroom and overall space are commendable. Kids, especially, will find the back seat quite accommodating.
### Under the Hood: Power and Performance
The CLE lineup features two engine options. The CLE 300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The CLE 450, however, takes it up a notch with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that churns out 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding up to 23 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, enhancing efficiency and performance with regenerative braking. The CLE 450 excels with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds, offering seamless and linear acceleration thanks to the mild-hybrid boost.
### Driving Dynamics: Smooth and Responsive
Driving the CLE 450 is an exercise in smoothness and responsiveness. The mild-hybrid system effectively eliminates turbo lag, ensuring a linear acceleration profile. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, though it could be a bit more responsive in manual mode. However, the transmission’s auto mode is highly effective, allowing the driver to focus on other aspects of the journey.
### Sound and Suspension
The CLE 450 features a “Progressive Sport Sound” system enhancing the engine note, developed by AMG. While it can sound slightly artificial, it provides satisfying auditory feedback during aggressive driving. Luckily, it can be turned off if preferred. The car’s sport suspension, standard on the CLE 450 and optional on the CLE 300, offers a smooth and balanced ride. It filters out road imperfections seamlessly and maintains exceptional comfort even in sport mode, delivering a blend of luxury and performance.
### Infotainment and Technology
The CLE comes with the latest iteration of the MBUX operating system, featuring the innovative “Zero Layer” technology. Unlike the overwhelming Hyperscreen setups of the EQ series, the CLE opts for an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Navigating the infotainment system is intuitive once you familiarize yourself with its layout. A standout feature is “Routines,” which allows drivers to set conditional triggers for various functions, enhancing convenience and personalization.
### Practicality and Everyday Use
Despite its sporty character, the CLE is practical for daily use. While frequent ingress and egress can be cumbersome due to the low height, it’s manageable. The trunk, though modest at 11.2 cubic feet, handles everyday cargo like groceries efficiently. The leather loops for rear seat access require some effort, but kids find the rear seats comfortable and exciting.
### Pricing and Value
The CLE 300 starts at $57,650, while the CLE 450 begins at $66,800. Our tested CLE 450, loaded with options like matte gray paint, red leather, 20-inch wheels, a driver assistance package, and massage seats, came to $77,700. Though pricey, the CLE justifies its expense with its luxurious feel and performance. Additionally, for those seeking more power, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe offers 443 horsepower for a starting price of $73,950.
### Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 is a well-balanced blend of luxury and performance, making it an attractive option in the luxury coupe segment. With its impeccable build quality, advanced technology, and practical everyday usability, the CLE sets a new standard for what a luxury sports coupe should be.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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