Mercedes-Benz have offered some of the best-looking coupes over the years, like the venerable SL, SLK and CL – even their GL SUV range if you consider them coupes. It really is a case of 'take your pick' because there are so many derivatives to choose from.
The CLE is one of Mercedes-Benz's latest coupé offerings, introduced locally in 2024. There are two derivatives available – the CLE 200 and CLE 300 – with pricing that starts from R1 355 350.
The test unit serving as the focus of this article was the CLE 300 4MATIC, which currently serves as the flagship derivative in the local range. For those wondering about a performance AMG version, there has been no confirmation of it up to this point.
A C-Class with fewer doors?
For starters, the CLE brings forth a more luxury option for those that want to strike a balance between C and E-Class. The CLE’s design lends itself to be much sleeker and lower slung than its four-doored sibling.
From a design perspective, it is unique with a front that is reminiscent of a shark nose thanks to the low-slung bonnet, flat LED headlights and a newly designed, three-dimensional front grille.
Fitted on our test unit was the AMG Line package that comprises of 20-inch multi-spoke Mercedes-AMG wheels, lowered sport suspension and AMG body styling. There are Mercedes-EQ cues at the rear with a continuous horizontal brake light piece instead of two separate pieces.
The interior is pretty much the same as a current generation C-Class, featuring the brand’s free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch central portrait display that houses functionality like ambient lighting, navigation and the Hey Mercedes voice assistant.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality also form part of the package. Black leather seating comes as standard, though our test unit was equipped with macchiato beige leather that costs an additional R3 500.
One thing that is different, though, is the seating position, which is lower and more angled. Our test unit was also fitted with the Premium Plus Package with Digital Extras, which comes with features like a panoramic sunroof and Burmester 3D surround sound system, wholeheartedly elevating the interior appeal – though it is a pricey optional extra box to tick at R142 000.
Powertrain
Moving onto the performance, and one would assume that there is some sort of 3.0-litre engine under the bonnet as denoted by the CLE 300 name. However, under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 207kW and 400Nm.
That combustion unit works in unison with a 48-volt integrated starter generator that adds an additional 15kW to the total power output. The German firm claims an average fuel consumption figure of 7.4-litres/100km and we ended our stint with the car on 8.1-litres/100km, most of which was done around the city with very little long-distance driving.
Sending power to all four wheels is a nine-speed automatic transmission via the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. From a performance perspective, the CLE 300 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.2-seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h.
How does it drive?
One would expect a car that has bigger wheels and lowered suspension to have a very stiff drive, but that is definitely not the case. The drive is solid and comfortable once the ideal seating position is achieved, and the only thing to be mindful of is not to go over a speed bump too fast.
Even though it makes a decent amount of power, the performance is not venomous but rather conservative. Switching the driving mode to Sport does make the engine more responsive in acceleration, though not much faster overall. The coupé lends itself to be more of a stylish offering as opposed to a performance offering.
The cabin surrounded with the technology on offer is a nice place to be, and Mercedes-Benz continues to nail the brief where that is concerned. With the portrait screen, passengers can also interact with the various menus and settings
The CLE is a bit on the pricey side of things, which, we think, is one of its potential drawbacks when you put it into the ring with other examples like the BMW 4 Series (priced from R990 000) or Audi A5 Coupé (priced from R952 500).
Spec, pricing and aftersales
CLE 200 – R1 355 350
CLE 300 4Matic – R1 430 650
Pricing includes a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan and warranty.
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