CLE name for two-door all new 2024 Mercedes-Benz
Coupé and convertible CLEs will get four-cylinder, six-cylinder and PHEV power
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the long-mooted CLE name for the upcoming successor to its existing C-Class and E-Class coupé and cabriolet models. To be revealed in coupé form in July and launched in the UK by the end of the year, the new two-door model forms part of plans by the German car maker to consolidate its traditional ICE line-up as it pushes forward with an ambitious EV roll-out. Christof Kühner, head of overall vehicle testing for the CLE, said: “We asked C-Class Coupé owners what they expected from a successor model. The overwhelming answer was ‘greater luxury’.
E-Class Coupé owners, on the otherhand, said they wanted a ‘more sporting driving character’. We’ve attempted to imbue these qualities into a single model.” The basis for the new 2+2 coupé – and subsequent softtop cabriolet – is the Modular Rear Architecture platform, a high-strength steel and aluminium structure familiar from the full-sized C-Class and E-Class. It has been modified to give the CLE its own unique wheelbase and track widths between those of the two current saloons, but the full dimensions have yet to be revealed. The exterior styling builds on that of the existing E-Class Coupé, with a sporting silhouette that features a long, probing bonnet, ‘shark nose’ grille, heavily curved roof, curvaceous C-pillar treatment, heavily angled rear window and sloping bootlid within a rounded rear end.
Power domes in the bonnet, prominent haunches over the rear wheels and a tapered glasshouse draw visual links to the range-topping SL.
Inside, the dashboard and associated trim elements draw heavily on the latest C-Class, with separate digital instrument and infotainment displays running the third-generation MBUX operating system. Among the options are a head-up display unit and a panoramic glass roof. Mercedes will also offer the new CLE with level-two automated driving assistance, which allows the driver to go hands off for up to 30 seconds under European driving laws. Autocar can confirm the CLE will initially offer 2.0-litre fourand 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol units, together with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. All feature 48V mild-hybrid technology. A four-cylinder petrol plug-in hybrid is due, too.
Buyers will be able to choose between standard rear- and optional four-wheel drive on the four-cylinder petrol and diesel models. The six-cylinder petrol engine is set to be combined with Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel drive system as standard.
The existence of a six-cylinder petrol engine in standard CLE models hints at a possible CLE 53 version. Speculation also revolves around a range-topping CLE 63 with the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system used by the C63.
As part of efforts to provide the car with the agility to match its sporting looks, Mercedes will also offer its new two-door with optional rear steering and up to 2.5deg of rear steer angle for tighter turn-in.
Mid-sized coupé will rival two-door BMW 4 Series.
CLE replaces E- and C-Class Coupés.
CLK
New CLE has echoes of this baby two-door GT based on the C-Class. Launched in 1997 as a replacement for the E-Class coupé, it remained in production until2010.