Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé review

Read Caroline’s Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé review and find out everything you need to know about buying Mercedes’ new luxury coupe in Ireland.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé is a new model from the German brand, replacing the old C-Class Coupé and E-Class Coupé.

While luxury coupes are still a niche market in Ireland, the C-Class and E-Class coupes already have quite a few fans in Ireland who may soon be considering an upgrade.

The brand’s coupe models have always dominated in terms of style and luxury, and the new CLE Coupé will undoubtedly continue this theme.

Let’s take a closer look.

modeling

The CLE Coupé is a stunning two-door coupe whose elegant and classic design can only be appreciated up close.

A convertible is expected to join the range, but for now the coupe is just the thing for those seeking an exclusive car.

The good news is that all CLE Coupés in Ireland are offered in AMG Line Plus trim, so sportier AMG Line bumpers are standard, and there are a couple of nice alloy wheel designs to choose from (18-, 19- or 20-inch).

The hood is long and sleek, with an attractive electric dome. There are also new wraparound high-performance LED headlights. The grille features a centrally mounted star and chrome rivets, shaped like the Mercedes logo, reflecting the brand’s modern style. It is low and sleek, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, highlighting its coupe qualities.

It’s hard not to be wowed by the CLE, especially in its gorgeous Graphite Grey Metallic color.

Internal

It’s worth noting that the new CLE’s cabin draws more inspiration from the current C-Class than the next-generation E-Class, but there are also opulent elements, such as synthetic leather upholstery in multiple colors and the option to upgrade to real leather or Nappa leather, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and an impressive in-car infotainment system.

It borrows heavily from the C-Class’ interior, with the same stylish air vents and 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in a user-friendly portrait format. It comes with intelligent voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There’s also a clear, free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display behind the flat-bottomed AMG-style sports steering wheel.

Equipment highlights include heated front seats with lumbar support, electric adjustment and memory function, and wireless smartphone charging. There’s also an optional sliding sunroof to let in more light.

Practicality

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz does not use a lever to unlock the front seats, but an elegant loop made of Nappa leather. The wheelbase of the new CLE Coupé is 25 mm longer than that of the old C-Class Coupé, so anyone upgrading from the old model will definitely notice that there is more space for the two rear passengers. Headroom has also increased by 10 mm, shoulder and elbow room by 19 mm, and knee room by 72 mm.

The boot can be opened hands-free and has a total capacity of 420 litres, 60 litres more than the old C-Class Coupe. Mercedes says it can accommodate three golf bags!

engine

All of the CLE’s engines are mild hybrids. There are four- and six-cylinder options, including gasoline and diesel units at launch, with a plug-in hybrid promised at some point.

The CLE Coupé comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, but more powerful versions are available with 4Matic all-wheel drive. Power ranges from 197 hp to 449 hp for the top-of-the-range Mercedes-AMG model.

A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range.

The CLE 220 D is still likely to be a hit with Irish buyers, with its four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 197bhp and 440Nm of torque. Mild-hybrid technology ensures smooth power delivery (0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds). During my test drive, fuel consumption was around 5.4L/100km.

drive

The CLE is a premium coupe that drives like one. It’s powerful, with smooth power delivery, and the ability to switch between multiple driving modes via Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system allows you to, for example, switch from a more comfort-oriented setting to a more alert, sportier one. The CLE is engaging to drive and handles the road expertly. The steering is nicely weighted, and the car doesn’t lean too much when cornering, which is manageable with the Agility Control suspension that lowers it by about 15mm. Add to that the excellent grip and responsiveness of the diesel engine, and it’s a real pleasure to drive.

Comfort and refinement are similar to the new C-Class, but the CLE isn’t as comfortable as the latest E-Class. But for anyone who’s driven a previous-generation C-Class coupe, the CLE will be a huge upgrade.

Price

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé start at 73,215 euros for the CLE 220 D and 74,670 euros for the CLE 200. Prices for the CLE 300 4Matic start at 89,545 euros and the CLE 450 4Matic start at 109,880 euros.

in conclusion

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé fills the high-end coupe segment in Ireland with a unique style, imposing presence and luxurious style. The brand’s previous C-Class and E-Class Coupés are still very eye-catching on Irish streets, and the CLE is a worthy successor.

With its stunning design and luxurious interior, the new CLE certainly looks its best. Its sporty styling is perfectly combined with Mercedes’ proven 2.0-litre diesel engine, making it fun to drive.

It’s an expensive car, but a significant upgrade for Mercedes coupe buyers.

____________________________

By Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Irish Car of the Year judge

The post Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé review appeared first on Changing Lanes.