New Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé: redesigned styling, more technology and a fully electrified range

Just over two months ago, the star brand introduced the new generation of its popular E-Class, a mid-size saloon that boasted an interesting range of new features and improvements, both in its exterior and interior design, technology and engine line-up.

With this major launch, all that remained was to wait for the arrival of the redesigned CLE Coupé from Mercedes, the CLE. A model designed to appeal to customers of the C-Class and E-Class who want a touch of sportiness and excitement without giving up the comfort and luxury of the two German four-door saloons.

Longer and wider

Starting with the new CLE’s aesthetic changes, Mercedes-Benz has given its successful coupé a classic design with sporty and elegant details. The long wheelbase of 2,865 mm, together with its low profile (1,428 mm), short overhangs and long bonnet with pronounced style creases, make the new CLE the largest coupé in its segment, measuring 164 millimetres longer than the C-Class Coupé and 15 millimetres longer than the E-Class Coupé.

Among its most notable new elements are a newly designed three-dimensional radiator grille, a range of wheels up to 20 inches on the best-equipped versions, High Performance LED headlights as standard equipment, and a rear end featuring new LED taillights linked by a connecting element, giving the new CLE the distinctive DNA of the star brand.

Inside, the fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display, the 11.9-inch central screen of the infotainment system and the model-specific multicontour seats are the main highlights.

A step forward in space and technology

Just as its exterior dimensions have grown, the interior of the new CLE Coupé feels more spacious wherever you look, with 10 millimetres more headroom, 19 millimetres more shoulder and elbow room and 72 millimetres more legroom, not to mention its 420-litre boot capacity.

The audio experience also promises much in the new CLE Coupé, with three different sound systems on offer: a standard system with five speakers, an advanced system with nine speakers and, as the crowning touch, a Burmester 3D surround sound system with 17 speakers in total for the best possible audio quality.

As expected, the new CLE Coupé features the third generation of the MBUX infotainment system, giving it the latest data speeds and a range of third-party apps such as TikTok, Angry Birds, Zoom, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music, among others, plus the advanced voice assistant Hey Mercedes.

Turning to its mechanical features, the new CLE Coupé is available in both petrol and diesel versions with mild-hybrid technology, which adds a 17 kW motor to increase boost torque to 200 Nm.

You may be wondering whether there will be a plug-in hybrid variant of the new CLE Coupé, and the answer is yes: Mercedes-Benz has announced that a plug-in version with a practical everyday range will be presented later on.

New CLE Coupé engine line-up

The new CLE Coupé’s suspension system has been designed to offer a perfect balance between agility and comfort, delivering nimble handling on winding roads. At the same time, it provides exceptional ride comfort on long journeys, ensuring the smooth ride typical of Mercedes-Benz.

In addition, if the technology package is fitted, it includes Dynamic Body Control (adjustable damping for each wheel), together with rear-axle steering for even better handling and agility.

Driver assistance systems on the CLE Coupé

Finally, with regard to driver assistance systems, the new CLE Coupé comes equipped with a wide range of advanced technologies to provide the driver with maximum safety and comfort. Standard equipment includes systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and the parking package with reversing camera. As an option, the DISTRONIC active distance assistant is also available, which adjusts the vehicle’s speed to traffic travelling more slowly ahead.

The CLE Coupé also offers the Plus driver assistance package, which includes more than ten state-of-the-art assistance and safety systems. These include the active lane change assistant, the active emergency stop assistant and Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, among others.