Two become one for coupe

Mercedes-Benz has introduced an all-new model line, the CLE Coupe, which replaces the outgoing C-Class and E-Class coupe variants.

The CLE Coupe is larger than the discontinued C-Class car in every dimension, including an additional 60 litres of cargo space in the boot and an extra 56mm of leg room in the rear seats.

It also measures 15mm longer than the E-Class model and comes with more front leg room and extra shoulder and elbow room for back-seat passengers.

Boasting an “aggressive” and “sporty” profile, the vehicle has a pair of contoured power domes on the bonnet, a shark-nose front section incorporating flat LED headlights and a distinctive radiator grille. 

At the rear are two-part LED lights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies, an AMG-inspired diffuser-look rear apron and integrated tailpipe trims.

The CLE Coupe will be offered in two variants – the CLE 200 Coupe and the CLE 300 4matic Coupe – with both powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine featuring mild-hybrid technology. 

Standard outputs in the CLE 200 are 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque, while the CLE 300 4matic lifts performance to 190kW and 400Nm. 

Both variants have a second-generation integrated starter generator to provide support at lower speeds and there is a 48-volt vehicle electrical system to help with functions such as coasting, boost or recuperation. The electric motor can deliver a boost of 17kW and 205Nm. 

A nine-speed automatic transmission is a feature of both models, which ride on sports suspension that is lowered by 15mm compared with the existing C-Class and E-Class sedans. 

On the inside is the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system accessible via a portrait-orientation 11.9-inch centre display screen and standard ambient lighting offers a choice of 64 interior hues. 

There is also a Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos, a head-up display, heated front seats with memory function, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and a parking package with 360-degree camera. 

Both models ride on 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels in black and the standard safety package includes active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, blind spot assist and traffic sign assist. 

Seats in the CLE 200 are covered in Artico and those in the CLE 300 feature standard leather. 

Pricing for the CLE 200 Coupe starts from $109,300, including GST and on-road costs, while the CLE 300 4matic Coupe begins at $126,700.