George Rusu
Mercedes-Benz
The 2024 CLE Coupe is a perfect blend of what Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes hopes to hit the sweet spot with the CLE coupe, combining what most customers wanted into one irresistible package. The motto of the new CLE is “sporty luxury.”
This is all part of Mercedes’ recent downsizing approach. The automaker is paring down its car lineup and cutting down on the number of body styles it offers, alongside its shift to all-electric power by 2030
The CLE Coupe and its breezy convertible version, the CLE Cabriolet, are the newest products of this strategy. But the fun isn’t over just because Mercedes is going green. For the purists out there, the CLE will also be available with an inline-six pushing 375 hp. Mercedes is making moves to give everyone a bit of what they’re after, whether that's a sports car luxury car
The 2024 CLE Coupe Steps It Up With Six Cylinders
Mercedes-Benz
Unlike the C-Class, which only offers a four-cylinder engine range
The CLE’s engine runs on a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup
Also available is the base four-cylinder model, which is a mild-hybrid system, as well. The CLE 300 4Matic runs on a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and puts out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Just like its bigger six-cylinder counterpart
We don’t have all the details yet regarding performance figures for either the six-cylinder or four-cylinder CLE. However, we do know the CLE will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.
As far as the ride, the CLE’s suspension is set 0.6 inches lower than the C-Class sedan’s and has received a bit of a tune-up
The sport suspension comes standard on the six-cylinder model and is available on the four-cylinder version with the AMG package. The setup includes stiffer springs and more direct steering, giving drivers a tighter feel on the road.
The New Coupe Is Longer Than The Outgoing Ones
Mercedes-Benz
When compared with the looks of the C- and E-Class
Although the CLE shares the same 112.8-inch wheelbase as the C-Class
If you’re acquainted with the C- and E-Class, the 2024 CLE will seem familiar
It also features broader wheel arches that set it apart from the C-Class Coupe. The 2024 CLE is sleek and well-proportioned, with just the right amount of muscle. It’s exactly what we would expect an updated C-Class or E-Class Coupe would look like.
The CLE's Seats Feature Built-In Headrest Speakers
Mercedes-Benz
Inside, the CLE combines the overall feel and layout of the C-Class with the tech of the new E-Class the latest third-generation MBUX infotainment system
Entirely new for the 2024 CLE Coupe are a set of sporty seats, which feature a slightly lower driving position. As part of the standard Burmester 3D surround sound system, the seats feature Dolby Atmos speakers built directly into the headrests, making the seats a treat for both your back and your ears.
Mercedes has thought about the backseat passengers too, with a new “Easy-Entry” function that is complete with an elegant Nappa leather loop at the top edge of the backrest to fold down the front seats.
The rest of the CLE’s interior has that typical Mercedes touch. You’ve got the familiar steering wheel and those signature “squircle” air vents. The interior is softly lit by ambient lighting, the color of which can be easily customized from within the infotainment system.
The extra length of the CLE pays off too, as it’s got more legroom than both the C-Class and E-Class Coupes. The CLE truly hits on all the right notes, whether it's style, technology, or comfort.
When compared to the C-Class and E-Class coupes, the CLE might seem pretty predictable on the surface. While it does borrow heavily from two well-known Mercedes cars, there’s plenty that’s fresh about this 2024 Coupe.
As far as the price tag, we’re still in the dark, but customers will be able to get their hands on a new CLE Coupe in early 2024. An open-top version, the CLE Cabriolet, is also on the horizon, although it will be available a bit later than the hardtop version. For those who love an adrenaline rush, we expect that AMG-branded versions of both the coupe and the convertible are in the works