AUTO: In the Mercedes E-Class family, I ask for the Coupé. After the sedan and soon the Estate, Mercedes is also preparing to launch the CLE, which replaces two models at once
When Mercedes announced that the old-generation C-Class and E-Class coupes would not be replaced, some expected to see the disappearance of a body style that has contributed to the glory of the brand with the star. It was misunderstanding Mercedes which, after having multiplied niches and sub-niches, decided to close ranks, to rationalize its range to return to something easier to manage and less expensive.
So here is the KEY. Even if the last letter of its name places it in the Mercedes hierarchy, it replaces both the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe. In terms of dimensions, it is closer to the new E-Class, which will make it a more livable coupe than the rival BMW 4 Series and Audi A5. On the other hand, the style of the front face, as well as the dashboard, borrows more from Class C.
Two AMG versions announced in 2024
And mechanically? The two bulges in the cover give a clue as to the mechanical program. The offer starts with a 200 hp 2.0 diesel 4-cylinder, followed by a 2.0 petrol 4-cylinder, available in 204 and 258 hp. And if the C-Class stops there, the CLE rather follows the E-Class, also offering a 6-cylinder in-line gasoline engine, with 381 hp. All the engines come as standard with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, while all-wheel drive is available with the base petrol engine, and comes standard with the others. Mercedes also offers piloted air suspensions and directional rear wheels as an option.
That’s all that will be launched before the end of the year (we already have our tickets for the trials at the end of August). In 2024, there will still be AMG versions, a plug-in hybrid version, and… a CLE Cabrio. The prices are not yet known.
