Joining the new E-Class on the newcomers podium from Mercedes-Benz is the new two-door CLE Coupé - a model making its first appearance on the Irish market.
Conceived to take the place of two models now discontinued, the C-Class and E-Class coupés, it is proof that two into one can actually work very well. It has a sleek, athletic appearance with strong sporty overtones that will likely appeal to an even broader base of coupé owners, not least those of a younger generation.
Features of note are its dynamic character line, steeply sloping windscreen and long roof that tapers back towards the rear. Its sporty characteristics are most evident in its 15mm lower posture (1,428mm ), long wheelbase (2,865mm ), and short overhangs (888mm front/1,090mm rear ).
New wrap-around, high-performance LED headlights enhance its visual appeal, as do its new three-dimensional radiator grille with centre star and single chrome louvre strip set against a background of tiny ‘star’ motifs familiar on other Mercedes-Benz models.
A total of 10 exterior colours are available, plus 18-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels depending on model choice.
Inside, a fully digital 312mm instrument cluster and a 302mm central touchscreen display, angled towards the driver, house a multiplicity of controls and information. New electronic architecture delivers fast 5G data transmission.
Seats designed for the CLE are covered with sustainably-processed, vegetable-tanned leather, are heated with four-way lumbar support as standard. Its flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in leather.
Its many occupant and driver comfort features include the latest third-generation MBUX infotainment system. Delivering a new level of personalisation, its automated convenience functions include a third-party apps download facility and voice assistance accessed via its ‘Hey Mercedes’ command function.
Other features include a 17-speaker surround-sound system, remote start, proximity lock/unlock, hands-free boot access, numerous driver-assistance systems, and mood-soothing interior ambient lighting in a 64-colour choice.
The CLE Coupé range will have three models: CLE 220, CLE 300 and CLE 450. Within the mix, choice will include 4-and 6- cylinder versions, mild hybrid petrol and diesel units, 9-speed automatic transmission, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and AMG variants.
As it expands, Mercedes-Benz says that plug-in hybrid and open-top cabriolet versions will be added.
At the launch, mild hybrid models are: a 255hp four-cylinder CLE 300 and a 375hp three-litre, six-cylinder CLE 450 4Matic. Both are equipped with integrated starter-generator running on a 48-volt electrical system that provides an extra 23hp boost that reduces turbo lag and smooths-out the start/stop function when the engine is running at low speed.
In both models, 9-speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive are available with multilink front and rear suspension. A stiffer sport-tuned suspension, standard on the CLE450, is offered on the CLE 300 with AMG package high performance.
Of the models being sold in Ireland initially, prices range from €73,215 for the CLE 220 d.
