A popular alternative to full-blown electric cars seems to be hybrid and mild-hybrid alternatives. This technology offers drivers an acceptable alternative to the many electric cars (EV) lining up for 2024. Fully electric technology is fine, but it doesn’t suit everybody, hence the halfway hybrid house and one such mild-hybrid object of automotive desire is the latest Mercedes-Benz CLE coupé.
Yes, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of sporty, elegant dream cars with a new, independent series. The CLE Coupé incorporates the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E-Class models. With expressive design and the promise of exclusive comfort equipment for maximum individuality and confident, sporty driving performance, this new two-door car is very much a stand-alone model. The launch procedure for this car began in November and a cabriolet will follow in 2024 for open-air connoisseurs.
On The Outside
This sporty, elegant two-door unites proportions typical of a coupé with the modern design language of the prestige German brand. The progressively forward-leaning front section with a low-slung bonnet (hood), flat LED headlights coupled with a unique design and a distinctive radiator grille, ensure a decidedly athletic yet extremely elegant appearance.
The strongly contoured power domes on the bonnet reference the powerful engines with up to six cylinders. As is typical for Mercedes coupés, the radiator grille has a single louvre in glossy black with chrome trim and a central star. Together with the chrome frame around the shiny black central air intake in the front apron, it makes the two-door look lower and seemingly nestles closer to the road.
The CLE Coupé has LED High Performance headlights with newly designed daytime running lights, position lights and direction indicators as standard. ‘Digital Light’ headlights with and without a projection function are available as a special option. They have two daytime running light ellipses and blue illumination of the headlight base for an unmistakable look that further reinforces the dynamic appearance.
The powerful rear is characterised by flowing surfaces and smooth surface transitions. Another highlight is the two-part LED lights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies. Optionally, a light show to welcome and say goodbye to the passengers is available. The rear lights are connected with a dark red design element. Like the classic chrome trim strip on the bumper, it emphasises the width of the rear.
On The Inside
Sporty luxury in a class of its own, say the company, that’s focused fully on the driver: This is the concept for the interior design of the new CLE Coupé. Eye-catchers in the cockpit are the ‘free-standing’ 12.3 inch fully digital instrument display and the 11.9 inch central display in user-friendly portrait format. The latter grows seamlessly out of the front, glossy jet-black area of the centre console and has a six-degree incline towards the driver's seat. Together with the vertical format, this creates a visual dynamic that underlines the sporty claim and the pronounced driver orientation of this premium car.
Other highlights include the standard multi-function sports steering wheel in leather and new front seats developed exclusively for the model. They feature an avant-garde sports seat design with integrated headrests. In conjunction with the optional Burmester 3D surround sound system, they each have two speakers at the level of the headrests, creating a particularly individual and immersive music experience with Dolby ‘Atmos’ close to the ears. The premium sound system has a total of 17 speakers.
The sporty integral seat look of the new multi-contour seats reinforces the reduced design with three-dimensional, seamless shapes on the instrument panel and in the doors, giving the interior an additional visual minimalism. The front seats are heated and have an electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support as standard. Seat climate control and a seven-zone massage are also available in conjunction with the optional ‘Energising Plus’ package. Seat height, backrest and cushion inclination, as well as seat cushion depth, can be infinitely adjusted electrically. The memory function can be used to save individual driver seat settings for up to three people as can the position of the steering wheel, the optional head-up display and the exterior mirrors. If the driver changes, the optimal driving position can be conveniently set at the touch of a button.
On The Road
Thanks to the consistent application of electric technology, the CLE Coupé sets new standards in efficiency. The range of engines includes four-cylinder units and a six-cylinder engine from the current modular Mercedes-Benz engine family and both the diesel and petrol engines are mild hybrids. In addition to a turbocharger, they have a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG). It provides support in the low-speed range and ensures excellent power development.
The ISG includes a 48-Volt vehicle electrical system. It ensures functions such as coasting, boost or recuperation and thus enables significant savings in consumption. Another advantage: the engines start very quickly and conveniently. As a result, the start-stop function is almost imperceptible, as is the transition from coasting with the engine switched off to powerful propulsion with engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction of the ISG with the combustion engine ensures outstanding smoothness. Thanks to a new battery, the power of the electric motor has been increased from 15 to 17kW compared to other models. The boost torque is 200Nm.
With rear-axle steering and the associated and more direct steering ratio on the front axle, the CLE Coupé is particularly agile while being stable at the same time, enhanced also by the option of ‘4Matic’ all-wheel drive. The 9G-TRONIC transmission was further developed for the adaptation of the ISG and is used in all CLE variants. The electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission cooler have been moved into or onto the transmission to save space.
The standard equipment of the CLE Coupé includes ‘Attention Assist (for sleepy drivers) Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and the parking package with reversing camera’. Active Distance Assist is also standard equipment. It aids the driver by adapting the speed to slower vehicles ahead. The desired target distance can be set in several stages. The status and activity of all driving assistance systems are shown full screen in the assistance display of the driver's display.
Other driver assistance systems are part of equipment packages. The Advanced Plus package also includes Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. The premium package includes the parking package with 360-degree camera and the aforementioned ‘Digital Light’. Further, the Driving Assistance Package Plus with extended functionality and the Driving Assistance Package Plus is available as special equipment. It includes more than ten latest-generation assistance and safety systems.
Get in touch to check on the availability of this terrific new model and indeed any other of the prestige vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz wide range. There’s something for everyone. MHH International export from the UK, VAT-free, to New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, the Caribbean and other global destinations.
