2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE secret revealed (2023)

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the CLE designation for the upcoming successor to its existing C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible models.

Will debut in coupe form in July,Ahead of North American sales scheduled to begin in 2024, the 2-door model is part of the German automaker's plan to bolster its traditional combustion engine lineup with increased investment and engineering focus on all-electric models .

In addition to the CLE coupe, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce a CLE convertible with a traditional fabric roof next year.

According to Christof Kühner, head of overall testing for new models, the decision was made as early as 2019 to merge the C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible ranges into one CLE coupe and convertible range.

"We asked current C-Class Coupe owners what they expected from the successor model. The overwhelming answer was 'more luxury.' E-Class Coupe owners, on the other hand, said they wanted 'a sportier driving character.' "We tried to pack these qualities into a single model, the CLE," says Kühner. ward.

This strategy was inspired by Mercedes-Benz's decision to launch the CLK in 1997. Based on the second-generation C-Class, it was positioned as a replacement for the historic E-Class coupe and was produced until 2010 to span two model generations,That's before the introduction of separate C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible models.

The basis for the new coupe and convertible is the Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, a high-strength steel and aluminum structure that also underpins the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class sedans, as well as other Mercedes-Benz models this structure. It has been modified to give the CLE its own unique wheelbase.

Exterior styling based on the existing E-Class Coupé with a sporty silhouette(As shown below)Features long hood, steeply curved roofline, curvaceous C-pillar treatment, steeply angled rear window and sloping boot The cover sits within the rounded rear end.

Design elements hidden under the prototype's camouflage include a so-called shark nose at the front end. Further back are the twin power domes within the hood, the protruding haunch above the rear wheels and a conical greenhouse. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches. Standard CLE models get larger wheels, as do AMG models scheduled to launch next year.

Dimensions haven't been announced, but Kühner says the CLE is longer than the C-Class coupe and has a slightly smaller footprint than the E-Class coupe it replaces.

Inside, the dashboard and associated trim elements borrow heavily from the latest C-Class sedan and wagon, with separate digital gauges and infotainment displays. The backrests and integrated head restraints of the front seats provide firm support and are electrically adjustable as standard. As is tradition, the front seat belts also have a seat belt assist mechanism.

Kuna said changes to the floor and design of the center tunnel had been widened Compared with the outgoing E-Class coupe, there is more space in the front footwells.

Like the now-defunct second-generation C-Class coupe, the CLE coupe features B-pillars, while the E-Class coupe lacks them. However, the front seats move forward to provide a reasonable amount of climb room. Rear space is similar to that of the C-Class coupe: it's comfortable but not roomy thanks to the lower seats, higher beltline, and more curved roofline.

The third-generation MBUX operating system for the portrait-style infotainment display gets similar updates and menus as the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz will provide the CLE with Level 2 autonomous driving assistance system technology. Options include a head-up display and a panoramic glass roof.

The CLE coupe's engine lineup won't be announced until closer to launch, though Wards can confirm it will initially consist of a 2.0L 4-cylinder unit. and 3.0L 6-cylinder. Petrol unit, and 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. Diesels for the European market – all with 48V electrification and mild-hybrid character.

4 cylinders. The gas engine will also form the basis of the gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid CLE model, Kühner said, and will be combined with a transmission-mounted electric motor for an output of up to 120 horsepower.

As with the existing C-Class and E-Class ranges, all engines are mated to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. Overall, there are four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual.

Buyers can choose between standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive with a four-cylinder petrol engine and a diesel engine (6-cylinder). The petrol engine will be combined with Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as standard. The plug-in hybrid will only be sold with rear-wheel drive.

As with the earlier C- and E-Class coupes and convertibles, there will also be an option for the AMG-designed CLE. The presence of 6 cylinders. The petrol engine in the standard CLE model hints at a possible plug-in hybrid CLE53 4Matic E-Performance model. Mercedes-Benz declined to disclose details at this time.

Information on the U.S. engine lineup is expected next month.

As part of an engineering effort to give it the agility to match its sporty looks, Mercedes-Benz will offer the two-door with optional rear steering and a rear steering angle of up to 2.5 degrees. It is combined with front steering with a nominal 13.8:1 ratio.

The CLE will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany, for all markets.

First ride:Mercedes-Benz CLECoops

There used to be four models, now there are two. That's the result of Mercedes-Benz's decision to replace the C- and E-Class coupes and convertibles with the CLE coupe and convertible.

A first test drive of a low-mileage proof-of-concept prototype on the ultra-smooth roads around the Mercedes-Benz factory in Sindelfingen, Germany, revealed that the two-door car is not far behind in character from its successful predecessors.

Inside, there are plenty of styling cues from the C-Class sedan and wagon. But the lower front seating position gives the CLE coupe a sportier feel than the 4-door coupe on the passenger seat.

Perceived quality has been improved compared to older C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles, as has the operation of the infotainment system, which works with the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's MBUX operating system, Resulting in faster response time and higher resolution. - Generation display.

The original top 6 cylinder. The gasoline version of the CLE delivers smooth, effortless performance. The mechanical improvements are excellent, as is the prototype's ability to isolate wind noise at typical highway cruising speeds.

"A lot of effort has gone into giving the CLE coupe the relaxed and supple long-distance cruising qualities that are typical of it," said Mercedes-Benz testing chief Kuner. show。！

A synthetic sound generator provides additional aural intent when the driver is tuned into Sport mode, but can be turned off to preserve the overall sense of refinement without losing the sporty edge.

On more challenging roads, the CLE is satisfyingly agile, thanks in part to the optional rear-wheel steering. Body roll is also well suppressed.

The driving experience has GT-like appeal, combining inherently firm spring rates with excellent damping control to give the optional suspension a taut but controlled quality.

However, the real proof will come from driving the CLE coupe - one of the last Mercedes-Benz-based ICE models’'MRA platform - later this year. For now, though, Mercedes-Benz appears to have managed to take the best traits of the C-Class and E-Class coupes and turn them into an attractive two-plus-two. A car that will challenge the likes of the Audi A5 coupe and BMW 4 Series head-on.