Early final 12 months, studies claimed that Mercedes-Benz plans to noticeably cut back its mannequin lineup as a part of its long-term technique. This implies trimming unprofitable physique kinds like wagons and sedans whereas consolidating its coupes to fulfill the present demand extra successfully. The primary byproduct of this method is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 4MATIC, a smooth two-door that replaces each the discontinued C and E Class coupes.
Nonetheless, whereas the CLE goals to separate the distinction between the C and E, it doesn’t accomplish that proper down the center. As a substitute, it cherry-picks bits from each to create one thing new. As such, this 450 mannequin will get a gentle hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six beforehand reserved for the E-Class. Its inside structure is straight from the most recent C-Class, with an 11.9-inch vertically oriented central infotainment display screen as its centerpiece. Dimensionally, it sits a lot nearer to the E-Class Coupe, sporting a 6.5-in longer and a couple of.1-in wider footprint than the outgoing C.
The CLE’s largest problem isn’t integrating new elements. As a substitute, it’s mixing the personas of two very completely different vehicles, the E-Class being the extra historically luxurious and the C-Class erring on the sporty facet. The place does the CLE fall, then?
Aesthetically, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 has all of the makings of an expensive two-door within the conventional sense. It sports activities a prolonged 112.8-in wheelbase complemented by a experience peak 0.6 decrease than the C-Class Coupe’s. Brief entrance and rear overhangs, a forward-leaning shark-like nostril, and a protracted hood add to its sporty persona. The 450 trim receives the AMG-Line remedy as customary, which provides 19-in wheels, though my tester wears an elective $850 set of 20s wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 summer season rubber.
Whereas it’s meant to switch the C and E-Class Coupes, the CLE sports activities loads of components we’ve seen miniaturized within the CLA Sedan. From its raked windshield to its sloping roofline and widened head and tail lights, the CLE attracts inspiration from past the vehicles it’s aiming to switch. But whereas this permits the CLE to generate a sense of familiarity with the remainder of the lineup, it additionally detracts from its distinctiveness, carrying the look of a Mercedes coupe, even for those who’re uncertain which one.
In line with the simplification theme that spawned it, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE gives simply two powertrain choices: a turbo-four for the 300 fashions and an inline-six because the 450’s range-topper. The latter is a 3.0-liter unit that pairs with a twin-scroll turbocharger and a mild-hybrid system for effectivity. It’ll coast briefly on electrons whereas additionally enhancing its energy supply, filling in torque to eradicate the results of turbo lag. Due to an up to date battery, the small electrical motor can generate 25 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, bringing the 450’s whole output to 375 hp and 369 lb-ft.
Whereas its nine-speed automated is broadly used throughout the carmaker’s lineup, it’s been redesigned to be extra compact and 30 p.c lighter. This pairs with an up to date 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, sending extra energy upfront for improved traction. As such, the CLE 450 will dash to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds earlier than topping out at an electronically restricted high velocity of 130 mph.
Regardless of its sporty seems to be, it takes just a few moments behind the wheel of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE to comprehend that whereas it could appear appropriately athletic, it’s an expensive coupe first. Take its inline-six for instance. It generates a wholesome dose of energy, particularly down low within the rev vary, then persistently carries it to the redline, helped by that aforementioned electrical motor. There’s no turbo lag to report, and its energy curve is impressively progressive. Nonetheless, this inline-six is just about silent because it delivers it.
Whereas its electrical motor circumvents the necessity for a standard starter, thus leading to a seamless begin/cease system, a quiet exhaust aided by a wholesome dose of sound deadening means this inline-six is virtually invisible behind the wheel. That is nice when puttering round city however not a lot if you need to lean into the CLE’s sporty facet. A lot in order that Mercedes added a Progressive Sport Sound setting, which pipes in artificial V8 noises by way of the CLE’s audio system so as to add drama to the expertise. It is a actual disgrace, contemplating we’ve heard how good variations of its inline-six sound when uncorked authentically in vehicles just like the outgoing AMG E53 Coupe.
Mercedes gives two suspension calibrations for the CLE: Consolation, which comes customary within the 300 mannequin, and Sport, which is baked into the AMG Line-equipped 450. Regardless of what its title could counsel, even the firmer of the 2 configurations remains to be fairly compliant. Though it struggles to isolate minor imperfections, a problem made trickier by its bigger 20-in wheels, it simply soaks up bigger bumps. As such, a touch of roughness round city dissipates as you decide up velocity on a freeway.
If you happen to enterprise additional and find yourself on a twisty street, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE will hold on far longer than anticipated. Regardless of its hefty 4,266-lb curb weight, it’s significantly grippy within the bends, in a position to preserve tempo with machines that outgun it on paper. So grippy that the results of that weight are continuously high of thoughts. Flip right into a bend, and the entrance desires to dive in whereas the remainder of its physique plops over, spoiling its stability. An adaptive suspension system like that obtainable for the Euro-spec CLEs would doubtless clear up the issue, however sadly, that setup gained’t be obtainable for the US vehicles.
So, whereas the CLE can sort out the odd bend, it’s in all probability finest to think about it as a really well-appointed grand tourer, which, given its seems to be and, crucially, its inside, is in no way a foul factor. Whereas its structure could carry over primarily from the most recent C-Class sedan, there are many CLE-specific touches. Its customary sports activities seats, for instance, are distinctive, providing elective therapeutic massage, cooling, and ventilating options. Their headrests embrace audio system that pair with a regular Burmester 3D Encompass Sound System.
Whereas all CLEs get Mercedes’ MB-Tex as customary, a Nappa leather-based possibility with a perforated diamond sew sample is out there. Nonetheless, the AMG Line-equipped 450s get MB-Tex with a “Nappa look,” bridging the hole between artificial and the actual deal, which is surprisingly convincing regardless of sounding fairly gimmicky. Nonetheless, supplies apart, a advantage of the CLE leaning nearer to the E-Class Coupe’s footprint is its wonderful inside house. Whereas beneficiant room for the entrance two occupants is anticipated, there’s a respectable quantity of house within the second row as effectively, which, except for having the ability to home adults, is straightforward to get out and in of.
Like the most recent E-Class Sedan, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE leans closely into know-how and connectivity. Whereas its 12.3-in digital instrument cluster and 11.9-in infotainment display screen could appear acquainted, they’re powered by the most recent MBUX system and the brand new digital structure launched within the aforementioned E. By integrating an Android working system, MBUX can now assist purposes like Zoom, TikTok, and Indignant Birds, in addition to straight integrating with all main music streaming platforms. Beforehand, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto unlocked many of those options, however now MBUX may function them natively.
As intelligent as its software program is and nearly as good as its inside seems to be, interacting with it’s nonetheless fairly difficult. For starters, there are barely any bodily switches wherever in its inside, requiring you to continuously work together with its central contact display screen. And whereas there are many haptic suggestions controls in its steering wheel, they’re difficult to function exactly, usually requiring a number of presses or swipes to generate the specified end result.
For the 2024 mannequin 12 months, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC begins at $57,650, together with a $1,150 vacation spot price. Upgrading to the 450 raises that base determine to $66,800, charges included. Nonetheless, with choices akin to its $950 massaging seats, $1,950 Driver Help Bundle, and $800 20-in wheels, my tester is available in at $72,600. This locations it barely above a relatively optioned Audi S5 and BMW M440i, though it’s price stating that the CLE is marginally bigger than these rivals.
Whereas the CLE goals to separate the distinction between the discontinued C and E-Class Coupes, it’s clear that it doesn’t fall completely in between them. As a substitute, because of its bigger dimension, extra spacious cabin, and compliant suspension, it’s an expensive coupe first, with some sporty character peppered in. Bear in mind, an AMG CLE 53 and doubtlessly a 63 are coming for individuals who need extra athleticism. Given its positioning inside the carmaker’s shrinking lineup, its grand-touring persona is arguably the perfect for it.
