Replacing the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, the all-new CLE Coupe is heading to a dealership near you in two distinct flavors. Exclusively all-wheel drive, the fixed-head grand tourer comes with either four- or six-cylinder turbo mild-hybrid mills.
In the US market, prices for the CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe kick off at $56,600 for the standard specification or $59,100 for the Pinnacle trim level. Upgrading to six cylinders means $65,650 or $68,250 from the outset, which makes the 2024 BMW M2 Coupe seem sensibly priced at $63,200.
On the other hand, the CLE Coupe's actual rivals are the 4 Series and A5 Coupe. Their high-performance versions start at $78,100 for the M4 and $79,600 for the RS 5, with both of them packing unassisted six-cylinder lumps. What do you get for your money?
The CLE Coupe sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a charging mat for your mobile phone, Blind Spot Assist, a digital instrument cluster, an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, audio speakers in the driver's headrest, Burmester 3D Surround Sound with Musing Streaming, and Merc's 9G-Tronic nine-speed auto. The 300 and 450 in Pinnacle flavor improve on the standard trim with quite a few standard goodies, including MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation.
The list continues with a head-up display, GUARD 360 with Picture Taking Functionality, the Parking Package with Surround View 360-degree cameras, and DIGITAL LIGHT with Projections. The AMG Line package is also standard on the 450, providing a sportier appearance. What's more, CLE Coupe AMG Line also means larger front brake rotors.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The Night Package should prove a hit as well. Merc sweetens the deal with wheel sizes up to 20 inches and no fewer than four special paint colors from the MANUFAKTUR division. The optional Driver Assistance Package deserves a shout-out as well, for it enhances the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe with the likes of DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Assist, Route-Based Speed Adaptation, as well as Active Lane Change Assist.
6.5 inches longer than the C-Class Coupe and 0.6 inches longer than the E-Class Coupe, the CLE Coupe uses the M 254 and M 256 engines. The former displaces 1,999 cubic centimeters and produces an estimated 255 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute, whereas torque is 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). The 48-volt integrated starter generator adds up to 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm).
Step up to the M 256 of the 450, and you're looking at quite a bit more. Mercedes-Benz claims 375 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, 369 pound-feet (500 Nm), and the same numbers as the CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe for the integrated starter generator. This puts the CLE 450 4MATIC Coupe in the crosshairs of the quattro-only Audi S5 Coupe and BMW M440i xDrive, which currently start at $57,500 and $63,450 in the US.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News