There is a new kid on Mercedes' two-door block, and it is none other than the CLE. It is a replacement to the old convertible and coupe variants of the C-Class and E-Class, slotting between the two in terms of size.
Due to its footprint, it offers superior space compared to the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series rivals, and it can easily take a swing at one of the sexiest models in the GT class, the 8 Series, as it has an almost identical wheelbase length.
You won't mistake it for anything else, as it looks like a real Mercedes. This applies to the exterior as well as the cockpit, which features a large portrait-oriented infotainment system with TikTok, Angry Birds, and Zoom capabilities, among others, and a tablet-like digital gauge cluster. It's also a premium proposal with many high-end materials, though you'll have to upgrade to the top-spec to enjoy the best.
US pricing kicks off at $56,500, $6,990 more than the old C-Class Coupe and $13,250 less than the E-Class Coupe. It features LED lights, 18-inch alloys, and others, and the AMG Line Package, otherwise standard on the CLE 450 4Matic, brings sportier looks, 19-inch wheels, and dual exhaust tips. The Pinnacle grade can be ordered from $59,100, adding more gear including a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, improved headlamps, a surround-view camera system, etc.
Photo: Instagram | sugardesign_1
Power comes from a 2.0L four-pot making 255 hp (259 ps/190 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque on the CLE 300 4Matic, with a 23 hp (23 ps/17 kW) and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) mild-hybrid boost. The CLE 450 4Matic brings a 3.0L turbo-six to the powertrain party, with 375 hp (380 ps/280 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), and that's before counting in the mild-hybrid boost. Pricing for this model starts at $65,650, excluding the $1,150 destination charge, options, and dealer fees.
Mercedes has made it crystal clear that the CLE replaces the two-door C- and E-Class. Thus, we can safely remind you that there will not be Coupe and Convertible versions of the premium compact and executive low-slung models. However, that doesn't mean that such rides cannot exist in the virtual realm, where we have already seen several unofficial digital illustrations, some hotter than others.
The latest we stumbled upon came from sugardesign_1 on Instagram and they imagine the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan with two fewer doors. The virtual coupe looks sexy as hell, and it's a pity that we will never see it in this body style in an official environment. But are you also sad that we're not getting the C-Class and E-Class Coupe/Convertible, or do you think the CLE does a great job filling their shoes?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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