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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Specifications and Details
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is emerging as a distinct model to replace the outgoing C- and E-class coupes. The C- and E-class sedans that gave birth to their previous coupe counterparts are now outdated, dating back to 2017. The C-class underwent a redesign in 2022, but it omitted a new coupe variant. The old E-class sedan persevered until the announcement of a redesigned 2024 E-class, which also did not include a coupe version. The arrival of the 2024 CLE Coupe unveils the strategic reshuffling happening within Mercedes-Benz.
Where does it fit in the line-up?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe finds its place in the lineup with dimensions that position it as a credible tweener. Sharing its 112.8-inch wheelbase with the C-class sedan, it’s longer than the outgoing C-class coupe but shorter than the upcoming E-class. At 191.0 inches in length and 73.2 inches in width, it strikes a balance between the two. Beneath, it employs multilink front and rear suspension layouts from the C-class, delivering poise and balance but inheriting some of its driving characteristics, including steering and brake feel. The suspension, featuring adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering, differs for Europe and the United States. The CLE exudes smooth, flowing lines with elongated proportions reminiscent of the AMG GT coupe, despite sharing nothing with it.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Design
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe’s styling out of the box and very intriguing. In photos, the design elements, such as the long front overhang and tapered greenhouse. The CLE ditches the previous E coupe’s pillarless-hardtop design for a fixed B-pillar and rear quarter glass. Yet, it surprises with intriguing creases like negative-space “flares” over the wheel arches and a rising accent along the doors, adding visual appeal. The rising beltline and short trunklid give it a two-box silhouette, while the wide rear hips and rear diffuser evoke a sense of stability.
Interior and Features
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe’s interior impresses with its design, premium materials, and a dual-screen layout. It closely resembles the 2022 C300, offering a refined cabin with a drawback – the absence of physical switches and knobs. Instead, control adjustments, from climate settings to driving modes, rely heavily on the central touchscreen. The steering wheel features touch-sensitive zones in place of conventional buttons. The CLE boasts an 11.9-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Both are powered by the latest MBUX infotainment system running on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This allows for third-party applications like teleconferencing, games, and social media through the car’s app store, adding a unique touch for owners.
Engine and Performance
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe offers two engine options. The base CLE300 boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, initially seen in the 2022 C300, producing 255 horsepower and a beefier 295 pound-feet of torque, a 22-pound-feet improvement over the previous C300. For more power, the CLE450 offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six churning out an impressive 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both engines incorporate an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that can provide an extra 23 horses and 151 pound-feet during crucial moments. While the ISG doesn’t boost total output, it mitigates turbo lag and renders start-stop transitions seamless.
Pricing
Mercedes has yet to disclose pricing details for the 2024 CLE Coupe, but early estimations suggest the CLE300 might start around $60,000, with the CLE450 potentially priced around $75,000. The decision to merge two coupes into one seems justified due to the diminishing coupe market and the E-Class sedan’s increasing size. However, the CLE Coupe’s success depends on how it performs in the U.S. market, which will ultimately determine its appeal and value.