Mercedes-Benz unveils new CLE-Class, available in 2024
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BY COBEY BARTELS and PETER BARNWELL
THE NEW Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class aims to steer previous C- and E-Class two-door customers into a single coupe/convertible choice … with specific features and a range of engine options, much the same way BMW has done with its 4 Series.
The stunning new Benz small/medium two-door, tin-top CLE coupe variant lobs in Europe this November with the drop-top for roofless people scheduled from 2024.
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The model appears to channel much of its front-end design from the W206 C-Class albeit with a redesigned three-dimensional grille and pronounced ‘power dome’ bonnet lines, giving it a slightly more aggressive appearance.
The sleek rear end features two-part LED taillights across a short, stout boot topped off with familiar twin exhaust tips.
This new addition to the current Benz line-up features a 25mm longer wheelbase than the C-Class and at 4850mm long offers more space inside too with rear passengers luxuriating in 72mm more legroom and 10mm more headroom.
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The boot is alleged to be able to “easily hold three golf bags”, a suitable scenario given the target market.
Inside is familiar Benz territory with the CLE adopting the latest MBUX system fed through a 12.5-inch digital display and 11.9-inch portrait centre display, as well as ambient lighting with 64 colour options.
Five engine options range from a base 150kW four-cylinder petrol to a range-topping twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol producing 280kW/500Nm, all equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system good for an extra 200Nm burst of shove when needed.
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Benz even makes a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine version of CLE for Euro diesel diehards, producing 145kW/440Nm. However, given the local model line-ups panning out from Mercedes-Benz Australia, anything with “diesel” in the name is unlikely to make it here.
Mercedes-Benz says the car’s dynamics and driving position are improved too (over the C-and E-Class sedans) with a 15mm lower chassis than the C-Class, as well as the brand’s dynamic body control with continuously adjustable damping available with the Technology Package.
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Rear-steering is also featured in the same package offering up to 2.5 degrees of angle reducing the turning circle by 500mm – which is already better than that of the C-Class Coupe at 10.7- versus 11.2-metres.
As expected from the brand, the full suite of safety technology comes as standard in CLE, which Mercedes- Benz says has been further developed, with features like Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and parking package with reverse camera.
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While an AMG option has not been announced, it is likely to appear on the scene in the future and Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it is working on a plug-in hybrid option.
No official Australian pricing has been offered but Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the model will make its way Down Under in the second half of 2024.
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