2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE unveiled, due in Australia next year

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE has been unveiled – a new two-door model that acts as a replacement for the outgoing C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles.

Due in Australia in the second half of 2024, the CLE forms part of Mercedes-Benz's efforts to consolidate its traditional petrol-powered line-up as it ramps up investment in a range of new electric cars.

The CLE – a rival for the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series – shares its underpinnings with the latest C-Class and E-Class sedans, and blends engines, hybrid systems, technologies and interior features from the two vehicles.

In the process, it becomes one of Mercedes-Benz's last dedicated petrol- or diesel-engined models – without the option of electric power.

The CLE will initially be sold in Europe in coupe form only. A cabriolet version with a fabric roof similar to the outgoing C-Class and E-Class cabriolets is planned to follow – but it will arrive in time to be available at the CLE's Australian launch later next year.

The exterior styling builds on the existing E-Class coupe with a sleek silhouette, C-Class-like front grille, a heavily-curved roof, and a sloping boot lid within a tapered rear end.

Power domes in the bonnet and prominent rear haunches over the rear wheels are claimed to draw links to the range-topping Mercedes-AMG SL roadster.

However, in a move that dispenses with a long Mercedes-Benz tradition the new CLE has B-pillars (the pillars behind the front doors) like the previous C-CLass coupe, but unlike the outgoing E-Class coupe.

Christof Kühner – Head of Overall Vehicle Testing for the new CLE – says this is aimed at boosting the rigidity of the body structure compared to its dual predecessors.

At 4850mm in length, the CLE is longer than the C-Class and E-Class coupes by a respective 124mm and 15mm. Width and height are put at 1860mm and 1428mm respectively for the new model.

By comparison, the BMW 4 Series coupe runs to 4768mm in length, 1852mm in width and 1383mm in height.

The wheelbase is up by 25mm compared to the old C-Class coupe, but 8mm shorter than the E-Class coupe at 2865mm.

It is combined with track widths of 1605mm at the front and 1616m at the rear. The wheels range from a standard 18-inch alloy, up to an optional 20-inch rim.

Together with the CLE coupe revealed here, Mercedes-Benz also plans to launch a CLE convertible with an automatic multi-layer fabric roof. Both will be available at the CLE's Australian launch in the second half of 2024.

Inside, the new Mercedes-Benz model adopts a four-seat (two-plus-two) layout, with newly-developed front seats offering integrated headrests, heating, four-way lumbar support, and seatbelts presented to front occupants on motorised supports.

The 12.3-inch instrument display and 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen – as well as the dashboard, centre console and air vents – are all heavily based on those found in the latest C-Class.

The multi-function steering wheel with six individual spokes is also shared with other recent new Mercedes-Benz models. The ambient lighting, with a choice of up to 64 different colours, comes in two levels and is concentrated on the dashboard, centre console, ventilation units and cupholders.

The rear receives a low-set bench with two individual seats on either side. Entry is via what Mercedes-Benz describes as an easy-entry system triggered by a pull of a leather strap within the sides of the front seats. The rear windows are fixed and cannot be opened.

There is significantly more room inside than in the earlier C-Class coupe, particularly in the rear where leg room and knee room are up by 56mm and 72mm respectively.

But despite being longer overall, the CLE can't match the overall interior accommodation of the previous E-Class coupe. Nominal boot space is put at 420 litres – some 20 litres less than the BMW 4 Series coupe.

Mercedes-Benz says the CLE is the second model to receive its third-generation MBUX infotainment system, after the latest E-Class.

It supports the latest version of the German car maker's “Hey Mercedes” voice recognition system as well as 5G connectivity and support for downloading Android apps and streaming services for music and internet content.

In Europe, the CLE will initially be available with four engines across four- and six-cylinder layouts, petrol and diesel fuel, and rear- or all-wheel drive – borrowed from either the C-Class or E-Class sedans.

The model range for Australia is yet to be confirmed, and is not due to be detailed until closer to launch.

The rear-wheel-drive CLE200d diesel is the entry-level model, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 145kW and 440Nm.

It is joined by the rear-wheel-drive CLE200, which uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the C200 sedan producing 150kW and 320Nm.

The same engine is used in the all-wheel drive CLE300 4Matic, where it produces an added 40kW and 80Nm, at 190kW and 400Nm.

Topping the line-up is the all-wheel-drive CLE450 4Matic, giving the CLE a point of difference compared to the four-cylinder only C-Class sedan range. It receives a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine with 280kW and 500Nm, for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds and a 250km/h top speed.

Each engine receives 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, with a gearbox-mounted electric motor providing an additional 17kW and 200Nm for short periods under hard acceleration.

All models come standard with a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Alongside the CLE300 4Matic and CLE450 4Matic, the CLE200 can also be ordered with 4Matic all-wheel drive in Europe.

The CLE200d leads in the fuel economy stakes with claimed WLTP consumption of between 5.2 and 4.7L/100km. It is followed by the CLE200 with claimed figures of between 7.1 and 6.4L/100km.

Other models are set to follow in overseas markets, including the CLE300d with a 195kW/550Nm version of the CLE200d's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.

Also planned is the CLE300e with a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid system that mates the C200's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a gearbox-mounted electric motor for a combined 230kW and 550Nm.

Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance-car division also plans at least two high-powered versions for the CLE, details of which are yet to be made official.

Leaked documents in the US indicate the less potent of the two AMG models, the CLE53, will use a high-output version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo engine.

However it is unclear what engine will feature in the top-of-the-range CLE63 – and if it will use four-cylinder, six-cylinder or V8 plug-in hybrid propulsion.

Underneath, the CLE receives steel springs with double-wishbone front and multi-link independent rear suspension. It is based heavily on that used by the C-Class, but with a 15mm-lower ride height.

Buyers can choose between a standard Comfort set-up and optional Sport set-up – the latter featuring a more direct steering ratio and stiffer springs and dampers for improved body control.

There is also a so-called Dynamic Body Control option with adaptive damping, together with an even more direct steering ratio and a rear-wheel steering system providing up to 2.5 degrees of steering angle to the rear wheels.

The CLE is available with a comprehensive list of driver-assistance systems, which include autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors with a reversing camera.

Production of the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe and cabriolet is set to take place at Mercedes-Benz's Bremen plant in northern Germany.