Mercedes CLE-class (C236)

	Mercedes CLE-class (C236)
	Debut: 2023 Maker: Mercedes-Benz Predecessor: C-class Coupe (W205) / E-class Coupe (W213)

Published on 27 Nov 2023

New nameplate, same old formula.

Don’t know why Mercedes changed the names of its smaller coupes so frequently. It was known as “CE” coupe in the 1970s and 1980s with W123 and W124 series, then renamed to CLK in the following W208 and C209, and most recently C-class Coupe (C204 and C205). Meanwhile, running in parallel to the latter is the larger E-class Coupe (C207 and C238). As seen, none of these nameplates lived beyond 2 generations. The inconsistency might reflect changing market conditions, especially in recent years sales of 4-seater coupes have been declining under the threat of crossovers. That’s why Stuttgart decides to merge the C-class Coupe and E-class Coupe into one car, the CLE.

While the K in CLK denotes Kompact (Compact), the E in CLE implies the link with E-class, at least that is how Mercedes wants you believe. However, although the CLE is just as large as the outgoing E-class Coupe, it is considerably smaller than the new E-class sedan. Its wheelbase is identical to the current C-class, and its interior is a further proof that it is derived from the smaller Mercedes sedan, because it shares the same dashboard. The rename to CLE is just a polite way to terminate the E-class Coupe.

CLE is just as large as E-class Coupe, but it is derived from the C-class underpinnings.

Building the CLE on the C-class underpinnings is a logical decision. On the one hand, it is suitably sized to compete with BMW 4-Series Coupe and Audi A5. On the other hand, it can keep costs under control. Part of this come from the cabin, which might look just as eye-catching and luxurious as the C-class, but employs some harder plastics lower down that you won’t find in an E-class. Ditto the lack of “Superscreen” infotainment interface. The CLE also lacks the larger sedan’s air suspension, relying on steel springs and adaptive dampers.

Still, the CLE looks upmarket both inside and outside. Its teardrop shape is beautiful, especially when viewing from behind. Its interior is more desirable than its rivals. As for usability, it seats 4 average size adults without much problem, although six-footers will have their head pressed against the roof. With a wheelbase stretch, it offers 56 mm more rear legroom than the C-class Coupe, although still 43 mm short of E-class Coupe. Thanks to extra width, more shoulder and elbow room as well. Meanwhile, luggage space has grown by 60 liters to 420.

Flashy interior with more room, especially for rear passengers.

The engine compartment is where it differs from the C-class. While the latter is confined to 4-cylinder engines, the CLE can be equipped with straight-six good for 381 horsepower. Moreover, as United States is its core market, the coupe skips plug-in hybrid power, saving hundreds of kilograms and putting stronger emphasis on driving pleasure. The engine range consists of 4:

CLE220d: 2.0 turbo diesel, 200hp, 324 lbft, 0-60 mph in 7.1 sec, 148 mph.
CLE200: 2.0 turbo, Miller cycle, 204hp, 221 lbft, 7.0 sec, 149 mph.
CLE300 4matic: 2.0 turbo, Camtronic (2-stage variable valve lift), 258 hp, 295 lbft, 5.9 sec, 155 mph.
CLE450 4matic: 3.0 straight-6, twin-scroll turbo, 381hp, 369 lbft, 4.2 sec, 155 mph.

Curiously, even CLE300 is fitted with 4-wheel drive as standard, much like Audi. This implies how Mercedes sees the priority of this car.

CLE is more about comfort and refinement than outright thrills.

On the road, the CLE is more about comfort and refinement than outright thrills. All engines are smooth and relatively quiet, but only the six-cylinder has the power, response and sound quality to impress. With adaptive dampers set to Sport mode, the car controls its body movement nicely, especially at higher speed corners. The steering is precise and nicely weighted, but without telling you much about the road ahead. The compulsory 4-wheel drive means the car is tuned for security rather than interactive handling. Meanwhile, the ride is supple and controlled. Noise insulation is remarkable. Those admiring the traditional qualities of Mercedes will appreciate how the CLE drives. After all, the CLE is a luxury car dressed in a coupe body.

Will the upcoming CLE43 and CLE63 AMG models add more sparkles? Probably, but unless AMG abandons the current formula of 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, we won’t expect too much.

Verdict:

Published on 7 May 2024

AMG CLE53

What it does is to offer the looks and some taste of AMG at a more accessible level...

The “53” is not a full-fledged AMG model, of course. That has to be “63”. The CLE53’s engine is built in Mercedes’ engine plant rather than hand-built by Affalterbach’s technicians. It employs 9G Tronic transmission like all mainstream Mercedes rather than AMG’s Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT). Its suspension geometry is not as overhauled as true AMG models either. What it does is to offer the looks and some taste of AMG at a more accessible level, the same way as BMW does to its M-Performance models. This means, its closest rival should be BMW M440i instead of M4.

Having understood that, you should be happy with what the new coupe brings. First of all, thanks God, it does not switch to 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain like C43 with which it shares platform. Maybe Mercedes finally understands that 4-cylinder engine sounds cheap and uninspiring, or maybe simply because the higher performance CLE should not offer fewer cylinders than the 6-pot CLE450, the 53 model employs a beefed up version of M256 straight-six with 3 liters of displacement. Called M256M, where the second M stands for Modified obviously, it gets new intake and exhaust manifolds, new piston rings and a larger turbocharger – the latter lifts maximum boost from 1.1 to 1.5 bar. Meanwhile, an electric supercharger takes care of low revs and compensates for the increased turbo lag. Output is lifted to 449 horsepower and 413 lbft of torque, or 442 lbft on overboost for up to 10 seconds. This compares to 435 hp and 383 lbft on the previous turbo and electric charger straight-six that serves the last generation E53 etc., or 381 hp and 369 lbft on the turbo-only CLE450. Besides, a 48V ISG motor can provide another 23 hp and 151 lbft of boost at lower revs while improving fuel economy a little.

Mating with the torque-converter auto, this powertrain is creamy smooth. The 6-cylinder exhaust note is of course far more enticing than the 4-cylinder unit of C43, although it lacks the induction noise and the angry bark of AMG V8. Power delivery is suitably strong but mostly linear, lacking the V8’s instantaneous punch and sensation. With Race Start mode engaged, AMG claims 0-60 mph can be dispatched in under 4 seconds, which is truly believable, but a large part of that is down to the standard 4matic+ system and traction control. The engine alone does not feel that powerful, maybe because the car is close to 2 tons.

The engine alone does not feel that powerful, maybe because the car is close to 2 tons.

That kerb weight is inevitable for all its AMG looks and high-quality / sophisticated interior. It is also the outcome of chassis enhancement. To accommodate the 20mm wider tires and achieve a meaner look, the 53 employs flared wheel arches. 19-inch alloys are standard, but it needs the optional 20-inch items desperately to fill the wheel wells full. To cope with its weight, 4-wheel steering is made standard. The aforementioned 4matic+ system is rear-biased normally. The central control system offers 5 modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual), plus another 2 modes (Race and Drift) if you opt for AMG Dynamic pack. The brakes are larger, too, with 4-pot calipers clamping 370mm discs up front, single-pot calipers and 360mm discs at the rear.

The brakes work brilliantly on the road, with strong stopping power and a progressive pedal feel. The traction and grip offered by the 4matic+ and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires is very good. Body control is tight enough for a luxury coupe like this. Rear-wheel steering makes it feel more agile in slower corners and more stable at fast sweepers, although you still feel the weight of the car if you push harder. Steering is comparatively disappointing, as it is more about accuracy than feel. The response just off center is a bit relaxed, lacking the alert you would expect from an AMG model.

That might be deliberate though. As said, the CLE53 is not a full-fledge AMG but a more accessible car for the majority of Mercedes drivers who want AMG looks and some taste of it. That’s why its suspension tuning is by no means hardcore. You can cruise happily all day in Comfort mode. Sport and Sport+ tighten the adaptive dampers, weigh up the steering, wake up the throttle response and loosen electronic safety net, but the traction remains so strong that it is hard to break the rear axle loose. The straight-six also lacks the instant punch to push the CLE53 into sideway mid-corner, which is more frustrating if you expect a true AMG character. However, recalibrate your mind to go in line with the 53 moniker, there is nothing disappointing.

The only question is whether a semi-AMG product worth £73,000 before options. A BMW M440i xDrive is £11,500 cheaper yet more involving to drive. The Mercedes coupe is probably the better looking of the two and has a more upmarket interior, but you can get nearly the same from the lesser CLE models.

Verdict: