The CLE was created when Mercedes chose to remove both the C- and E-class coupé from the range. Instead, they chose to develop CLE, which is a middle ground between the two models.
The new CLE is two models that have become one – Photo: Mercedes
Two niche models have thus become one, which takes Mercedes a step towards reducing the range while maintaining a broad grip on the market.
Purely in terms of nomenclature, it is in the same family as, for example, the E-class and GLE.
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The intermediate milk option
More specifically, our test car is a CLE 300 4MATIC – the middle model in the CLE range.
It houses a four-cylinder engine of 258 horsepower and a small electric motor of 23 horsepower. In total, the car has a torque of 400 newton meters.
Our test car is version CLE 300 with four-wheel drive – Photo: Mercedes
The CLE 300 4MATIC has – as the name suggests – four-wheel drive and the sprint to 100 km/h takes 6.2 seconds. The top speed is, in typical German fashion, limited to 250 km/h.
The CLE 300 4MATIC starts at SEK 690,900, while our test car starts at just over a million.
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That’s why we test it
At a time when more and more manufacturers are cutting back on their model range, not least due to electrification, more and more niche models are disappearing.
However, Mercedes holds firm in certain niches, something the CLE is proof of. Obviously, there is a demand for German coupes, but not to a high enough extent to justify a coupé variant of both the C-Class and E-Class.
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Our first impression
We have encountered a number of quality-related issues with a number of press cars from Mercedes. In the case of the CLE, the first impressions are positive and Mercedes seems to have put more effort into quality control.
Furthermore, the infotainment system has been simplified a bit. In terms of driving dynamics, the powertrain is not the most exciting, but the model seems to be aimed at an older target group.
The car gives a good first impression, but who will buy it is unclear – Photo: Mercedes
It’s honestly hard to see who will buy this car, at least in our test car’s guise. Having said that, a surprising number of older people have commented on how nice the car is.
CLE is also very comfortable and still feels luxurious. Conceptually, it brings to mind retirees based along the Spanish sunny coast.
Feel free to email signed if there is something in particular you want us to highlight in the review!
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