The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a grand tourer which consists of the C236 coupe and the A236 cabriolet that were both launched in 2023 and replaced both the C and E-Class coupes.[8] A performance variant, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 was released and a more powerful CLE 63,[9] is also planned for 2025.[10]

Mercedes-Benz CLE
Overview
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz Group
Model code
  • C236 (coupe)[1]
  • A236 (cabriolet)[1]
ProductionOctober 2023 – present (coupe)[2]
April 2024 – present (cabrio)
Model years2024–present
Assembly
DesignerBalázs Filczer[3]
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer (S)
Body style2-door coupé[4]
2-door cabriolet[5]
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4Matic)
PlatformMRA2
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
  • 23 hp Mitsubishi electric 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG)
  • Permanent magnet Syncronus motor
Transmission9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Hybrid drivetrainMild hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid (CLE 300e)
Battery
  • 48-volt Li-ion (MHEV)
  • 25.4 kWh High voltage Lithium-ion (PHEV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,865 mm (112.8 in)
Length4,850–4,853 mm (190.9–191.1 in)
Width1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Height1,428 mm (56.2 in)
Curb weight1,715–1,795 kg (3,781–3,957 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz C-Class (C205 & A205)[6]
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C238 & A238)[7]

Overview

edit

In 2005 a car named the "CLE" was rumoured and was expected to arrive in mid-2006. Thought to be based on the W204, a car of this type never came to production—until 2023.[11]

The CLE Coupe replaced both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe as part of Mercedes' drive to streamline its model range.[12] At 191 inches from bumper to bumper, the CLE is 1 inch longer than the outgoing E-class coupe but 6.5 inches longer than the outgoing C-class coupe. The added length mostly in the overhang size, with the CLE's 112.8-inch wheelbase within an inch of both of its predecessors.

Official manufacture of the coupe began in October 2023, while the convertible followed in April 2024.

Equipment

edit
 
Interior

The CLE has a rounded, single-bar grille with a honeycomb mesh insert and is accompanied by C-Class-style headlights and sporty air intakes. The rear includes LED taillights and an angular boot with an integrated spoiler. There is also a curved bumper that does not have exhaust cutouts.[7]

It also features the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which is also seen on multiple other models. The 11.9-inch vertically-positioned touchscreen comes with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster.[13]

The CLE features the KEYLESS-GO system and the GUARD 360° safety system which helps monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, and notifies the owner of collision detection via the Mercedes me app.[14]

The Cabriolet model additionally features an acoustic soft top, AIRCAP electric wind deflector system, AIRSCARF neck-level heating and ventilation, and electric cargo divider system.[15]

Variants

edit

The engine options of the CLE are shared its saloon counterpart, the W214 E-Class, all of which feature the 48-volt EQ-boost mild hybrid system. This integrated starter-generator running on the 48-volt electrical system provides a boost of 23 hp and 148 pound-feet through the electric motor.[16]

Four models are available at launch, which include the petrol CLE 200, CLE 300, CLE 450, and the diesel CLE 220d.[17]

CLE 300

edit

The base CLE 300 is powered by the M254 motor, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

CLE 450

edit

The CLE 450 is powered by the M256 motor, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 pound-feet.

Mercedes-AMG models

edit

AMG CLE 53

edit

In December 2023, Mercedes introduced the CLE 53 AMG.[7] The model features a mild-hybrid AMG-enhanced M256 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor, standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering, and styling with distinctive AMG design elements and flared wheel arches.[18] The model is also available as a Cabriolet.[15]

The CLE 53 AMG produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque (443 lb-ft for 10 seconds with overboost). The 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) provides support at lower engine speeds with 23 hp and 151 lb-ft.[19]

AMG CLE 63

edit

A Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 model is planned for 2025.[8][20]

Engines

edit
Engines[21]
Type Model Engine code Displacement Power Torque Electric motor Trans. Top speed 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) Layout Cal. years
Petrol mild hybrid CLE 200 M 254 1,999 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 201 hp (150 kW; 204 PS) @ 5,800 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
320 N⋅m (32.6 kg⋅m; 236 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600-4,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic 240 km/h (149 mph) 7.4 s RWD
AWD (4Matic)
2023-present
CLE 300 M 254 1,999 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 255 hp (190 kW; 259 PS) @ 5,800 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
400 N⋅m (40.8 kg⋅m; 295 lb⋅ft) @ 2,000-3,200
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 250 km/h (155 mph) 6.2 s AWD (4Matic)
2023-present
CLE 450 M 256 2,999 cc (3.0 L) I6 turbo 375 hp (280 kW; 380 PS) @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
500 N⋅m (51.0 kg⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800-5,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 250 km/h (155 mph) 4.4 s AWD (4Matic)
2023-present
Petrol PHEV CLE 300e M 254 1,999 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
Front motor: 129 hp (96 kW; 131 PS)
500 N⋅m (51.0 kg⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800-5,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
Permanent magnet syncronus motor 250 km/h (155 mph) 6.3 s RWD
2024-present
Diesel mild hybrid CLE 220d OM 654 1,993 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) @ 3,600 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
440 N⋅m (44.9 kg⋅m; 325 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800-2,800
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 238 km/h (148 mph) 7.5 s RWD
2023-present
Petrol mild hybrid CLE 53 M 256 2,999 cc (3.0 L) I6 turbo 449 hp (335 kW; 455 PS) @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
600 N⋅m (61.2 kg⋅m; 443 lb⋅ft) @ 2,200-5,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 250 km/h (155 mph) 4.2 s AWD (4Matic)
2024-present

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Mercedes-Benz CLE to be introduced in 2023". Automotive Daily. February 14, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "August 2023 - Automotive Technology Insight - Forecasts - Industry News - Supply Chain". autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  3. ^ Gorden Wagener (12 July 2023). "Fantastic design sketch of our latest @mercedesbenz family member – our CLE Coupé." – via Instagram.
  4. ^ "2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Tackles The Nurburgring". Carscoops. August 19, 2022.
  5. ^ "2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Thinks The C-Class Interior Is Too Good To Mess With". Carscoops. September 19, 2022.
  6. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Coupe Spied On The Nurburgring". Motor1.com.
  7. ^ a b c "2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Spied As A Two-For-One Two-Door That Will Replace The C- And E-Class Coupes". Carscoops. July 20, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S Will Pack 671 Plug-In Hybrid Ponies Underneath Stylish Coupe Body". Carscoops. October 12, 2022.
  9. ^ "New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Can't Hide Everything In Latest Spy Photos". Motor1.com.
  10. ^ "2023 Mercedes-AMG CLE Spied At The Nürburgring Showing Its Fast Bits". Carscoops. April 13, 2022.
  11. ^ "2007 Mercedes-Benz CLE". Motor Trend. 20 April 2005. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  12. ^ "Mercedes Launches Exclusive Mythos Brand As It Reduces Entry-Level Range To Focus On Top-End Luxury". Carscoops. May 19, 2022.
  13. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLE unveiled officially, will replace C-Class coupe". HT Auto. 7 July 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  14. ^ "The new CLE Coupé". Mercedes-Benz Australia. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet: Open-top driving with AMG performance". MBUSA Newsroom. 2024-05-06. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  16. ^ Baumann, Uli (2023-07-05). "Schwäbische Stern-Schmelze". auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German). Retrieved 2023-07-15.
  17. ^ Jordan, Markus (2024-02-06), "CLE Cabriolet erstmal ab 66.402 Euro bestellbar", mbpassion.de (in German), retrieved 2024-02-06
  18. ^ "The New Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe". MBUSA Newsroom. 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  19. ^ Lorio, Joe (Apr 28, 2024). "2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53: The Coupe, Made Swole". Car and Driver.
  20. ^ "Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 switches four-pot PHEV for 585bhp V8". autos.yahoo.com. 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  21. ^ "2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe specs, Fuel consumption, Dimensions". Auto-Data.net. Retrieved August 18, 2023.