Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé

Model Overview

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé is an all-new two-door luxury coupé introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2023, designed to consolidate the brand's previous C-Class Coupé and E-Class Coupé model lines. Amid the automotive industry's broader shift towards SUVs and electrification, the two-door coupé segment continues to shrink. Mercedes-Benz opted to merge both models into one, carrying forward its two-door coupé lineage under the CLE nameplate. The CLE moniker represents a fusion of 'C' and 'E', with exterior dimensions and a wheelbase positioned right between the two, establishing it as a mid-size luxury coupé. The car made its global debut in July 2023 before officially going on sale in 2024, competing directly against the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 Coupé. In the Chinese market, the CLE Coupé is sold as a fully imported model, available in two variants: the CLE 260 (2.0T) and the CLE 300 4MATIC (high-output 2.0T + AWD), priced between RM457,600 and RM552,300 (2025 model year).

Design Language

The exterior styling of the CLE Coupé blends Mercedes-Benz’s Sensual Purity design philosophy with classic coupé proportions. The front end is dominated by the brand's signature star-pattern radiator grille, finished with chrome star motifs and a prominent three-pointed star badge in the centre. The headlamp clusters feature full LED lighting with twin-eyebrow daytime running lights (DRLs). The side profile remains the CLE's most captivating angle, defined by an elongated bonnet, a sweeping fastback roofline, and frameless doors that accentuate its classic coupé stance. At the rear, it features slim, full-width LED tail lamp clusters with two-piece light strips, complemented by dual exhaust finishers. In terms of dimensions, the car measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,861 mm in width, and 1,416 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,865 mm.

Inside, the CLE Coupé adopts the brand's latest MBUX Superscreen design layout. The dashboard houses a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen, angled six degrees towards the driver to create an ergonomic, driver-centric cockpit. Premium materials abound, with leather-wrapped dashboard and door panels accented by metallic trims and ambient lighting strips. The sport seats feature an integrated headrest design, offering exceptional lateral bolstering and support.

Powertrain and Performance

In the Chinese market, the CLE Coupé is offered with two powertrain options:

• CLE 260: Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine (M254), producing a maximum output of 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 320 Nm of peak torque. Paired with a 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission in a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, it completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of roughly 7.1 L/100 km.

• CLE 300 4MATIC: Powered by a higher-output version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 190 kW (approx. 258 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, it achieves 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a WLTC rated fuel consumption of approximately 7.5 L/100 km.

Both powertrains come standard with a 48V mild-hybrid system featuring an integrated starter-generator (ISG). This delivers an extra boost of 17 kW (approx. 23 PS) and 205 Nm, providing seamless electric assistance during take-off and acceleration while enhancing engine start-stop refinement.

Chassis and Handling

The CLE Coupé is underpinned by Mercedes-Benz's modular MRA-2 platform (shared with the current C-Class). The suspension setup comprises a front four-link independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. Higher-spec variants can be optioned with the AIRMATIC air suspension, which continuously adapts ride height and damping stiffness according to prevailing road conditions and selected drive modes.

A drive mode selector comes standard, offering five programmes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. In Sport+ mode, throttle response, transmission shift mapping, suspension firmness (with air suspension), and steering assistance are sharpened for a more dynamic drive. The steering utilises a speed-sensitive electric power steering system, while standard rear-axle steering (with up to 2.5 degrees of steering angle) reduces the turning circle from 11.1 metres to 10.5 metres while boosting high-speed stability.

Cabin and Equipment

The CLE Coupé adopts a 2+2 seating layout. The front row gets power-adjustable sport bucket seats with memory and heating (ventilation optional); rear passenger space is more compact, better suited for occasional trips or extra luggage. Boot capacity is rated at 420 litres.

In terms of convenience and comfort, standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-start ignition, and a powered tailgate. Infotainment is handled by the third-generation MBUX system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected navigation, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and voice control ("Hey Mercedes"). Audio is delivered via a standard Burmester® surround sound system (15 speakers, 710W) for an immersive acoustic experience, complemented by 64-colour ambient lighting and an active fragrance system.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The CLE Coupé comes standard across the range with the Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package Plus, delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability. The active safety suite integrates:

• Active Brake Assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and cross-traffic detection)

• Active Lane Keeping Assist

• Active Blind Spot Assist

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality)

• Traffic Sign Assist

• Active Parking Assist (with 360-degree surround-view camera)

Passive safety is anchored by a high-rigidity bodyshell and a comprehensive multi-airbag system, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag.

Market Performance and Verdict

As the successor to both the C-Class Coupé and E-Class Coupé, the CLE Coupé shoulders the mission of bridging the past and future in the luxury two-door segment. It blends the agile handling of the C-Class with the touring refinement of the E-Class, reflected accurately in its footprint and wheelbase. Sold as a fully imported model in China, the CLE Coupé has won over discerning buyers seeking style and prestige, backed by the brand's strong badge appeal, striking silhouette, and tech-forward MBUX cabin.

Nevertheless, the two-door coupé segment continues to face challenges as the rise of SUVs and four-door coupés (such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLS) encroaches upon traditional sports coupé demand. The introduction of the CLE Coupé represents both Mercedes-Benz's dedication to classic two-door styling and a pragmatic rationalisation of its model lineup. Against rivals like the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 Coupé, the CLE Coupé holds its ground with more practical rear space, an advanced intelligent cockpit, and electrified 48V mild-hybrid powertrains. The CLE range is set to expand further with the CLE Cabriolet and high-performance AMG CLE 53/63 variants, reinforcing its presence in the luxury segment.