Mercedes-Benz revealed the ‘All-New Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe’ for the first time in the world through a digital world premiere on the 5th at 5 PM (local time).
The All-New Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is a model where the concepts and technological innovations of the C-Class and E-Class harmoniously merge. It embodies the tradition of Mercedes-Benz’s dream car with its elegant design, confident sporty driving performance, and special convenience features optimized for each driver, all within a two-door model. The new CLE Coupe is set to launch in Europe this November.
Characteristics of the new CLE Coupe include a long wheelbase, elegantly flowing A-pillar, short front overhang, and large wheels that realize Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy of ‘sensual purity.’
Designed to sit low to the ground, the front end creates a ‘shark nose’ shape, completing a dynamic yet elegant appearance with uniquely designed flat LED headlights and a newly designed three-dimensional radiator grille.
The radiator grille features a glossy black single louver with chrome trim, and the Mercedes-Benz star emblem is positioned in the center. The chrome grille adds three-dimensional depth to the vehicle’s exterior. The two prominent power domes on the elongated hood emphasize the strength of the six-cylinder engine.
The side profile boasts edgy character lines that flow from the headlights to the side mirrors, and from the door handles to the rear lights, enhancing the sporty proportions and powerful wheel arches. The rear, characterized by smooth flowing lines, features two LED rear lights that create an effect of increased width.
The All-New CLE Coupe incorporates a more spacious interior along with a new seat design, utilizing advanced technology to create a sensuous interior.
The new CLE measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,428 mm in height, making it the largest two-door coupe in the mid-size segment. Notably, it has a wheelbase that is 25 mm longer than that of the C-Class Coupe, providing much more spacious interior space, while being 15 mm longer than the E-Class Coupe. The trunk capacity is notably increased by 60L compared to the C-Class Coupe, now offering 420L that can accommodate three golf bags with ease.
The new CLE features a new avant-garde sports seat design with integrated headrests developed specifically for this model. The seat offers a three-dimensional, smooth, and minimalist design that adds a visual lightness to the interior, with front seats equipped with standard heating and four-way power lumbar support. When the Burmester® 3D surround sound system (optional) is installed, two speakers are included at the headrest, offering a more immersive audio experience alongside the Dolby Atmos sound system.
Just like the new E-Class, the All-New CLE Coupe is equipped with the latest electronic architecture and the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, boasting higher intelligence and learning capabilities. As a result, it allows the use of third-party applications like entertainment platforms, games, office applications, and browsers on the central display. An AI-driven ‘Routine’ feature recommends customized functions based on the driver’s preferences.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch vertically-oriented central display enhance the driver’s convenience, while also showcasing a sophisticated interior design. Three display styles are available: ‘Classic’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Ambient’, with the central display featuring new main icons introduced in the new E-Class for more intuitive functionality and operational ease.
The All-New CLE Coupe is available with mild hybrid engine models equipped with a 48V on-board electrical system, offering a choice between a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (M254), a 6-cylinder gasoline engine (M256), or a 4-cylinder diesel engine (OM654). An Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) provides additional power during acceleration and demonstrates excellent efficiency through gliding, boosting, and regenerative braking. The engine can start very quickly and smoothly, with the ISG and engine interacting intelligently for a highly smooth operation during idling. All models of the new CLE Coupe come with a 9-speed transmission developed to work in harmony with the ISG, optimizing performance.
The All-New CLE Coupe features a chassis that is 15 mm lower than its predecessor and optionally offers Dynamic Body Control suspension. This includes suspension that can adjust damping on both the front and rear axles and rear axle steering. The Active Chassis individually controls the steering characteristics of the engine, transmission, and each wheel, along with damping characteristics, adjusting according to driving conditions, speed, and road surface conditions.
Rear axle steering allows up to 2.5° of steering angle at the rear wheels, making vehicle maneuverability easier. This reduces the turning radius by up to 50 cm compared to the C-Class Coupe, making it more convenient to drive, not just in parking but also for U-turns or driving through narrow streets, despite its long length.
Additionally, the new CLE Coupe features sports direct steering, which adjusts the variable ratio according to the steering angle for agile responses, combined with electronic power assistance that varies with speed, providing a comfortable and smooth handling experience.
The new CLE Coupe is equipped with the latest driving assistance systems and various advanced technologies that create a safer and more comfortable driving environment.
Notably, the new CLE Coupe comes standard with the newly upgraded Attention Assist system, which includes a camera (optional) embedded in the 3D driver display to detect drowsiness and distraction in the driver, providing timely warnings.
Among the standard driving assistance systems, the Active Brake Assist uses built-in sensors to recognize collision risks, providing visual and auditory warnings to the driver. If the driver does not apply sufficient brake pressure, it increases the braking torque as needed and executes emergency braking. Additionally, the Active Lane Keeping Assist uses a camera to recognize lane markings, preventing unintentional lane departures, and will intervene in steering and alert the driver when there’s a risk of collision with an adjacent vehicle.
The Easy-Entry function facilitates easier access to the rear seats and is introduced for the first time in the new CLE Coupe. A loop made of nappa leather is positioned above the front seat backrest, allowing rear-seat entry that is more convenient than the existing lever method. Moreover, when a passenger does not fasten their seatbelt, it sends a warning signal to the actual occupied seat.
In addition, the vehicle includes ambient lighting with 64 color settings, and features for organic management of cabin temperature, lighting, music, seats, etc., allowing for a well-being experience within the vehicle, in addition to the Energizing Comfort and comprehensive well-being program known as the Energizing Coach.
Moreover, providing a 360-degree audio experience with Dolby Atmos, as well as online music streaming through services like Spotify and Apple Music, the All-New CLE Coupe creates a higher level of audio environment, offering a unique pleasurable experience.
Written by Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr