The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe has been born as the libero of two-door coupes. The test model provided for review was the 450 4MATIC Coupe, available for around three hours.
Originally, a coupe is two-door. A two-seater two-door coupe is the best. If it’s four seats, it can still be called a coupe, but when you stretch to four doors, it raises the question: is this really a coupe? It’s a somewhat meaningless argument, like contending over the order of dishes at a ritual offering, yet surprisingly, many people get heated over it.
The CLE Coupe has become a very important model as it bridges the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class CLE Coupe. With the CLS already discontinued, only two two-door coupe models remain in Mercedes: the CLE and the CLA Coupe. Therefore, the distinction of segments becomes meaningless for the CLE. It carries the title of an all-weather libero that transcends two segments and class ranges.
The CLE Coupe has launched in two models domestically: the CLE 200 Coupe and the 450 4MATIC Coupe. A Cabriolet model is expected to be added within the year.
The integrated headrest sports seats come equipped with two loudspeakers. In total, there are 17 speakers throughout the interior, formulating the Burmester 3D surround sound system.
The third-generation MBUX infotainment system has added numerous features, making it more convenient and enjoyable. It now incorporates routine functionalities. Temperature, ambient light, audio, and parking camera skills can be automatically repeated based on specific conditions such as date & time, location, outside/inside temperature, and speed.
But that’s not all. It grants access to YouTube, Apple Music, WebEx, Zoom, Angry Birds, TikTok, Essentials, Flo, Wave, Melon, and more. A T-map navigation system is set to be introduced in the latter half of the year.
Driving the CLE 450 4MATIC Coupe was a thrilling experience. With its elongated hood, short overhang, long wheelbase, and low roofline, the sleek lines and proportions are visually striking. Measuring 4,850×1,860×1,420mm, it boasts a wheelbase of 2,865mm. In terms of length, it surpasses the E-Class Coupe by 5mm, while its height is 15mm lower, creating a long and low appearance that makes it look larger. The trunk offers a width of 420 liters, allowing for the storage of three golf bags.
Two power domes grace the long hood, beneath which is a vertically arranged inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine. The M256M engine, upgraded from the M256, produces 381 horsepower and 51 kg-m of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission fine-tunes this power. Covering 100 km/h in the 3rd to 9th gears, between 1,400 and 5,000 rpm, it demonstrates high efficiency in higher gears and strong power in lower gears.
The sound from the 6-cylinder engine is extraordinary. The CLE 450 4MATIC is the only model where you can experience a Mercedes 6-cylinder for under 100 million KRW. The inline 6-cylinder engine emits a screaming sound as it revs higher. It elicits the statement: “A man needs a six-cylinder.”
Furthermore, it adds an all-wheel-drive system. The balance left-to-right and front-to-back is ideal. Stability during high-speed driving stands out. The damping continuously adjustable dynamic body control suspension and 20-inch tires strongly suppress any shake.
The 450 4MATIC features rear-axle steering, with the rear axle involving steering by up to 2.5 degrees. The steering wheel turns exactly two rotations. It provides performance expected for quick direction changes with large motions. With a turning diameter of 10.7m, it’s 50cm shorter than the C-Class Coupe, allowing for a U-turn in a space of under 11m.
Weighing in at 1,940kg, the power-to-weight ratio is 5.1kg per horsepower. The manufacturer claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. It surpasses 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.
An interesting feature to note is its 48V mild-hybrid system, which has evolved into a second generation, allowing for an even smoother operation. Engine start-stops are now as seamless as breathing. This system can provide an extra boost of 17kW through the starter generator.
The driving assistance system, “Driving Assist Package Plus,” houses abundant features, demonstrating higher levels of perfection. It includes digital lights, drowsiness driving warning attention assist, rear seat easy entry, MBUX augmented reality navigation, panoramic sunroof, a 360° camera park package, heated steering wheel, and heated washer system as part of the winter package.
There’s a lane-change support assist feature. By activating the turn signal to change lanes, the system directly intervenes in steering to assist with the maneuver. It monitors all three lanes—left and right of your lane—ensuring smooth operation when the speed and space conditions are met. However, it does not guarantee success each time you attempt, functioning smoothly enough for a driver to change lanes stress-free, particularly if they’re less confident in their driving skills.
The CLE 450 4MATIC is priced at 96 million KRW, while the CLE 200 Coupe is priced at 72.7 million KRW. To enjoy a stylish two-door coupe bearing the three-pointed star emblem, these prices must be paid.
There are inconveniences to consider when driving a coupe: limited space and difficulty getting in and out. The rear seat feels cramped with only a fist-sized space remaining in front of the knees, and two palms stacked above the head. It’s not spacious or comfortable. Behind the front seats is a leather band with easy entry functionality, allowing some space when getting in and out of the rear seats, but it is inconvenient compared to simply opening the door. This is the limitation of two-door vehicles.
Direct Insights from Oh Jong-hun
The voice recognition system of the MBUX infotainment system is known to activate itself at times without being prompted. It can be frustrating. However, disabling it means that it won’t be available when needed. It also failed to adjust the indoor temperature with voice commands.
For a vehicle aiming above the 100 million KRW price mark, the interior trunk’s upper section is finished with bare metal. This may be acceptable for a budget model, but for a premium coupe with the three-pointed star, a more refined finish seems necessary.
Oh Jong-hun yes@autodiary.kr