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New Mercedes CLE 2024 review: a classy BMW 4 Series rival
The new Mercedes CLE borrows plenty from the C-Class and E-Class, and is packed with tech
Verdict
The new Mercedes CLE borrows a lot from the C-Class and E-Class, and as a result doesn’t really feel like an all-new car. What it does take from its saloon siblings is largely good stuff, although we’d like a more refined ride. At this price point the diesel doesn’t feel special enough, either. The pick of the range looks like a pricier petrol with the fancier adjustable suspension.
Big two-door coupes represent well-trodden ground for Mercedes. But the CLE is a new name in the German brand’s line up; designed as a replacement for two-door versions of the C-Class and E-Class (a convertible is coming soon), the BMW 4 Series rival has quite the challenge ahead of it.
As for the design, it incorporates elements from across the Mercedes range, and does this cohesively. You might notice the rear light is similar to the new GLC SUV’s, and that the front end borrows stylistic elements from the C-Class, with a long, loping bonnet that gives the CLE a sleeker profile than its predecessors. It’s easy on the eye, for sure, but doesn’t suggest anything overtly sporty – that’s for the upcoming AMG variants.
The model we have here is the CLE 220 d. Yes, Mercedes has gone against the zeitgeist and introduced a new diesel two-door in 2024. But we’ve found this 2.0-litre, turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder to be pretty good in other applications – such as the GLC 220 d, for example.
In the CLE, the 220d serves up 194bhp. That doesn’t sound like much in a big coupe that weighs 1,855kg, but just as importantly, there’s a beefy 440Nm of torque on tap. If you want a bit more poke, there are petrol variants ranging from the 201bhp CLE 200 to the flagship 443bhp AMG CLE 53.
The CLE is no sports car – especially with this diesel powertrain. That’s not to say it doesn’t retain some charm on the move; power delivery is smooth throughout the expectedly short rev range, and the 220 d produces a surprisingly enjoyable distant grumble.
The driving modes don’t change the car’s character all that much, although if you put it into Sport (through a gentle prod of the screen) the steering weights up and you’ll get slightly quicker responses from the nine-speed automatic gearbox. The throttle response from the diesel engine leaves a little to be desired when you’re pushing on, however.
The wheelbase is slightly shorter than the old E-Class Coupe’s, yet there’s rear-axle steering to help give the CLE some nimbleness. That system only operates up to 2.5 degrees though, making the CLE feel more like an executive saloon in a two-door body once you reach the bends.
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It’s pretty stable, thanks in part to the 15mm-lower suspension (the optional adjustable damping was not fitted to this car) and a wider rear track compared with the E-Class. The steering is quick enough, but it is super light and delivers precious little feedback. The inputs never really give you the confidence to enjoy throwing the CLE around.
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