Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of sporty, elegant dream cars with a new, independent series, the CLE, one that uses the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E‑Class.

With this new dream car series, Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the wishes of many customers in the C-and E-Class segments. At market launch, consumers can look forward to the CLE 200 Coupé., while the CLE 200 Cabriolet, CLE 53 Coupé and cabriolet will soon be available.

Launch prices will be $341,888 for the CLE 200 Coupé AVANTGARDE, and $367,888 for the CLE 200 Coupé AMG Line.

Both CLE models come with a mild-hybrid two-litre inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine putting down 204hp and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we have always pushed the frontiers of what a desirable car means to our customers, and the new CLE is no different. At the heart of it, the CLE Coupé was designed to be the ultimate dream sportscar; a divine blend of prestige, comfort and the latest technology, integrated with the best features from our E-Class and C-Class models. It is truly in a league of its own and we are thrilled to welcome the CLE Coupé into the family and introduce it to our customers in Singapore,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore.

The new CLE Coupé embodies proportions typical of a coupé with the modern design language of Mercedes-Benz. This creates a sculptural appearance for the CLE Coupé, which is characterised by flowing surfaces with seamless transitions.

The combination of a low silhouette (1,428 mm) with a long wheelbase (2,865 mm), short overhangs (888 mm at the front and 1,097 mm at the rear) and a muscular shoulder two-door means that the CLE looks every part that an attractive coupe should.

Both AVANTGARDE and AMG Line are housed on 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. A selection of other light-alloy wheels from 19 to 20 inches with different exterior colours give a high degree of customisation.

The CLE Coupé has DIGITAL LIGHT headlights as standard, two daytime running light ellipses and blue illumination of the headlight base to give an unmistakable look that further reinforces the dynamic appearance.

The rear lights are connected to a dark red design element, much like the classic chrome trim strip on the bumper, thus emphasising the width of the rear. In the AVANTGARDE Line, C‑shaped trim parts enclose the chrome trim strip like a classy clasp.

In the cockpit are the free-standing 12.3-inch (21.3 cm) fully digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display in user-friendly portrait format.

Additional sportiness is created by the dynamic ambient lighting in 64 colours. Provided as standard equipment are the ambient lighting with indirect light on the trim strip of the instrument panel, the cup holders on the centre console, the overhead control unit, the door handles, the seat adjustment unit and in the front footwell.

With Ambient Lighting Plus, a light band sweeps from the centre console along the lower edge of the instrument panel to beneath the outer air vents on each side. A strip of light runs in each of the doors along the lines of the armrest and beltline to the rear row of seats, reinforcing the generous feeling of space.

Other highlights include the standard multi-function sports steering wheel in leather and new front seats that were developed exclusively for the CLE, featuring sports-seat design with integrated headrests.

In conjunction with the Burmester 3D surround sound system, they each have two speakers at the level of the headrests, creating an immersive music experience for the individual with Dolby Atmos close to the ears. The premium sound system has a total of 17 speakers.

The front seats are heated and have an electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support as standard. Seat climate control and a seven-zone massage are also available in conjunction with the optional ENERGIZING Plus package. Seat height, backrest and cushion inclination, as well as seat cushion depth, can be infinitely adjusted electrically.

The memory function can be used to save individual driver seat settings for up to three people, likewise for the position of the steering wheel, the optional head-up display and the exterior mirrors. If the driver changes, the optimal driving position can be conveniently set at the touch of a button.

A new, specific EASY-ENTRY function ensures easy access to the rear. The front seats are not unlocked with a lever but with an elegant loop made of Nappa leather that is conveniently located at the upper edge of the backrest.

Anyone who has not buckled their seat belt immediately after boarding can reactivate the seat belt feeder via a button on the central display or simply by opening and closing the door again. In addition, the CLE Coupé is one of the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles with an optimised warning for seat belts that are not fastened, and the system only reacts to occupied unbuckled seats.

The KEYLESS-GO comfort package is available to further increase convenience. In addition to starting the engine at the push of a button, it enables all vehicle doors to be opened and locked by simply touching the respective door handle.

The recessed grips are illuminated for better orientation in the dark. With HANDS‑FREE ACCESS, the trunk can also be opened and closed contact-free and fully automatically with a simple kick of the foot in the rear bumper’s sensor area.

With a 25mm longer wheelbase, the CLE Coupé offers significantly more space than the C-Class Coupé. The rear passengers in particular benefit from 10mm more headroom, 19mm more shoulder and elbow room and 72mm more knee room, while the boot offers 60 litres more volume.

Mercedes-Benz is also working on automating comfort functions using artificial intelligence (AI). The vehicle learns which comfort systems the driver uses repeatedly at certain times and under certain conditions, and then runs them automatically.

The CLE Coupé goes one step further in terms of automated adaptation to personal habits and adopts the innovative routines introduced with the new E-Class.

At market launch, customers can use templates for standard routines, and they have the option of creating their own routines, with the possibility of linking several functions and conditions with each other.

In the future, the CLE Coupé will also be able to fully automate recurring routine tasks if desired, with the help of AI. The vehicle’s ability to also learn and evolve with the customer will represent a new level of intelligence.

In the first expansion stage, Mercedes-Benz will offer AI-generated routines such as Massage, Seat heating and Seat ventilation for the driver’s seat. Other interior systems are to be successively integrated and further routines made possible.

More to come when we drive the CLE Coupé.

Photo Credits: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

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This is the new 6th-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon.

What, six generations already? Yes, like that old friend who’s always been around; always reliable, always classy.

Now, more than ever, owning an E-Class is like a silent announcement to the world “I’m a person of great wealth.” And why wouldn’t it be? The latest E200 has a price tag to match – roughly 400 grand at the time of writing.

For that kind of money, you’re buying a piece of elegance, a dash of plush comfort, and a whole lot of solid executive vibes, all wrapped up in a package that’s been jazzed up for the digital age.

But it’s not all smooth sailing for the E-Class. It’s got some tough competition, mainly from the BMW 5 Series, and to a lesser extent, the older Audi A6.

You might have thought some of these rivals had vanished from the showrooms, but they’re still around. It’s just that their sales figures aren’t as pretty as they used to be, and it feels like they’re just waiting for the curtain to fall. Darn those tall-riding SUVs.

So, what does the tri-pointed stalwart bring to the table?

Modern Chic, Traditional Roots

Mercedes-Benz has always designed the E-Class with a regal ensemble, and the new boy follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. The taillamps stretch across the rear, and they’ve even thrown in lighting elements shaped like Mercedes’ iconic three-pointed star. Talk about making an entrance.

Up front, the headlights give a subtle nod to the days when the E-Class was rocking four round lamps. It looks especially classy with the ‘Exclusive’ trim pieces fitted to it; the old-school styled grille and famed bonnet emblem define it as quintessentially Mercedes.

Yes, the new E-Class has inadvertently borrowed some style cues from Mercedes’ electric EQ lineup, and those cars are about as exciting to look at as watching paint dry. But, the E-Class manages to pull it off with a certain understated elegance.

It’s got a presence that’s hard to ignore, neatly positioned between the C-Class and S-Class in the visual pecking order.

Tech Galore

Stepping into the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class feels like walking into your local tech joint, with more glass and pixels than you can shake a stick at. A 12.3-inch panel for driving info, a 14.4-inch touchscreen for infotainment, and another 12.3-inch screen just for the front passenger to fiddle with. It’s all very flashy, in that unmistakable Mercedes way.

The silver finish on some elements feels a tad tacky, and once you turn off the ignition, you’re left with a smudgy fingerprint art exhibit on the massive glass panel. There’s nowhere to rest your fingers while you’re prodding the screen either, so maybe keep a cloth handy.

Mercedes has dubbed this setup the “Superscreen,” and while it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, it’s a little excessive for what a car needs. Your front passenger can pick their own entertainment, thanks to the car’s 5G connectivity, but really, it’s not doing anything an iPad couldn’t do – oily finger smudges included. 

Thankfully, Mercedes has made the interface slightly more user-friendly. Everything’s just a couple of taps away, and it’s pretty easy to get the hang of where everything is. The new tile-based design means if you’re savvy with a smartphone, you’ll feel right at home with the Mercedes system.

And the features do not disappoint. Integrated 5G conference calling, power-operated vents, real-time navigation overlays, ambient lighting that pulses to your music, and even Angry Birds (yes, really). At night, the interior looks like a disco, and I’m pretty confident no one else can top Mercedes in the ambient lighting department for now.

There’s even a selfie camera on the dashboard for capturing your road trip memories. Let the grandkids take charge of this one.

But with all these distractions, it kind of defeats the purpose of a car that’s supposed to make driving less stressful. Especially the haptic steering wheel touchpads; they’re supposed to replace buttons, but they either ignore your commands or do the exact opposite of what you want. They’re infuriating and can sour your whole driving experience.

The interior has also been decluttered, with a sleek band replacing the old quartet of vents and a lower centre console. Sounds great on paper, but controls like HVAC and media become unnecessary aforementioned screen-prodding manoeuvres. 

It’s a shame the tech can detract one away from the otherwise luxurious interior; the driving position is spot on, and the seats are so comfy you’ll wish you could take them into your living room. Visibility is decent, and Mercedes more than makes up for it with a plethora of cameras and sensors at your disposal.

There are still some cheap plastics, but overall, the cabin looks and feels premium. The open-pore wood and leather dashboard are a classy touch.

If you’re usually chauffeured around in the back, you’ll appreciate the extra space. The new E-Class is bigger in all dimensions but still manages to feel roomy in the back despite the sloping roofline.

The boot remains the same size as the previous generation at 540 litres, more than enough for your weekly shop or your weekend golf essentials.

Sublime Comfort

While the BMW 5 Series might have the edge in terms of driving engagement, Mercedes knows where its strengths lie – comfort.

And let’s face it, in a country where the pace of life is competitive and unforgiving, who wouldn’t want to be ensconced in a cocoon of comfort to wash all of those troubles away?

With 204bhp and 320Nm under the hood, the E200-spec E-Class has enough grunt to get you to your important business meetings in sublime comfort. There’s even a mild hybrid system that adds a little extra oomph to your acceleration.

The 9G-Tronic gearbox shifts smoothly, and the brakes are easy to modulate. The steering might not give you a play-by-play of what’s happening under the wheels, but it’s faithful to your commands – a good sign for when AMG gets its hands on this baby.

Ride-wise, the E-Class is a serene zen garden. Body roll is kept in check, and it smooths out bumps and potholes with grace. Even local roadworks can’t ruffle its feathers. 

The suspension is like a magic carpet ride, balancing comfort and sportiness. Sure, it might not handle corners like its rivals, but for a sedan, it’s got a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it engaging to drive.

Would a bigger engine make sense in the E-Class? Possibly, as the 4-cylinder garnered a real-world fuel economy of just 10.2km/litre during my drive. All that weight bogs the car down, and the engine has to be coaxed more in order to get going.

Business-Class Priority

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always marched to the beat of its own drum, and this new one still excels at being a leader in premium comfort.

But here’s the bigger pickle: what’s the E-Class’s raison d’être these days? The S-Class has carved out its niche as the chariot of choice for high-flying execs racing against the clock.

That means that the aspirational allure that once defined the E-Class seems to have faded into the background. It’s as if Mercedes is just going through the motions, hesitant to shake things up for this long-standing favourite.

What we’re left with is a car that struggles to carve out a distinct identity for itself, content with being a showcase for an array of cabin technology.

It’s a competent package, no doubt, but the question looms: who’s actually in the market for an E-Class these days, when everyone wants the latest and greatest SUV?

But, to those who still crave the sleek comfort of an executive saloon, the E-Class is a fine example – as long as you can tune out the tech-induced noise.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon

Engine: 1,999cc 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve, turbocharged
Power: 150kW (201bhp)
Torque: 320Nm
Gearbox: 9G-Tronic (A)
0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 240km/h
Fuel Economy: 14.3km/L (claimed)

Price: POA (AMG Line), S$378,888 (Avantgarde), S$388,888 (Exclusive), all with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Mercedes-Benz Singapore has just unveiled the latest E-Class Saloon, a nameplate that marries elegance with cutting-edge technology and safety.

Taking cues from its regal sibling, the S-Class flagship, this new incarnation is bigger and bolder than its predecessors. Three different trim variants are available at launch – Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG Line.

The E-Class has had numerous updates applied to it, but none that detract it away from being quintessentially Mercedes. An illuminated front grille (standard on the AMG Line) is flanked by LED headlamps with a distinctive light signature.

The new retractable door handles add a sleek touch, while the ‘connected’ two-piece taillights, adorned with brake lights mimicking the Mercedes Tristar motif, accentuate the sedan’s width. 

The cabin is equally a realm of luxury and space. The classic three-box sedan form is enhanced, making the E-Class longer, wider, and taller than ever before, offering unrivalled passenger comfort. Boot space is also rather spacious at 540-litres.

The crown jewel of the interior is the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, featuring the MBUX Superscreen. With responsiveness and menu loading times sharper than ever, this screen is standard on every E-Class unit coming to Singapore.

The system is practically clairvoyant, learning your routines and adapting to your preferences; be it fine-tuning the climate control to your liking or navigating through colour-coded icons, it’s your personal concierge.

The E-Class also comes with some quirks. The in-built selfie and video camera are an interesting addition, but you’ll need a USB drive to save any footage.

Climate control is another aspect where the new E-Class redefines itself. With the standard two-zone Thermatic or the optional four-zone Thermotronic along with the new Digital Vent Control, you’re setting the right temperature for any occasion. 

Only the E200 variant is available at launch for now – the E300e will be coming shortly. Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine complemented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system delivers a robust 201bhp and 320Nm of torque.

Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it promises express power delivery without compromising on efficiency, boasting an impressive 14.3km/litre.

With prices starting from $398,888 with COE, the new E-Class is priced quite competitively. I mean, all you need to know is that the initial allocation is already spoken for; that speaks volumes.

Welcome to the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Mercedes-Benz has recently unveiled the new E-Class saloon, and its packing loads of tech and upgrades to stand toe-to-toe with the competition. 

With this new generation, its wheelbase has grown 22mm, and its bold new looks have some people sitting on the fence.

I’m of course talking about the new taillights, which now meet in the middle to emphasise the width of the car. The new light signature features the German brand’s star motif, and I’m not sure about you, but I do appreciate the predecessor’s more.

Up front, the new E-Class also receives new headlights. These flank a redesigned grille that maintains the same design language as its larger S-Class sibling. This grille will also change looks depending on which trim variant customers pick.

An illuminated surround LED array is now available for the first time too, lighting up as part of the welcome and leaving animation, and it works in tandem with the daytime running lights when driving.

Step into the cabin and the first thing that would immediately catch your eye is the new third-generation MBUX setup. Dubbed the MBUX Superscreen, you can spec your E-Class with an optional passenger display. MBUX also now gets icons which are colour-coded so they will be familiar to smartphone users.

To make life easier for users and developers alike, this new MBUX system will also support the installation of third-party apps. Nice!

The updated MBUX system can remember routines too, making life more convenient for owners. For example, users can set the car up to turn on the climate control to a given temperature and turn on the seat heating just by activating a single command. 

With tighter emission standards globally, the new E-Class receives a new mild-hybrid powertrain option – a 201 bhp 2.0-litre mild-hybrid powerplant.

Peak torque is rated at 320Nm, and its integrated electrical starter-generator now pushes out an additional 23 bhp. This combo will be paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and enable the car to complete the century sprint in a brisk 7.5 seconds.

The E-Class will also be offered as an E300e plug-in hybrid (PHEV), pushing out 308 bhp and 550 Nm of torque. An E400e PHEV will also be available, pushing these figures to 375 bhp and 650 Nm of torque. Both these variants will come with an integrated 25.4kWh battery for electrical support.

No details have been revealed by Mercedes-Benz on when the E-Class will arrive on our shores, but we’re speculating it’ll arrive sometime in Q4 2023.

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