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

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Mercedes-Benz has launched the new EQA and EQB ahead of the Car Expo 2024.

The EQA and EQB will be even more appealing to newcomers and those switching to electric vehicles. Fresh looks, a class-leading range of up to 569km on a single charge, and an updated MBUX with improved voice control and updated driving assistance systems are some of the new things to look out for.

Also, available as an option are the Sound Experiences, innovations from its larger model siblings. At market launch, consumers can look forward to the EQA 250+ (Electric Art and Progressvie), and the EQB 250+ (Electric Art and Progressvie).

“The Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB have been some of the brand’s most well-received models, with many of our customers’ first experiences with the world of Mercedes-Benz through one of these all-electric models. As such, the new EQA and EQB could not have been better timed,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore.

“Refreshed with the latest in electric intelligence, the EQA and EQB now come with the most up-to-date connectivity, entertainment, and active safety features, including Dolby Atmos integration with the optional Burmester surround sound system. The new EQA and EQB outperform their compact size, even topping its class with an effective range of up to 569km, and we look forward to having our customers experience these vehicles for themselves.”

With the newly designed black panel surface with a star pattern at the front, the EQA and EQB visually catch up with their larger model siblings in the all-electric Mercedes-Benz family. Black stars come as standard, while for the Electric Art variant, the stars are in chrome.

A light band connects the daytime running lights while the new bumper emphasises the broad effect of the vehicle front. Trim elements in high-gloss black are integrated into the side protrusions, and the fog lamp is recessed.

The designers have also changed the insides of the taillights. Four new alloy wheels in 18-, 19- and 20-inch format and two new paint finishes, spectral blue and high-tech silver, complete the model range.

The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have been able to increase the ranges of the EQA to up to 569 kilometres (WLTP). The measurements include aerodynamic optimisation such as a new leading edge for the rear wheel arch, a ridge that functions as a spoiler, as well as rolling resistance-optimised tyres that contribute to improved efficiency.

New features in the interior include the current-generation steering wheel with touch control panels as well as the trim in brown lime open-pore wood, Mercedes-Benz pattern and backlit Mercedes-Benz pattern. In the latter trim, the star pattern is lasered into the plastic and is adaptively backlit.

The standard equipment has been expanded, with all EQAs and EQBs now coming with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and USB package.

Different sound worlds that allow individual acoustic setups, which are familiar from the larger electric models from Mercedes-Benz, are now available in the EQA and EQB in conjunction with the optional Burmester surround sound system.

“Silver Waves” is a sensual and clean sound, while “Vivid Flux” is aimed at EV enthusiasts and is crystalline, synthetic and yet humanly warm. Both Sound Experiences can be selected in the central display or be switched off.

Two further sound worlds will be added shortly and can be unlocked online as part of the Individualisation Package if the optional Burmester Surround Sound System is on board: “Roaring Pulse” is reminiscent of powerful machines and is sonorous and extroverted, while “Serene Breeze” offers a relaxed and natural sound.

Both the EQA and EQB feature an updated generation of MBUX. The redesign of the infotainment system was focused on a new design and improved performance. This includes the zero-layer interface, whereby the user does not have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands.

In combination with the 10 colour worlds of the ambient lighting, there are numerous individualisation options. All previous functions such as media, phone, vehicle, etc. are still available and can be conveniently operated via the touchscreen, or the touch control buttons on the steering wheel.

Situationally and contextually, applications are offered on the top layer in the field of view. Smartphones can now connect wirelessly to the vehicle via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The display of the charging features in MBUX has also improved; for example, the charging flap can be unlocked on the central display via a softkey in the charging menu. Furthermore, the currently available DC charging power is displayed and during the charging process, the recharged range is indicated in kilometres.

By activating online services in the Mercedes me app, the intelligent voice assistant becomes even more capable of dialogue and learning. The system gets to know the driver and remembers familiar settings or usual driving routes. It then suggests personalised infotainment, comfort, and vehicle functions to suit the respective driving situation.

However, if the suggestion is unnecessary, the driver can reject it with the function “Do not suggest now” or deactivate it permanently with “Do not suggest again” and the vehicle will remember these requests. Certain actions can also be triggered without saying “Hey Mercedes”, and the voice assistant can also explain vehicle functions.

The optional Burmester surround sound system now features the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience in conjunction with the current MBUX generation. This feature gives music more space, clarity, and depth.

In addition, Dolby Atmos adapts to the playback environment, so listeners can hear music almost as clearly as it corresponds to the original vision of the artists in the studio.

EQA features 340 litres of boot space that can be expanded to 1,320 litres, while EQB holds 465 litres with the seatbacks up and 1,620 litres with them dropped.

Thanks to more powerful environment sensors, the parking systems can better support the driver when manoeuvring. Integrated into MBUX, they can be operated more intuitively and more quickly, and the Parking Package with 360-degree camera supports the driver when parking in and out of longitudinal and transverse parking spaces.

Photo Credits: Mercedes-Benz and LinkedIn

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!