Conceptual and technical innovations of C-Class and E-Class combine to produce the CLE.
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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