Seeing really is believing when it comes to the all new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé. Sporty, progressive, muscular, sleek… these are just some of the words that naturally spring to mind when you first lay eyes on the CLE 200 and CLE 300 4MATIC models that recently arrived in New Zealand. 

With a striking, deep-faced ‘shark nose’, muscular power domes on the bonnet and a sloping, powerfully shaped rear end, the striking two-door car presents a simple yet elegant silhouette. This impression is enhanced by radiant DIGITAL LIGHT headlights, chrome trims, frameless doors, light-alloy wheels and its athletic 4850mm length.

Of course, like any new addition to the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the best way to unlock the all new CLE Coupé’s full potential is to get behind the wheel and head for the open road.

The best of both worlds

Space, comfort, agility – this vehicle brings together the best attributes of the beloved Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupés in one sleek package. 

Thanks to the all new CLE Coupé's incredibly useful KEYLESS-GO feature, every journey begins effortlessly. Gone are the days of manually locking and unlocking the doors; as long as the key is on your person when you approach, all the doors can be opened simply by touching the door handle.

From the moment you slide into the driver’s seat, it’s clear the interior has been built to offer maximum convenience. Intelligently designed and equipped with all the latest technology – including a head-up display, electrically adjustable and heated front seats with memory function, a panoramic sliding sunroof, automatic seat belt feeders, and the latest MBUX multimedia system – the vehicle impresses with its adaptive capabilities and intuitive operation. 

Personalisation is at the heart of the all new CLE Coupé. Following input from the driver, the car is capable of tailoring itself to suit specific routines and behaviour patterns, automatically adjusting things like seat heating and ambient lighting in order to elevate the driving experience in small but important ways. 

The joy that comes with driving this vehicle is enhanced by the legendary Burmester® 3D surround sound system. With speakers integrated into the seats, it offers a first-class listening experience for the driver and passengers when tuning into audiobooks, podcasts, playlists and more. 

A sleek mover

The CLE 200 and CLE 300 4MATIC models are both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel drive CLE 200 produces 150kW and 320Nm, while the all-wheel drive CLE 300 4MATIC returns 190kW and 400Nm.

Both models can also call on 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. Under hard acceleration, the gearbox-mounted electric motor feeds an additional 17kW and 205Nm for short periods and hastens activation of the auto engine stop-start system when the all new CLE Coupé begins from a standing start.

The handling of this luxury cruiser is sharp and supple, and the car possesses an air of smooth stability over long distances. A 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds for the CLE 200, and 6.2 seconds for the CLE 300 4MATIC, complements the new models’ distinctive mid-range punch, equipping them for both city and country driving. 

To top it all off, a suite of renowned Mercedes-Benz driver assist functions are present in the all new CLE Coupé. The MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation feature, for example, takes the stress out of finding a new destination. Engaging the vehicle’s sensors and cameras, it offers a view of the road plus navigational information on the central touchscreen display. 

Other features include Active Parking Assist, which identifies available parking spots and helps the driver manoeuvre into them; Active Brake Assist, which detects and helps avoid collisions with other vehicles, oncoming traffic, pedestrians and cyclists; and Active Lane Keeping Assist, which guides the vehicle back into its lane should it begin to drift outside of it. PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side also works by preparing the occupants for a side-on collision and reducing the risk of injury. Like a bodyguard, it pushes the driver or front passenger away from the danger zone towards the inside.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé is a remarkable evolution of the famous two-door form, bringing together beautifully balanced exterior design with a comfortable, technology-rich interior. Built to make the open road a breeze to conquer, it’s equally at home taking off from city intersections and suburban roundabouts. That’s one sleek mover.