We Drove It: Cruising The East Coast In A New Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé is an athletic, dynamic marvel that seamlessly blends modernity with timeless elegance.

The new CLE Coupé uses the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E Class.
Sporty luxury in a class of its own, focused fully on the driver: this is the concept for the interior design of the new CLE Coupé.
The two CLE models on offer for the South African market are just the start, according to Mark Raine, co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

The Sandton Times joined Mercedes-Benz South Africa in Umhlanga for the launch of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé. The launch kicked-off with a briefing by Mark Raine, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Alex Boavida, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Mercedes-Benz South Africa at the Mercedes-Benz NMI Umhlanga Dealership. We then had a chance to hit the road and let the new releases speak for themselves on a leisurely drive to Trattoria La Terrazza in Southbroom for a taste of Italian before heading back to Umhlanga.

The allure of a sleek, powerful coupe – the kind of car that turns heads and makes hearts skip a beat. Mercedes-Benz has always been a maestro in crafting such automotive symphonies, and their latest masterpiece, the new CLE series, is no exception. First, let’s take in those proportions. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé is an athletic, dynamic marvel that seamlessly blends modernity with timeless elegance.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé exudes a sense of power and elegance from every angle. The front end, with its “shark nose” design, low-slung bonnet, and flat LED headlights, is an aggressive yet refined nod to Mercedes’ performance heritage. The newly designed, three-dimensional radiator grille and contoured power domes on the long hood hint at the potent engine lurking beneath.

CLE — From the side, a dynamic character line runs from the headlight to the rear light, giving the car a muscular stance. Image: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé’s profile is a sculptural piece of art, with flowing surfaces and seamless transitions that create a sense of movement even when the car is standing still. At the rear, two-part LED lights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies complete the car’s athletic look.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a luxurious, driver-focused interior that redefines sporty elegance. The cockpit is dominated by a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument display and an 11.9-inch central display in portrait format. This sleek setup, angled towards the driver, creates a visual dynamic that underscores the car’s sporty intentions.

Ambient lighting in 64 colours adds to the interior’s allure, with indirect light on the instrument panel, centre console, door handles, and even the seat adjustment unit. The optional Ambient Lighting Plus extends this light show along the lower edge of the instrument panel and the doors, enhancing the sense of space and luxury.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé doesn’t just look good; it feels good too. Image: Mercedes-Benz

The multifunction sports steering wheel, clad in leather, and the new front seats with integrated headrests are a tactile delight. These seats, developed exclusively for the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé, feature an avant-garde design that combines comfort with a sporty edge. For audiophiles, the optional Burmester 3D surround sound system with speakers in the headrests offers an immersive audio experience.

Accessing the rear seats is a breeze thanks to the new EASY-ENTRY function. Instead of a traditional lever, a Nappa leather loop at the upper edge of the backrest unlocks the front seats, adding a touch of elegance to the process. And if you forget to buckle up, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé has an optimised warning system that only reacts if someone is actually sitting in the seat.

Under the hood, the CLE series doesn’t disappoint. South African drivers can choose between the CLE 200 and the CLE 300 4MATIC. Both models feature four-cylinder engines with electrified technology for enhanced performance and efficiency. The integrated starter generator (ISG) supports the engine in the low-speed range and ensures smooth power delivery. It also enables functions like coasting, boost, and recuperation, contributing to significant fuel savings.

The CLE 200 offers 150 kW of power and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds, while the CLE 300 4MATIC ups the ante with 190 kW and a sprint time of 6.2 seconds. Both models benefit from a new 48-volt electrical system and a more efficient 9G-TRONIC transmission, which integrates the electric motor and power electronics for better performance and reduced weight.

CLE — The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system has also been refined to handle higher torques and provide optimal driving dynamics. This, combined with the car’s lighter weight, ensures a dynamic driving experience with superior grip and stability. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Safety, as always with Mercedes-Benz, is paramount. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé comes with a suite of standard safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems. The car’s body is designed to protect occupants with a rigid passenger cell and strategically deformable crash structures.

The new CLE series is a dream car come to life. It’s a perfect blend of athleticism, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re behind the wheel of the CLE 200 or the more performance-focused CLE 300 4MATIC, you’re in for an exhilarating ride. In South Africa, pricing starts at R1’355’350 for the CLE200 and R1’430’650 for the CLE300 4MATIC, both inclusive of a five-year/100’000 km service and maintenance plan.

Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.

Advertise on The Sandton Times today!

Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.