Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe – superbly appointed two-door luxury
Driving the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe today – the German company rationalizing its coupe and cabriolet line-up last year – the previous C and E- Class coupe and cabriolet replaced by the CLE 200 and 300 coupe and cabriolet – now both four-cylinder mild hybrids. I drove the CLE 300 4MATIC coupe at $124,900 plus on-road costs – powered by a 2-0-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a nine-speed automatic assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and unlike the two-wheel drive CLE 200, drive goes to all four wheels. The CLE Coupe sits on a stretched wheelbase – a most handsome and beautifully appointed luxury two door Coupe – the body accentuated by a pronounced shark nose, bonnet power domes, a front and rear apron and side sills. The interior a knockout, with large centre screen, a configurable 12.3 instrument cluster, a head up instrument display and very sculptured and supportive front seats in high grade leather – the rear seat cramped with difficult access and for the most part the CLE 300 is best described as a comfortable two-seater. Disappointments, a lack of buttons for climate and audio controls and the slider controls on the steering wheel for volume and cruise control frustrating to use. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon.
Download this podcast here