Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off its latest model known as the CLE-Class which has been confirmed to launch in Australia in the second half of 2024.
A merge of design and function between the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, the CLE aims to bring in customers looking at a stylish Mercedes coupe.
Measuring in at 4850mm long, 1860mm wide and 1428mm tall, the new CLE is longer, wider and taller than the C-Class coupe that has dimensions of 4686mm long, 1810mm wide and 1405mm tall. The new CLE will be available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE will be available in coupe and cabriolet bodystyles
For Europe, the range will include the CLE220d, CLE200, CLE300 4Matic and the CLE450 4Matic.
The Australian lineup has not yet been confirmed but it’s likely the higher-output 2.0-litre petrol four will be the choice engine, along with the turbo straight-six.
The new CLE will be a likely competitor for the likes of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, as well as the Audi A5, though the yet-to-be revealing pricing could also affect who it competes with.
The CLE-Class is likely to compete directly with the BMW 4 Series
Pricing and further specifications are set to be announced at a later stage.
Straight-six confirmed for CLE-Class, PHEV to follow
Powering the new CLE-Class will be a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. No V8 engine option will be available. Diesel will also be available for the European market, but for how long is to be debated given the region’s increasingly strict emissions standards.
In Europe, there will be several engine options to choose from
The most powerful engine will be a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with outputs of 280kW/500Nm.
A smaller 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine will also be available with two output levels: 150kW/320Nm or 190kW/400Nm.
A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel also joins the range with outputs of 145kW/440Nm.
An inside look at the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid is in development, however it will arrive “at a later date”.
All engines are fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s 48-volt mild hybrid system.
What standard equipment is fitted to the CLE-Class?
The new CLE is coming to Australia in the second half of 2024
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz CLE include a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 11.9-inch driver-facing central display, along with dynamic ambient lighting.
The latest MBUX infotainment software will be available as standard, along with a five-speaker surround sound system. A much larger Burmester 17-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos is optional.
Standard safety equipment includes attention assist, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, speed limit assist and a parking package with reverse camera. More advanced safety software will be available in option packages.
