Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4 MATIC Coupe – a rather
handsome two door Coupe on a long-wheelbase - powered by a 2.0-litre turbo
four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system mated to a
nine-speed automatic driving all four wheels. Ownership rather exclusive with
just 499 sold last year – priced at $124,900 plus on-road costs. So how does it
drive - the petrol engine delivers 190kW of power, 400 Nm of torque, the hybrid
system contributing more power and torque under hard acceleration – the pairing
improving fuel efficiency and I managed 7.9L/100KM, not bad for a rather heavy
coupe on 95 grade petrol. Sharing its underpinnings with the latest C-Class and
E-Class sedan but with an AMG-inspired sports suspension that is 15mm lower
and with calibrated steering that varies in each of the four drive modes - along
with sharper gear shifts this is a sports coupe with real driving appeal. Ride
quality however can get a little hard, the real surprise, the amount of noise
intrusion into the cabin on a harsh surface, something I wouldn’t expect on a car
at this value. But overall, the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 coupe a very polished
performer. I’m David Berthon