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