The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a grand tourer which consists of the C236 coupe and the A236 cabriolet that were both launched in 2023 and replaced both the C and E-Class coupes.[8] A performance variant, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 was released and a more powerful CLE 63,[9] is also planned for 2025.[10]

Mercedes-Benz CLE
Overview
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz Group
Model code
  • C236 (coupe)[1]
  • A236 (cabriolet)[1]
ProductionOctober 2023 – present (coupe)[2]
April 2024 – present (cabrio)
Model years2024–present
Assembly
DesignerBalázs Filczer[3]
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer (S)
Body style2-door coupé[4]
2-door cabriolet[5]
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4Matic)
PlatformMRA2
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
  • 23 hp Mitsubishi electric 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG)
  • Permanent magnet Syncronus motor
Transmission9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Hybrid drivetrainMild hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid (CLE 300e)
Battery
  • 48-volt Li-ion (MHEV)
  • 25.4 kWh High voltage Lithium-ion (PHEV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,865 mm (112.8 in)
Length4,850–4,853 mm (190.9–191.1 in)
Width1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Height1,428 mm (56.2 in)
Curb weight1,715–1,795 kg (3,781–3,957 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz C-Class (C205 & A205)[6]
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C238 & A238)[7]

Overview

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In 2005 a car named the "CLE" was rumoured and was expected to arrive in mid-2006. Thought to be based on the W204, a car of this type never came to production—until 2023.[11]

The CLE Coupe replaced both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe as part of Mercedes' drive to streamline its model range.[12] At 191 inches from bumper to bumper, the CLE is 1 inch longer than the outgoing E-class coupe but 6.5 inches longer than the outgoing C-class coupe. The added length mostly in the overhang size, with the CLE's 112.8-inch wheelbase within an inch of both of its predecessors.

Official manufacture of the coupe began in October 2023, while the convertible followed in April 2024.

Equipment

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Interior

The CLE has a rounded, single-bar grille with a honeycomb mesh insert and is accompanied by C-Class-style headlights and sporty air intakes. The rear includes LED taillights and an angular boot with an integrated spoiler. There is also a curved bumper that does not have exhaust cutouts.[7]

It also features the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which is also seen on multiple other models. The 11.9-inch vertically-positioned touchscreen comes with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster.[13]

The CLE features the KEYLESS-GO system and the GUARD 360° safety system which helps monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, and notifies the owner of collision detection via the Mercedes me app.[14]

The Cabriolet model additionally features an acoustic soft top, AIRCAP electric wind deflector system, AIRSCARF neck-level heating and ventilation, and electric cargo divider system.[15]

Variants

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The engine options of the CLE are shared its saloon counterpart, the W214 E-Class, all of which feature the 48-volt EQ-boost mild hybrid system. This integrated starter-generator running on the 48-volt electrical system provides a boost of 23 hp and 148 pound-feet through the electric motor.[16]

Four models are available at launch, which include the petrol CLE 200, CLE 300, CLE 450, and the diesel CLE 220d.[17]

CLE 300

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The base CLE 300 is powered by the M254 motor, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

CLE 450

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The CLE 450 is powered by the M256 motor, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 pound-feet.

Mercedes-AMG models

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AMG CLE 53

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In December 2023, Mercedes introduced the CLE 53 AMG.[7] The model features a mild-hybrid AMG-enhanced M256 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor, standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering, and styling with distinctive AMG design elements and flared wheel arches.[18] The model is also available as a Cabriolet.[15]

The CLE 53 AMG produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque (443 lb-ft for 10 seconds with overboost). The 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) provides support at lower engine speeds with 23 hp and 151 lb-ft.[19]

AMG CLE 63

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A Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 model is planned for 2025.[8][20] unlike the 2025 c 63 the CLE 63 will not be using the 2.0 four-cylinder hybrid system it will use the legendary 4.0 TT V8 the engine that mercedes is known for

Engines

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Engines[21]
Type Model Engine code Displacement Power Torque Electric motor Trans. Top speed 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) Layout Cal. years
Petrol mild hybrid CLE 200 M 254 1,999 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 201 hp (150 kW; 204 PS) @ 5,800 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
320 N⋅m (32.6 kg⋅m; 236 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600-4,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic 240 km/h (149 mph) 7.4 s RWD
AWD (4Matic)
2023-present
CLE 300 M 254 1,999 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 255 hp (190 kW; 259 PS) @ 5,800 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
400 N⋅m (40.8 kg⋅m; 295 lb⋅ft) @ 2,000-3,200
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 250 km/h (155 mph) 6.2 s AWD (4Matic)
2023-present
CLE 450 M 256 2,999 cc (3.0 L) I6 turbo 375 hp (280 kW; 380 PS) @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
500 N⋅m (51.0 kg⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800-5,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 250 km/h (155 mph) 4.4 s AWD (4Matic)
2023-present
Petrol PHEV CLE 300e M 254 1,999 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
Front motor: 129 hp (96 kW; 131 PS)
500 N⋅m (51.0 kg⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800-5,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
Permanent magnet syncronus motor 250 km/h (155 mph) 6.3 s RWD
2024-present
Diesel mild hybrid CLE 220d OM 654 1,993 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) @ 3,600 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
440 N⋅m (44.9 kg⋅m; 325 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800-2,800
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 238 km/h (148 mph) 7.5 s RWD
2023-present
Petrol mild hybrid CLE 53 M 256 2,999 cc (3.0 L) I6 turbo 449 hp (335 kW; 455 PS) @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
Front motor: 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS)
600 N⋅m (61.2 kg⋅m; 443 lb⋅ft) @ 2,200-5,000
Front motor: 200 N⋅m (20.4 kg⋅m; 148 lb⋅ft)
48V EQ Boost Mild Hybrid System 250 km/h (155 mph) 4.2 s AWD (4Matic)
2024-present

References

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  1. ^ a b "Mercedes-Benz CLE to be introduced in 2023". Automotive Daily. February 14, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "August 2023 - Automotive Technology Insight - Forecasts - Industry News - Supply Chain". autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  3. ^ Gorden Wagener (12 July 2023). "Fantastic design sketch of our latest @mercedesbenz family member – our CLE Coupé." – via Instagram.
  4. ^ "2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Tackles The Nurburgring". Carscoops. August 19, 2022.
  5. ^ "2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Thinks The C-Class Interior Is Too Good To Mess With". Carscoops. September 19, 2022.
  6. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Coupe Spied On The Nurburgring". Motor1.com.
  7. ^ a b c "2023 Mercedes CLE Coupe Spied As A Two-For-One Two-Door That Will Replace The C- And E-Class Coupes". Carscoops. July 20, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S Will Pack 671 Plug-In Hybrid Ponies Underneath Stylish Coupe Body". Carscoops. October 12, 2022.
  9. ^ "New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Can't Hide Everything In Latest Spy Photos". Motor1.com.
  10. ^ "2023 Mercedes-AMG CLE Spied At The Nürburgring Showing Its Fast Bits". Carscoops. April 13, 2022.
  11. ^ "2007 Mercedes-Benz CLE". Motor Trend. 20 April 2005. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  12. ^ "Mercedes Launches Exclusive Mythos Brand As It Reduces Entry-Level Range To Focus On Top-End Luxury". Carscoops. May 19, 2022.
  13. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLE unveiled officially, will replace C-Class coupe". HT Auto. 7 July 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  14. ^ "The new CLE Coupé". Mercedes-Benz Australia. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet: Open-top driving with AMG performance". MBUSA Newsroom. 2024-05-06. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  16. ^ Baumann, Uli (2023-07-05). "Schwäbische Stern-Schmelze". auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German). Retrieved 2023-07-15.
  17. ^ Jordan, Markus (2024-02-06), "CLE Cabriolet erstmal ab 66.402 Euro bestellbar", mbpassion.de (in German), retrieved 2024-02-06
  18. ^ "The New Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe". MBUSA Newsroom. 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  19. ^ Lorio, Joe (Apr 28, 2024). "2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53: The Coupe, Made Swole". Car and Driver.
  20. ^ "Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 switches four-pot PHEV for 585bhp V8". autos.yahoo.com. 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  21. ^ "2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe specs, Fuel consumption, Dimensions". Auto-Data.net. Retrieved August 18, 2023.