AT A TIME when Mercedes-Benz is paring back its combustion-engined line-up to make space for electric cars, the new CLE feels like a bit of a last hurrah for the old ways.
An indulgent, petrol-powered coupé, it replaces not just one model but two. The theory is that buyers of the old C-Class Coupé now have a slightly larger, more practical machine to upgrade to, without a huge leap in price, while E-Class Coupé fans can move over to something as elegant and desirable as their old car, and a little bit more dynamic to drive.
Two versions will be offered at launch in the UK: the CLE 300, which has a 255bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and the 375bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol CLE 450. Both come exclusively with Mercedes' 4Matic four-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. A plug-in hybrid CLE 300e is expected to follow later, but there are no plans for a diesel variant in the UK.
The engine in the CLE 300 (the version we've driven so far) sounds slightly agricultural at idle, and perhaps a touch unworthy of a super desirable coupé for sheer aural charm. It's not all that keen on revving much beyond 4000rpm, either, so it doesn't make this car feel especially fast.
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Lexus RZ 450e+ Takumi Bi-tone
Greater stamina and a lower price would have enhanced our opinion of this upmarket electric SUV
Audi A6 Avant 45 TFSI quattro Sport
Our new posh estate has to deal with a mega-miles commute and an older sibling. How will it get on?
Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution
It's our reigning Small Car of the Year, but will the latest Clio continue to impress in daily use? We're finding out
ALL POSHED UP
Looking to buy an upmarket SUV? For around £35,000, you could have a new Lexus LBX or a used BMW X1. Let's see where your money should go
JOINING UP THE TOTS
Small, cheap cars bring numerous benefits, especially if most of your driving is around town. We take three leading examples on a road trip to see which of them paints the most complete picture
GRIPPING STUFF
Tyre choice can make a huge difference to how your car behaves in changeable weather. We search for the best
Audi A6 e-tron
BMW i5 rival uses the same tech as the Q6 e-tron SUV for serious pace and range On sale Late 2024 Price from £62,000 (est)
Renault Symbioz
Slightly smaller than Renault's existing Austral, this new hybrid family SUV has its sights set firmly on the popular Nissan Qashqai On sale Now Price from £29,295
Volkswagen Golf
Family car celebrates its 50th birthday with an update, including much-improved infotainment On sale Now Price from £27,035
Hyundai Tucson
Update for Hyundai's family SUV includes a redesigned interior and a revised engine line-up On sale Now Price from £32,000