Mercedes has decided that it’d discontinue the C and E-Class Coupes, choosing instead to focus on building a combined, singular model dubbed the CLE.

And the very first model, the CLE 200, was unveiled to the Singapore market earlier this year. And whilst it was designed and marketed as a replacement for the two cars, it really is a new E-Class Coupe, as it shares most of its external dimensions with the outgoing car.

Fans of the C-Class Coupe may lament this decision, but from a business perspective, this makes sense. Afterall, why continue to flood the already saturated market with a bodystyle that isn’t as profitable as something like a GLC?

Is it Really Just a new E-Class Coupe?

Well, the answer is a lot less straightforward than you’d expect. Whilst previous cars have obvious cosmetic links to their saloon counterparts, the CLE has been angled as an all-new car with a completely seperate lineage.

It is dimensionally much larger than the C-Class coupe, and is actually even marginally bigger overall than the E-Class Coupe too. Though the previous generation E-Class Coupe is ever so slightly taller.

The C, E and CLE-Classes all share the same MRA2 platform, and even have very similar powertrain options across the board. But whilst the C and E-Class build on generations of classic Mercedes-Benz saloon designs, the CLE looks more like an amalgamation of their EQ cars and of their AMG-GT models.

You wouldn’t find your stereotypical, elegant three-box design here – the CLE has a swooping roofline, which has then been paired with sleek and aggressive headlights (fitted with Digital Light technology), frameless doors and an organically sculpted front bumper.

The nod to their EQ cars are fairly obvious round the back, with the rear clusters and connecting trim panel remininscent of an EQE. A faux diffuser then finishes the rear-end styling, with a design that closely mimics the lines of the front end.

All Mercedes Inside

The interior is stereotypically Mercedes. Build quality is solid throughout, though it has more in common with the C than the E-Class in this department. Still, most of the high-touchpoint areas have been trimmed in some kind of soft-touch materials, making the car feel truly premium and luxurious.

It comes fitted with the latest version of MBUX, and the OS feels snazzy and modern. On the UI front, the only gripe I do have with the CLE (and with most of the modern Mercedes cars) is with the capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel. Having said that, Mercedes does at least make an attempt to make it easier for you to live with this decision, as they’ve also added a duplicate bank of shortcut buttons on the bottom of the screen.

It is surprisingly usable on a day-to-day basis too. There’s no shortage of cargo space, with a usable boot capacity of 420 litres. Passengers will also have no issue being comfortable up front. Space in the rear is actually also acceptable, though if you are significantly taller than average you’d struggle on longer journeys.

Built for Comfort

You’d actually realise this very early on. The CLE 200 has clearly been set up for comfort, with suspension and a powertrain that has been designed to provide a smooth, calming drive.

There’s a softness in the initial travel of the suspension, which translates into managable levels of bodyroll on turn-in, especially if you drive with excessive exuberance. But it settles as the corner progresses, with no additional body roll and decent overall levels of control.

Power comes from a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four with mild-hybrid assistance. Whilst it isn’t the most powerful motor in the Mercedes line-up, it provides sufficient overall motivation for the CLE. A good chunk of torque can be accessed in the mid-range, making overtaking a relative doddle.

The transmission and powertrain combination has obviously been geared for comfort. It is most definitely quick enough, with seamless shifts up and down the gearbox, but it does so in a way that is smooth and not jarring.

Exploring New Territory

A new model designation, and the replacement of two existing nameplates, are perhaps part of a greater plan to increase the profitability through the diversification and of each of the models in their overall line-up.

With one less car to develop, more resources can be allocated to creating a product with greater levels of refinement and capability. A platform with a wider operating window can also feel more cohesive at varying levels of power and performance, allowing them to further build an ever wider range of vehicles without incurring a lot of additional R&D cost.

It seems then, this decision is an all-round win-win. But will the AMG version of the car be as good and effortlessly capable at its intended role as the CLE 200? There’s really only one way to find out.

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