Introduction
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Convertible Exude Luxury
Mercedes consolidates its two-door C- and E-Class lineupOverview
With the unveiling of the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE, the German automaker seems to admit that there might be too many two-door models competing for a limited pool of buyers. The CLE essentially replaces the previous generation C- and E-Class coupes and convertibles that are now at the twilight of their current generation.
The CLE is 6.5 inches longer than the C-Class Coupe and 0.6 inches longer than the E-Class Coupe. With these larger dimensions, Mercedes says rear-seat passengers especially benefit with more head- shoulder-, and elbow room than the C-Class Coupe. Likewise, the trunk has 2.1 cubic feet of additional space and can easily accommodate three golf bags, according to Mercedes.
Initially, the CLE will be offered with two trims: CLE 300 4Matic and CLE 450 4Matic, each with standard all-wheel drive. (“4Matic” means AWD in Mercedes lingo.)
After the coupe launches in early 2024, the convertible version will arrive in showrooms.
With the proliferation of luxury SUVs and EVs, the demand for many high-end two-door cars—at least in the U.S.—has shriveled. Witness the demise of the Cadillac ATS, ELR, and CTS coupes; Infiniti just brought an end to its Q60 coupe; and the final Lincoln Mark VIII ended production in the late 1990s. Storied names like Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Ford Thunderbird have all been put to pasture, steamrolled by the SUV onslaught—some of which are pitched as being coupelike.
Consolidating its two-door offerings makes sense in light of this ongoing trend. Even still, Mercedes might be answering a question few are asking.
Here is what we know so far.
It competes with the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Jaguar F-Type, and Lexus RC.
The stylish silhouette of the CLE is highlighted by smooth curves, a graceful roofline, and a rather short and stubby trunk.
According to the company, the CLE’s long hood features “strongly contoured power domes” implying what power lurks underneath. The coupe’s nose gets the usual and prominent Mercedes tri-star logo smack in the middle of the grille, flanked by LED headlights.
As with many coupes, the A-pillars are swept back and look moderately thin, but the rear C-pillars look massive and are likely to cause visibility issues.
The entry CLE 300 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, which seem appropriately sized in the wheel wells. The AMG Line (standard on the CLE 450) gets 19-inch rims, which look a bit like oversized wagon wheels. And if those aren’t big or stylish enough, buyers can choose among a selection of 18- to 20-inch sizes and 10 different exterior colors.
Overall, the CLE’s proportions are elegant and tasteful.