Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
The new Mercedes CLE coupe is in effect a model that replaces two cars, namely the E-Class and C-Class coupe’s. This striking new car also benefits from being powered by a superb 2.0 litre diesel engine with mild hybrid technology to aid performance and reduce emissions. What a pleasure to slip inside the new CLE and see a real world range of some 1,200km between refuels after spending quite some time testing EV’s with small estimated ranges that don’t ever prove real!
The model on test this week is the CLE 220d AMG line.
So has it got street cred?
The sweeping lines of the new CLE are both attractive and stylish. It looks elegant and has a real presence on the road.
It is a most distinguished looking car. Finished in Graphite Grey metallic with black AMG alloys it really looked super.
Whats it like inside?
The cabin of the new CLE coupe AMG is simply beautiful and has a superb air of class and quality that is unrivalled in this segment.
I like the way in which they have used the latest technology such as the centrally mounted iPad style infotainment screen which rests sloping on the centre console while the driver gets a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster which rather nicely can be configured to look like analogue instruments. There is selectable mood lighting, lovely gloss trim and beautiful real Nappa leather upholstery which in my test car was finished in white on the seating and black on the dashboard.
The build quality is simply excellent and the level of standard equipment in the AMG model on test is luxurious.
Standard kit includes, a host of safety features, “Hey Mercedes” voice activation which works very well, sports suspension, Interior light package, keyless go, heated front seats, and much more. Features worth special mention include the Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Reversing Camera, and the innovative fingerprint scanner. The idea here is that you store all your cars personal settings and then once it recognises your fingerprint on the scan section at the bottom of the screen those settings are called up. A second driver can do likewise for their preferred settings. In practice I found it did not always recognise my fingerprint.
What is under the bonnet?
The C220d is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo diesel. Max power is 197bhp and this is mated in this test car to a 9-speed G-Tronic auto box with paddle shift levers which is superb.
Performance is good reaching 100kph from a standstill in just 7.5 seconds and cruising onto a top speed of 238 kph. In reality this translates to a very useable spread of power with good reserves for safe and swift overtaking.
On the economy front it is mighty impressive burning just 5.1 litres per 100km, giving the CLE 220d a range in excess of 1200km between refuels! Road tax is just €200.00. The mild hybrid tech allows the car to coast engine off for short periods and aids power delivery too.
Will I enjoy driving it?
The new CLE AMG feels very solid and well put together and refinement levels are high with wind, road and engine noise all well suppressed.
The ride is a nice blend between comfort and agility, even with the slightly firmerAMG sports suspension. The car remains composed on even the most challenging roads. The handling is quite dynamic too making this new CLE AMG a joy to hustle along.
So what is the final verdict?
The new CLE coupe is quite pricey though when compared with some rivals from say Audi and BMW. Prices start at €73,215 while the AMG line version tested with a few options such as Night Pack, the Nappa leather, Metallic paint and Pano roof costs €83,760. Nevertheless a very desirable motorcar!