Mercedes-Benz has shown off the CLE roadster, replacing the C-class and E-class cars with two doors, which will no longer be made after 2023. The CLE300 and the CLE450 have a starter generator built into the engine. The CLE300 has a 255-hp turbo inline-four, while the CLE450 has a 375-hp turbo inline-six. The interior is almost the same as the current C-class, with a centre 11.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Mercedes-Benz’s newest two-door coupe, the 2024 CLE-class, will replace the C-class and E-class coupes, which were just taken off the market. This means that Mercedes-Benz will have fewer coupes in its range. The CLE stands out because of its sleek, streamlined form, two electric powertrains, and high-tech interior that uses parts from the E-class and C-class sedans. The CLE will go on sale in the US at the beginning of 2024, and a convertible version will come out. Some parts of the form come from the most recent E- and C-class cars. The E-class is shown by the full-width taillight, which comprises two lights connected by a dark red trim piece. The trapezoidal grille and smooth LED headlights make the car look like a C-class. Sharp lines down the side and moulded bumpers break up the soft, flowing sequences that Mercedes is known for. The design of the grille is made up of many tiny Mercedes-Benz stars with three points. The CLE is longer than the previous E-class coupe at 191 inches but is 6.5 inches longer than the C-class coupe. The wheelbase of the CLE is 112.8 inches, an inch longer than its predecessors. Almost all of the extra length is in the overhangs. Mercedes says the new C-class car has more space inside than the old one, and three golf bags can fit in the trunk. The M254 engine is used in the base CLE300, C300, and E350 cars. It is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged M256 engine from the E450 car is used in the CLE450. This engine makes 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains have a 48-volt electricity system with an integrated starter generator. The electric motor adds 23 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Adding this extra power at lower speeds reduces turbo lag, and the car is better at starting and stopping. All versions of the nine-speed automatic gearbox have the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission cooler built in. This helps to save weight and room. The CLE450 comes with a more substantial, sport-tuned suspension that is also offered on the CLE300 with the AMG package. Both the front and back springs are made up of several links. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 11.9-inch centre touchscreen with a slight tilt toward the driver, and circular air vents are all the same as those in the current C-class. The E-class has a choice for a third screen for the front passenger, but the CLE doesn’t have one. The leather-covered steering wheel has a flat bottom, and the front seats, made just for the CLE, have four-way lumbar support and come heated as standard. Massage choices exist in seven zones and air circulation in the centres. The CLE also comes with a standard 17-speaker Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos, which allows “individual instruments or voices to be placed around the listening area” with compatible Apple Music songs. Even though the screen layout is built on the C-class, starting in 2024, the displays will use the E-class interface, which has more icons for essential functions that are easier to find. Customers can access third-party apps like TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, and Zoom through the latest MBUX entertainment system. There is also a built-in entertainment system that lets you watch sports and news shows and stream videos. Mercedes has built significant music streaming services into the infotainment system, and each person’s profile can be tied to it. With the latest MBUX system, the infotainment settings can be moved to other Mercedes cars. As it did with the 2024 E-class, Mercedes uses artificial intelligence to figure out and control the comfort features that the driver uses at certain times and situations. This includes directions, a specific address, temperature settings, and birthday reminders, among other things. Users can also make presets to help them with their habits. Mercedes, for example, has a “Cold Days” preset that turns on heated seats and orange ambient lighting and a “Date Night” preset that plays live music and tints the interior lighting rose. The CLE will have a remote start, proximity unlock/lock, and a sensor on the back bumper that lets you open the trunk by moving your foot in front of it. The voice assistant now has a setting that enables it to listen for orders constantly instead of only when you say, “Hey, Mercedes.” However, you can only use this setting if you are the only one in the car. The CLE comes with lane-keeping help, active braking help, and the ability to read traffic signs as standard features. The adaptive cruise control, blind-spot tracking, steering and lane change assistance, and other features are all optional. The price has not been announced yet, but it will likely be made public before sales start in 2024. The base price of the 2023 C300 coupe was $50,600, while the base price of the 2023 E450 coupe was $70,800. The price for the CLE450 should be $70,000, and the price for the CLE300 should be around $60,000.
