The Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Coupe AMG Line delivers the right balance of classy and sporty, minus the pretentiousness
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Coupe AMG Line is a visually striking car with wonderful musculature that sports the flowing design, sleek lines and dynamic silhouette of the classically-elegant CL models.
I personally feel that the CLE is a worthy replacement to both the C-Class and E-Class Coupes (especially the latter), as the brand aims to streamline its model range by combining the two into one CLE model.
The (C236) CLE200 Coupe thus carries characteristics of both the C-Class and E-Class, as it blends lux and sportiness into one svelte body – not too small, not too big, but just right.
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Size-wise, its width is similar to that of the E-class, but it is slightly longer. Also taken from the E-Class is the turbocharged 2.0-litre under the CLE’s bonnet, which packs a 204 horsepower wallop.
The CLE boasts the latest interior, similar to the C-Class. Although it wears a rather sporty aesthetic and is surprisingly enjoyable to drive, it is technically not a sportscar in the strict sense of the word.
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However, it is a “driver’s car”, where the driving enthusiast will find himself (or herself) enjoying the motoring experience with Mercedes-Benz’s familiar blend of power, efficiency and refined handling.
It isn’t fast per se, but the brand has created a wonderfully balanced concoction that sees an intersection between engine output and chassis work.
In particular, the CLE200 Coupe makes a great case for itself as a stylish mode of transportation between work, play and a night out on the town.
Although electric vehicles (EVs) are today’s “thing”, a part of my heart will always appreciate the purr and roar of a petrol car – the CLE200 Coupe did well in reminding me of this.
Thanks to electrification and intelligent downsizing, the new CLE Coupes are expected to set new standards in efficiency.
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The range of engines includes this four-cylinder M254 powerplant from the modular FAME (family of modular engines) family, with the petrol engines featuring mild hybrid configurations.
In addition to a turbocharger, they feature a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) that provides electric “support” in the low-speed range and ensures excellent power development.
The ISG includes the 48-volt vehicle electrical system, which handles functions such as coasting, boost and recuperation.
The cosseted ride is well-controlled, with a keenness to the helm when you decide to push its dynamic envelope, which throws the spotlight on its taut body control.
Dynamic Body Control and rear-axle steer are available as cost-options, but we found the AMG Line’s standard sports suspension more than agile enough for its purpose, as was the slick-shifting 9spd automatic transmission.
On the rear axle, a multi-link set-up ensures good wheel control and straight-line stability. And compared to the sedan, the CLE200 Coupe sits 15mm lower, which gives it a more dynamic appearance.
There’s adequate digitalisation within the cabin, but we like that Mercedes-Benz hasn’t gone overboard with “touchscreen everything”.
There are discreet physical buttons that allow one to instantly access specific settings, as opposed to fumbling around with a slippery touchscreen.
Taking centrestage is a vibrant 11.9-inch central display found in Mercedes-Benz's current crop of cars, with the driver reading-off a free-standing 12.3-inch instrument display.
Space-wise, the well-appointed cabin offers decent accommodation – even for a coupe – and we love the classy white leather seats, although we should qualify there’s a smorgasbord of individualisation options to choose from.
One hardly associates a coupe with space, but the CLE200 Coupe is not too bad on that front. The front passenger and driver seats have ample leg and headroom – even for taller occupants – and the glass area means the driver enjoys good visibility out.
The CLE200 Coupe proves it isn’t just another pretty face as its captivating blend of effortless style and sportiness will impress even the cynics.
We like to see the brand putting renewed effort into these aspirational cars instead of the usual hum-drum crossovers that prioritise functional over fun.
Even in the “base” CLE 200 Coupe “AMG Line” guise of the test-car, there’s ample chutzpah from this class act that endows it with decent go to accompany the show.
MERCEDES-BENZ CLE 200 COUPE “AMG LINE”
Engine 1999cc, 16v, turbo
Power at rpm 204hp at 5800rpm
Torque at rpm 320Nm at 1600 - 4000rpm
Transmission 9spd 9G-TRONIC auto
0-100km/h 7.4secs
Top Speed 240km/h
