We got behind the ‘wheels of the recently launched Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabrio.
Gullwing, Pagoda, SEC, SL, SLK, CLK, we could go on, but you get the idea. Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing coupes and cabrios. Some of the historical models go down as the best examples of the genre. The ‘Gullwing’ is a firm favourite of ours, we consider it the prettiest car ever designed. In recent years Mercedes-Benz had a coupe and/or cabrio in just about every model line. Recent streamlining of ranges means that the company has done away with two-door versions of the C- and E-class. Instead, the company has created a single model to straddle both model ranges, referred to as the CLE.
Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content
Fresh Look
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabrio were showcased at the same time. This makes sense as the two models share just about all aspects of their make-up, except for the fixed roof of the coupe. The lines of the coupe are, undeniably sexy. From the angled headlamps to the proportions, wide rear haunches and rounded rump, the coupe strikes a perfect balance of sleekness and sportiness. If public opinion is anything to go by, Mercedes’ designers have hit a home run with the fixed roof version. We had mobile phone cameras pointed in our direction, numerous thumbs up and appreciative nods, even from usually dour minibus taxi drivers.
The drop-top version has many of the hallmarks of the coupe, from the wide central air intake the flat headlamps. The cabrio even has the same, aero disc-like wheels as the fixed-roof version. However, the folding soft-top roof can’t quite mimic the sleek roof line of the coupe. Mercedes has forgone the folding hardtop once employed on models such as the SLK. A metal roof adds mass and complexity.
You can read about the history of the C-Class AMG by clicking these links: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
Familiar Cabin
Mercedes (and many other brands, too) tend to carry over design themes used for interior aesthetics. This is particularly true in more modern offerings that tend to share electronic architecture. As a result the cabin of both CLE body styles will be familiar to anyone who has driven a Mercedes from the last few years, especially the most recent C-Class. Pride of place on the facia is taken by the company’s massive MBUX infotainment interface. The touchscreen unit, standard in both versions, is quick to respond and fairly easy to acclimatise to.
Should you feel inclined there is the option to use the voice command controls. However, we found that the system does not handle certain accents and intonations very well. The instrument clusters are also digital and can be tailored to suit the driver’s requirements in any given scenario. Oh, the MBUX also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, there is a wireless charging pad for one’s mobile phone.
The front section of the cabin in both cars was cossetting. With a high centre console and low-set seats, one really feels seated ‘within’ the car. It’s a great sensation, at odds with that we have become accustomed to from countless SUVs we usually drive. As expected, the rear quarters are not ideal for most adults. We wouldn’t subject anyone but little kids to that space for long periods of time. This is especially true of the cabrio with its fractionally lower roof. The boot space, while larger in the Coupe, is large enough for luggage for a get away, provided the roof isn’t stowed on the cabrio because that folds into the luggage area.
Powertrain Options
Mercedes-Benz SA offers both versions of the CLE with two powertrains, for now. These are badged CLE200 and CLE300 4Matic. Both body shapes we had on loan were the latter. Although called a ‘300’ there isn’t a 3,0-litre engine under those sleek bonnets. Instead, 300 means it has a 2,0-litre turbocharged inline four. Furthermore the engine is supplemented by a mild hybrid component that improves engine response by adding 17 kW/205 N.m of torque when required. As a result total system power is rated as 190 kW/400 N.m. A nine-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels. With so many gears and a pretty intuitive control algorithm, we seldom found the need to reach for the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
From a subjective point of view, they don’t feel markedly different in a straight line. Mercedes press material says that the fixed-roof version can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 6,2 seconds. The slightly heavier Cabrio takes 6,6 for the same benchmark test. Both cars have a, largely academic, top speed that is quoted as 250 km/h.
On the Move
Although the CLE Coupe And Cabrio share so much of their DNA, it’s interesting to note how the two cars have such different ‘characters’ if a car can have such a trait. We had the Cabrio on loan at the height of summer, which you’ll agree isn’t a great time to drive an open-top car in SA. In fact, we only had the roof down once during a week-long loan and that was just after sunset. Incidentally, the soft top opens and closes within 20 seconds up to speeds of 60 km/h. The CLE cabrio is an absolute cruiser, one never feels in a hurry when driving this car, and it doesn’t feel/seem like it minds the sedate pace.
The CLE coupe felt more like a GT car than its sun-seeking sibling. Just walking up to it, that hunkered down appearance on the massive alloys gave the impression that it means business. With just shy of 200 kW, the CLE300 is no firebreather, but it can consume long distances with relative ease and at a decent lick. And when the road ahead starts to squiggle, the coupe responds with surety and athleticism that belies its badge. Although it wears the AMG Line wheels and body kit, it’s not a rewarding driver’s car, but then it probably isn’t supposed to fulfill that role. A true AMG version (badged CLE53) is still to come…
Summary
The CLE twins are an excellent extension of the lineage that Mercedes boasts in this segment. The siblings fulfill the intended brief ideally, each offering a high-level of style, tech and user-friendliness. Driving them back-to-back really highlighted the differences, although they are conceptually so closely aligned. The prices, too, are not that far apart. We suspect, like us, that most people don’t drop the top as often as they think they would when in a cabrio. The searing SA sun and high-temps, generally, make it an unpleasant experience. Although this isn’t a comparison review, we think that the Coupe with its large panoramic sunroof and more usable boot will make it more appealing to more buyers.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabrio Tech Spec
Model: Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4Matic
Price: R 1 430 650 – Coupe/R1 573 651 – Cabrio
Engine: 2,0-litre inline four, turbopetrol
Transmission: nine-speed automatic, AWD
Max power: 190 kW
Max torque: 4o0 N.m
Top speed: 250 km/h
0-100 km/h: 6,2 sec – coupe/6,6 sec – cabrio
Fuel consumption: 6,9 L/100 km – coupe/7,3 L/100 km – cabrio