Frugal, but costly, Merc GLE 220 coupe really impresses
My car’s sporty look was rounded off with gorgeous 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, launched here last November, is a total newcomer to the range taking the place of two now discontinued models, the C-Class and E-Class coupes.
A proper low-slung coupe with two doors and four seats, it’s a car that will likely appeal to a new generation of coupe owners, as well as more traditional coupe buyers - and will give a real uplift to anyone in mid-life crisis territory.
This newbie has been given a sleek and athletic style emphasised by a power front look, steeply sloping windscreen, the long roof that slopes towards the rear and frameless doors. Its sporty attributes also include its low stance, long wheelbase, and short overhangs front and rear.
Up front, the long forward-leaning bonnet and two contoured power domes give a strong styling while the new three-dimensional radiator grille with centre three-pointed star and chrome strip is set against a background of tiny ‘star’ motifs as on other Mercs. The striking taillight arrangement at the rear adds to an uncluttered look as do the powerful wheel arches that accommodate 18-inch to 20-inch alloys. My car’s sporty look was rounded off with gorgeous 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels.
While the car is quite low, a tall person won’t have to stoop very low to gain access; ditto when getting out.
The upmarket interior in cream/black styling with a touch of silver trim on the dash and doors is both comfortable and stylish. It’s what we’re used to in Mercedes-Benz models.
There’s plenty of head and leg room up front. Beautifully styled and very comfortable seats with integrated headrests are especially designed for the CLE and covered with sustainably-processed, vegetable-tanned leather. They can be heated with four-way lumbar support as standard. Seat power adjustments are on the side doors. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in leather.
There are only two seats available in the rear as the middle one has cupholders. They’re not suitable for tall people as there’s little legroom behind a tall front occupant. Very small rear windows that can’t open could prove claustrophobic for some.
Mercedes-Benz claims this car to be "most intelligent coupe with the star". The dash features a fully digital 12.2-inch (312mm) instrument cluster with your current speed shown large between the dials and an 11.9-inch portrait-style central touchscreen display, now angled towards the driver, that houses many controls and information including fast 5G data transmission. This infotainment screen is a work of art with gorgeous graphics set against a background of varying hues of blue. Below the central screen is a row of buttons for driving mode, parking assist, vehicle settings, warning triangle, and volume controls.
Features include the latest third-generation MBUX infotainment system with a new level of personalisation. You access voice assistance by saying the ‘Hey Mercedes’ command. Other features were a 17-speaker surround-sound system, remote start, hands-free boot access, a great many top driver-assistance systems, excellent reversing camera, the 360-degree camera, very good blind spot alerts on side mirrors, and up to 64 colour choices for the interior ambient lighting to suit your moods. My preference was for the Chrome Shine option which suited the interior colour scheme to perfection.
Boot space is practical at 420 litres.
It’s great to see a diesel engine in a new car. A sign of faith that the fuel will be around for some time to come.
The CLE line-up includes CLE 220, CLE 300 and CLE 450. The mix includes 4- and 6-cylinder versions, mild hybrid petrol and diesel units, 9-speed automatic transmission, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and AMG variants. As it expands, plug-in hybrid and open-top cabriolet versions will be added.
My car was the CLE 220 D version in the AMG Line Plus grade which I collected with well over 1,000km available to me. The 4-cylinder diesel, with 197hp and 440 Nm torque, uses mild hybrid technology which adds an extra 23hp and 205 Nm on demand allowing the car to do from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds. The engine is matched to a 9-speed automatic transmission that suits it perfectly. Top speed is 238km/h.
While the official fuel consumption is a claimed 5.2 l/100kms - which is achievable - I found the car to be exceptionally economical over my week-long test drives.
On the road, the 2.0 engine was so quiet and refined (but plenty powerful), that it was difficult to believe I was driving a diesel car. I was able to get a really good driving position and while the steering seemed to be a bit light at first - but direct which I prefer - I soon became used to it and thoroughly enjoyed my time with this car.
PRICES: The CLE 220 D coupe is priced from €73,215. With optional extras like the exterior Spectral Blue Metallic, a night package, MBUX reality navigation, a Premium package (€3,235) together with the huge sunroof added another €12,635 bringing the total cost of my car, as driven, to a hefty €85,850, which puts it out of reach for many motorists, including myself!
