The one is the first of its kind for Mercedes-Benz, the other is indubitably the best of its kind in a lineage spanning more than 75 years. Ferdi de Vos attended the recent launch of the new CLE Coupe and the new E-Class from Stuttgart.
Having had the good fortune to attend the global launches of both the last (and intriguingly also the first) C-Class Coupe in 2016, and the final E-Class Coupe in the following year, it came as no surprise there was talk of a merging of the two lines for the next generation C/E convertible model.
After driving both four-seat models (and their droptop derivatives in the W205 and W213 series, respectively), it was clear the gap between them was so small that it did not make sense to develop two separate vehicles for the same market segment.
Rumours abounded as early as 2005, with the model expected to arrive in 2006, but this did not happen. Instead, Stuttgart developed the soft-top model on the second-generation MRA platform of the latest C-Class sedan, and it was only launched globally late last year (with the cabriolet version following in April this year).
Sitting on C-Class underpinnings, the CLE slots in between the previous C-Class and E-Class as a direct rival to the Audi A5 and the BMW 4 Series models and using conceptual and technical innovations from both the C-Class and E‑Class, it has an expressive design, with sporty, elegant proportions reminiscent of both its predecessors.
The attractive two-door retains the shark nose of its antecedents with a low-slung bonnet, flat LED headlights, a newly designed, three-dimensional radiator grille and strongly contoured power domes on the long engine hood. On the side, it has distinctive edge structures and a character line that runs from the headlight to the exterior mirror and from the rear light to the door handle.
Even so, the muscular and sporty rear, characterised by flowing surfaces and two-part LED lights with new contours and three-dimensional light bodies, has a BMW-esque feel to it, and the layout and design of the interior is akin to that of the latest C-Class.
Eye-catchers in the cockpit are the 21.3 cm fully digital instrument display and a 30.2 cm central display standing proud from the glossy jet-black centre console area with a six-degree incline towards the driver’s seat. Other highlights include a multi-function sports steering wheel and a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and the new, exclusive front seats with an avant-garde design are very comfortable.
The new Easy-Entry function for easy access to the rear also works well, and the CLE is one of the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles with an optimised warning if a seat belt is not fastened. Unlike some other systems, it only reacts when someone who has not buckled their belt sits in the seat.
TWO POWERTRAINS
Two CLE models – powered by four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines with a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) and 48-volt electrical system – are now available locally. In the CLE 200, the powertrain develops 150 kW (plus 17 kW from the starter generator) and 320 Nm of torque (aided by 250 Nm from the ISG), and in the more performance-focused CLE 300 with standard 4MATIC all-wheel, the figures are 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque.
Both models were available at the launch in KwaZulu-Natal, and on our test drive, the almost imperceptible stop-start function and the extra boost from the ISG, as well as the fluid shifting of the improved 9G-Tronic transmission, made for effortless progress.
On smooth tarmac, the ride quality was exemplary, underlining the CLE’s stature as a grand tourer, but on broken tar surfaces, the low-set suspension and wide tyres did not cope so well. However, this did not affect their handling composure, enhanced further by the lighter and improved 4Matic system in the top model.
The new CLE Coupe perfectly bridges the gap between the outgoing C-Class and E-Class coupe and proudly continues the tradition of Mercedes-Benz grand tourers. As such, the new coupe and the soon-to-follow cabriolet will not disappoint previous E-Class coupe customers and will delight prospective C-Class coupe buyers.
SUBLIME NEW E
While Mercedes-Benz describes the new CLE Coupe as sublime, it is, in truth, a more fitting description for the latest, sixth-generation E-Class that debuted a year ago overseas and now is a saloon-only nameplate, as the coupe and convertible models have been spun off into the CLE.
A true stalwart for the three-pointed star brand, the E-Class has, for over seven decades, set the standard for mid-range luxury saloons, and during the 1970s and 1980s, it was the most popular Mercedes-Benz model locally. However, its sales have declined in the last couple of decades, and despite an extended overseas range, only two derivatives – the E 200 and E 220d – are now available here.
The latest E retains the classic three-box sedan proportions of its predecessors, but the sizeable front grille is now connected with the headlamps by a panel-like surface in high-gloss black, visually reminiscent of the Mercedes-EQ models. Although the three-dimensionally designed grille has either a progressive or classic look, depending on the equipment line, it is, in our view, not as attractive as the previous model.
High-performance LED headlamps are standard and have a distinctive day and night design, with the daytime running lights shaped like an eyebrow. Its harmonious proportions are evident from the side, with two separate character lines emphasising its sporty character. Flush-fitting door handles are now available as an option.
A design highlight of the rear is the two-section LED lights with a new contour and unique star motif design that is eye-catching and provides a special day and night design. The large MBUX Superscreen in the interior is another design highpoint.
If equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the large glass surface of the Superscreen in the new E-Class extends to the central display, while the driver’s display remains visually detached. As a homogeneous unit, this layout is way more attractive than the flat screens of previous generation models.
In models without the passenger display, there is a sizeable trim element that extends to the centre, and the front section of the instrument panel is illuminated by the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting that runs in a wide arc from the windscreen, past the A-pillars and into the doors to create a feeling of space.
Overall, the well-appointed and well-designed cabin of the new E-Class exudes an aura of luxury and spaciousness. This is no illusion, as leg and knee room and elbow width have all been improved, thanks to a two-centimetre longer wheelbase. Luggage capacity, now up to 540 litres, has also increased.
With its new electronics architecture, the computing functions of previously separate domains in the E-Class now occur in one processor, improving performance and data stream speed. The new Active Ambient Lighting has Sound Visualisation, so one can experience music with three senses – hearing, feeling and “seeing” – with rapid light changes accompanying fast sequences of beats, while flowing rhythms can create softer lighting moods.
SUBLIME DYNAMICS
The new, mild-hybrid E-Class models have a sophisticated suspension (that is 15 mm lower than that of the plug-in hybrid derivatives) with Agility Control and selective damping system, and this translates into a sublime ride quality on smooth surfaces – making the E a highly desirable long-distance cruiser.
An optional Technology package includes an all-around Airmatic air suspension system with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping and rear-axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees), further improving the executive saloon’s ride and handling characteristics.
An array of driving assistance systems, including Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, is standard and works subtly and indiscernibly.
Both models were exemplary on the road, but in our view, the diesel-powered E 220d (145 kW and 440 Nm of torque, compared to 150 kW and 320 Nm of torque for the petrol-driven E 200) was the most sublime of the pair, with good consumption figures to boot (we averaged 5.2 litres/100 km during our test run).
LAST WORD
The E-Class has always been at the pinnacle of the executive sedan segment, but the latest, most advanced iteration of this iconic model, in my view, is also the best. Besides exemplary luxury appeal, it offers state-of-the-art digitalisation and connectivity while retaining sublime driving dynamics. The C-Class has always been, and still is, a window into the future of Mercedes-Benz, and in terms of hybrid drive models, it presents a great view.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA
