Mercedes-Benz CLE first drive | Executive coupe impresses

Big coupes are a dying breed. There are very few luxury two-door cars to choose from these days. Even the term ‘coupe’ has been coined for all manner of models, most of which now have four doors.

Mercedes used to make three - one for each of its core model lines. But now there’s just one ‘proper’ coupe in its line-up: the CLE.

Introduced to replace both the C-Class and E-Class coupes, the CLE is a two-door, four-seat executive model that offers all the technology and driveability benefits of Mercedes saloon, wrapped up in a slick body.

It makes a lot of sense for someone that wants a big luxurious car but doesn’t need the practicality of easily accessible rear seats. A coupe looks more prestige than a saloon, even thought they don’t really have any major differences under the skin.

Prices start at £46,620, which makes the CLE a fair bit cheaper than the E-Class and only a little more expensive than a C-Class.

From the outside it easily looks like the most expensive model of the three, with a sharp front end and that is unmistakably Mercedes. The interior is high-class too. There’s leather upholstery, which extends to some of the trim pieces and dashboard, along with a mix of plastic and metal finishers.

Space is generous up front. The seats and steering column are electrically adjustable, making it easy to find the perfect driving position. There’s plenty of headroom and space between the two front occupants is generous, too.

While the rear is more cramped, it’s not exactly a hostile environment. There are two individual seats, separated by a pair of cup holders, that have enough leg room for adult passengers to not feel uncomfortable.

The boot is vast and offers 420 litres of space. For extra practicality you can also fold down the rear seats, although the opening is fairly narrow.

For tech lovers, the CLE is unlikely to disappoint. The central portrait-mounted touchscreen delivers a top-notch infotainment setup and neatly integrates the climate functions. It’s standard on all models, along with wireless smartphone integration, via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, configurable ambient lighting, heated front seats, a phone charging pad, reversing camera and a telescopic arm that delivers your seatbelt to you.

Stepping up from the entry-level AMG Line to AMG Line Premium sees the fitment of adaptive headlights, a sunroof, a 360-degree camera system and keyless entry.

The Premium Plus gains a head-up display, ventilated front seats and a Burmester sound system. Mercedes also offers a Premier Edition which comes with gloss black exterior trims instead of chrome.

Engine choice starts with a 2.0-litre petrol (CLE 200) that develops 204PS and emits 145g/km of CO2. It’s also offered with a higher output of 258PS and all-wheel-drive (CLE 300).

The 220 d will appeal more to fleets, with 197PS and 123g/km. It attracts a lower benefit-in-kind tax rate of 29%. Performance is decent, with 0-62mph taking 7.5 seconds. It’s also efficient, achieving close to 60mpg.

Other options are the six-cylinder CLE 450 and the AMG 53, although these sit with the CLE 300 in prohibitively high 37% BiK band.

The best option is the CLE 300 e plug-in hybrid. While it costs a fair bit more (£60,610), company car drivers will pay just 8% BiK thanks to the car’s 68-mile EV range.

We’ve not tested this version yet, but it shares the same impressive powertrain as the C- and E-Class models, with a healthy 313PS power output. The 25.8kWh battery does take up a fair bit of boot space, meaning you’re only left with 290 litres, but can be charged in a couple of hours (11kW).

Regardless of powertrain, the CLE is a classy and comfortable long-distance cruiser. It makes light work of motorway jaunts and feels much more special than a regular saloon.

From a desirability standpoint it scores a 10/10, then. But the sporty looks are about as far as things go for driver engagement. The CLE is much better at a slower pace. It’s not incompetent, but don’t expect a thrilling experience. The nine-speed automatic transmission isn’t the most lively and suspension calibration, at least in the 220 d we sampled, favours ride comfort over agility.

That hasn’t dampened out view of the CLE, however. It’s a great car and arguably more deserving of the three-pointed-star than some of the brand’s more recent electric models could ever hope to be. Oh, and if the coupe doesn’t quite cut it for you - there’s a convertible too.