New four-seater replaces the C-Class and E-Class coupés, with a drop-top to come On sale November Price from £57,000 (est)
Alasdair Rodden alasdair.rodden@haymarket.com
JUST AS THE Samsung Galaxy Fold was created to replace smartphones and tablets with one do-it-all device, the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé blends two existing models – the C-Class Coupé and E-Class Coupé – into a single one.
With seating for four, the CLE Coupé is similar in size to the old E-Class Coupé, at a bit over 4.8 metres long. It will be joined next year by a CLE Cabriolet, to replace the existing C-Class and E-Class convertibles.
Initially, the CLE will be available with four engine options, each connected to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and featuring mild hybrid electrical assistance to improve performance and urban fuel economy.
Entry-level versions feature a 201bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine with rear-wheel drive, although four-wheel drive is optionally available. Next up is a 255bhp 2.0-litre option, while a 375bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol crowns the line-up. Both of these come with four-wheel drive.There’s also a 194bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which is rear-wheel drive only.
The CLE is available with four-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels at high speeds to improve stability, and in the opposite direction at low speeds to aid manoeuvrability. With it fitted, the turning circle of rear-wheel-drive CLEs decreases to as little as 10.7m – tighter than the shorter Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series can man
