Variety is the spice of life, or so they say, but when too many individual preferences are considered, product lineups can get a little messy. Mercedes-Benz knows this all too well. Trying to cater for all the different segments and sub-segments, Mercedes-Benz ended up with a rather convoluted product portfolio and now they're trying to thin things out a little. So we need to say goodbye to the C-Class and E-Class coupés as Mercedes-Benz changes things up, for the better.

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The all-new CLE-Class replaces both of these and slots in between the two model ranges, offering customers in the market an attractively styled coupé, a solution that is both sophisticated and sporty.

The all-new CLE-Class

To allow us to appreciate the CLE-Class truly, Mercedes-Benz invited us to take part in their first-ever Mercedes-Benz road trip, where we would get to sample the comfort and equipment in the new CLE and revel in the handling dynamic through some mountain passes near the Drakensberg. Armed with an attractive CLE 300 in Arctic Grey, we set off down the N3, making full use of the Distronic adaptive cruise control system that includes emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. These systems take a lot of the stress out of long-distance cruising, reducing driver fatigue and making the journey more enjoyable.

Tech

My CLE 300 was equipped with the optional Energizing Comfort that offers several different programs, adjusting the cabin temperature, seat heating and cooling, ambient light, audio, and activating a massaging function to help create the mood that you desire. It's a quite a luxury to have a gentle back massage while you drive a long and mostly uninspiring road. The C-Class-style interior cocoons the occupants and the large, 11.9-inch central display makes interacting with your media and navigation a doddle. The optional Burmeister audio system was doing a fine job of keeping us entertained as well, with clear, accurate audio reproduction and staging that will please audiophiles. Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz still insists on using the touch-sensitive multifunction sports steering wheel, an unwelcomed frustration in an otherwise complete interior presentation.

Ride and handling

Branching off the main drag, the road started to become more interesting, offering up sweeps and bends, crests and dips that gave the suspension a rigorous workout. The CLE is built on the same platform as the new E-Class, and the slightly longer wheelbase provides great straight-line stability without compromising the handling dynamics. Switched over into Dynamic drive mode, the CLE 300 carved through the bends with consummate ease, balanced well with minimal body roll and a surefooted presence thanks to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system that is found on the CLE 300. The CLE 200 has to make do without this though.

Powertrain

Powering the CLE 300 is a 2.0-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 190 kW and 400 Nm torque, but this is supplemented by a 48 v mild-hybrid system. The Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) provides an additional 17 kW of power and 205 Nm torque when the pedal is fully depressed. In other instances, it allows for a slicker pull away and fills in gaps in the power, handy for overtaking maneouvers but saving you fuel at the same time. 

The CLE makes use of the equally impressive 9G Tronic automatic gearbox that remains one of my favourite gearboxes to use. It's near-telepathic ability to select the right great for the road ahead ensures that even when driving in a spirited fashion, there's absolutely no need to tug on one of the paddles behind the steering wheel.

Price

To start, the CLE-Class will be available in two derivatives, CLE 200 and CLE 300, with the possibility of the CLE 220d and CLE 53 making an appearance at a later date.

CLE 200 – R1 355 350

CLE 300 4Matic – R1 430 650

All versions come with a  2 year/unlimited km warranty and a 5 year/100 000 km Service Plan and Maintenance Plan.