Sleek new Mercedes CLE Coupé lands in South Africa

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé has arrived on South African shores. 

The extremely sporty CLE replaces Mercedes' C-Class and E‑Class models.

Motoring journo Melinda Ferguson has the lowdown, after a test drive following the local launch in KwaZulu-Natal.

"I think Mercedes-Benz looked at their line-up, saying sedans and coupés and cabriolets are not selling the way they used to, we have to streamline our offering.
Very cleverly, they finally decided they'd have a CLE - it's like a combo of a C-class coupé and an E-class coupé which has now just become simply the CLE."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

Two models are currently available in SA, with more options expected by early next year, Ferguson reports.  

The entry-level CLE 200 delivers 150kW and 320Nm of torque, while the CLE 300 is a bit more powerful with 190kW and 400Nm.

"If you're really wanting power and the top-of-the-class CLE, a 53 AMG will be coming at the end of the year or early next year. Then you're going to have a 3-litre 6-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine that will go from 0-100 km in 4.2 seconds!"

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

Unsurprisingly, the CLE is beautifully proportioned, Ferguson says, but it is 'quite wide'.

It's also low-slung, coming in 15 mm lower than the normal C-class.

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When it comes to the uncluttered interior, she particularly liked the Burmester sound system, but found the range of lighting choices perhaps unnecessary in a Merc.

"Mercedes was very excited to tell us about all the different options - you can get 64 colour enhancements... It worked well in the Mini Countryman, but I wouldn't opt for flashing lights and all the rest in a Mercedes."

"They're definitely going into the much younger, funkier vibe; you can see that with their design, and definitely their tech."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

Both available models are priced at around R1.4 million - the CLE 200 sells for R1,355,350 and the CLE 300 4Matic for R1,430,650.

Scroll up to listen to Ferguson's review