SUVs and crossovers are slowly taking over the market which means that most automakers these days are focusing their efforts on making more and more crossovers/SUVs. If you also consider that electric cars are becoming more and more popular as well, you can easily understand why some automakers are discontinuing less popular models.
For Mercedes, coupes, and convertibles are declining in sales consistently over the past few years, and having both a Mercedes C-Class coupe and the Mercedes E-Class coupe is somewhat of an overkill. That is why Mercedes decides it’s best to discontinue both and replace them with a single coupe/convertible model called the Mercedes CLE-Class Coupe.
So, in this article, we are going to tell you all about 2023 Mercedes CLE-Class Coupe, what it is, when it’s coming out, and why you ought to consider one. This trend of discontinuing Mercedes coupes actually started back in 2020 when Mercedes sacked the S-Class Coupe and the S-Class convertible.
Be that as it may, there are still quite a few people out there wanting to buy a stylish and relatively practical Mercedes coupe sedan. Moreover, Mercedes has a long history of making these types of cars, and discontinuing them completely is off the table.
2023 Mercedes CLE-Class Coupe – The Powertrain
As far as engines are concerned, we are not yet completely sure what those are going to be, but we can say that the CLE-Class is likely to feature a few iterations of the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. The entry-level CLE is likely going to feature a 2.0L 4-cylinder with either 260hp and 295lb-ft of torque or/and 402hp and 370lb-ft of torque.
An AMG version is sure to follow soon, and we can expect the top-end CLE63 AMG 4MATIC+ E-Performance model to offer the brand-new 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine found in the new C63 AMG E-Performance. This engine pushes out 671hp and 752lb-ft of torque mated to a permanent Mercedes proprietary 4MATIC+ AWD system.
All of these engine choices are likely going to be paired with the Mercedes 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. All in all, we can say that a V6 or a V8 should be available for top-end AMG models, but it seems like Mercedes is slowly, but surely going away from high-displacement engines.
2023 Mercedes CLE-Class Coupe – Design and Driving
Mercedes did not yet reveal the new CLE-Class, but we do know that it is going to be offered either as a 2-door coupe or a 2-door convertible. Some sources even state that the new CLE-Class could be available as a 4-door coupe which should rival the BMW 4-Series Grand Coupe and the Audi A5 Sportback. The interior is going to be the same as in the new C-Class which is no bad thing at all.
Driving-wise, the CLE-Class is going to share most of its underpinnings with the new C-Class which means that it is going to be a comfortable cruiser that can also hold its own in the corners. Entry-level models will be quiet, refined, and cushiony while AMG models will be extremely customizable which means that you will be able to set them up however you want.
The convertible model is likely going to be the heaviest and with weaker body rigidity which is going to make it slightly less agile and more prone to cruising instead of performance driving which is going to be the main purpose of the 2-door model.
2023 Mercedes CLE-Class Coupe – Reliability and Common Issues
As far as reliability is concerned, we can’t say anything at this point because the CLE-Class is not out yet. What we can say is that the new CLE is going to be more reliable than the previous Mercedes Coupes because new Mercedes models do seem a lot more reliable.
2023 Mercedes CLE-Class Coupe – Value and Practicality
Pricing is expected to start at around $60,000 for the entry-level body style with a Premium package, the mid-spec Exclusive model is likely to start at $65,000 while the top-end Pinnacle trim is likely to start at $70,000. You can expect to pay the most for the convertible model which typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 more than its coupe counterparts.
Practicality is still a mystery, but don’t expect the CLE to be more practical than the E-Class as far as passenger space is concerned. If recedes does decide to offer the CLE as a 4-door car, that’s the one to buy if you want the most space you can get.
Video: 2023 Mercedes CLE 63 AMG Coupe (671 HP) Spied Testing around the Nürburgring
FAQ Section
When is the 2023 Mercedes CLE-Class coming out?
According to recent developments, the new CLE-Class is going to be revealed in Q4 of 2022 while early models will be shipped to customers in Q1/Q2 of 2023. We can also expect Mercedes to come out with a limited-edition Edition 1 model which will only be available for 2023 models and is going to offer certain features you will not be able to buy on later CLE models.
As such, we can also expect Mercedes to soon stop selling the E-Class coupe while the new C-Class coupe is not likely to come out at all.
Is the 2023 Mercedes CLE-Class worth the wait?
If you want to buy a Mercedes luxurious coupe, you can now buy the E-Class coupe, the CLS-Class, the new SL-Class, or the top-end AMG GT. If you want a V8 engine, you will have to go for the SL or the AMG GT, if you want a 6-cylinder, you ought to go for any of these except for the CLE-Class.
However, if you want the newest and most exciting Mercedes Coupe, you ought to wait for the CLE or pay a lot more money now for the SL-Class.
Why is Mercedes not offering more coupe models?
An average Mercedes customer is one that likely technology, luxury, safety, and comfort. A Coupe can offer you all of this, but SUVs and crossovers are by far the most popular types of cars today. As such, Mercedes is more willing to invest R&D money in making SUVs and crossovers than they are in making coupes and convertibles.