I recently spent a couple of weeks with two new offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class and the CLE Coupé – both proving that when it comes to the Three-Pointed Star, class is permanent.
E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the mainstay of the German marque’s model range for over 75 years.
Retained in its latest interpretation is the classic, three-box proportions, albeit in a visually more dynamic form. Stand-out features are its sporty appearance, elegant character lines, elongated bonnet, and well-proportioned rear, all fronted by a new generation facia and grille. Standard are high-performance LED headlamps, all with a distinctive day and night design.
The new E-Class is available in three petrol versions (E200, E300 e, E450 4MATIC) and three diesel versions (E220 d, E300 de and E450 d 4MATIC) – two equipped with fourth-generation plug-in mild hybrid electric power.
My test model was the E300 AMG petrol PHEV (€87,571), a seriously well appointed saloon that can now do almost 120km of all electric driving. It has a two-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid technology system turning out 313 bhp and 550 Nm of torque. A 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds adds to its impressive stats. The Merc’s 25.4 kWh battery has A/C charging speed of up to 11 kW, while emissions come in at 13 g/km.
The new E-Class has a slightly longer wheelbase than before, meaning it has increased interior headroom, greater rear leg and knee space, and a 25mm increase in elbow width. Luggage capacity has also increased up to 540 litres.
New E-Class owners can access an enhanced menu of driver assistance features, better communications, a superior music and entertainment package, and a more extensive use of third-party apps. An available feature is one that allows the driver to participate in online video conferencing.
An imposing element is its latest MBUX Superscreen through which information, communications, entertainment and guidance systems are managed.
Using its ‘Just Talk’ function and ‘intelligent voice control’ drivers can call-up assistance without using the ‘Hey Mercedes’ keyword. A red microphone symbol on the display indicates that the vehicle is ready and waiting for commands. Additional enhancements available as options are AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering.
The E220 d Saloon and E 200 Saloon are priced from €80,525 and €82,130 respectively, while petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid models cost from €79,785 and €81,705 respectively.
CLE Coupé
Joining the E-Class on the newcomers podium from Mercedes-Benz is the new two-door CLE Coupé – a model making its first appearance on the Irish market.
Conceived to take the place of two models now discontinued, the C-Class and E-Class coupés, it has a sleek, athletic appearance with strong sporty overtones that will likely appeal to an even broader base of coupé owners, not least those of a younger generation.
The first thing that caught my eye when I sat into the new CLE Coupé was the range: a whopping 1,260km of diesel driving awaited. And this new Merc is as fun to drive as it looks – my CLE 220D Coupé AMG test car (€85,850) was a joy to live with.
Powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine (197 hp / 440 Nm), with mild hybrid technology (+23 hp / +205 Nm on demand) and an automatic 9G-TRONIC gearbox, the new CLE Coupé can do 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 238 km/h. Its CO2 is quoted at 125 g/km, giving it an annual road tax of €200.
Features of note are its dynamic character line, steeply sloping windscreen and long roof that tapers back towards the rear. Its sporty characteristics are most evident in its 15mm lower posture (1,428mm), long wheelbase (2,865mm), and short overhangs (888mm front/1,090mm rear).
New wrap-around, high-performance LED headlights enhance its visual appeal, as do its new three-dimensional radiator grille with centre star and single chrome louvre strip set against a background of tiny ‘star’ motifs familiar on other Mercedes-Benz models.
A total of 10 exterior colours are available, plus 18-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels depending on model choice. The ‘Spectral Blue Metallic’ (pictured) is a €1,520 optional extra, but turns heads everywhere it goes.
Inside, a fully digital 312mm instrument cluster and a 302mm central touchscreen display, angled towards the driver, house a multiplicity of controls and information. New electronic architecture delivers fast 5G data transmission.
Seats designed for the CLE are covered with sustainably-processed, vegetable-tanned leather, are heated with four-way lumbar support as standard. Its flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in leather.
Its many occupant and driver comfort features include the latest third-generation MBUX infotainment system. Delivering a new level of personalisation, its automated convenience functions include a third-party apps download facility and voice assistance accessed via its ‘Hey Mercedes’ command function.
Other features include a 17-speaker surround-sound system, remote start, proximity lock/unlock, hands-free boot access, numerous driver-assistance systems, and mood-soothing interior ambient lighting in a 64-colour choice.
The CLE Coupé range is made up of three models: CLE 220, CLE 300 and CLE 450. Within the mix, choice will include four-and six- cylinder versions, mild hybrid petrol and diesel units, six-speed automatic transmission, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and AMG variants. Prices range from €73,215 for the CLE 220 d.
In a world of reserved electric cars, the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé can only be described as pure class.
