CLE review: Mercedes shows how it’s done by blending two coupes into one

Their new CLE is designed to cater for those who might normally have bought a C-Class coupe, and for the ones who would have opted for an E-Class coupe two-door.

On the face of it they seem to have pulled off an improbable and, mostly, sensible blend of shape and form.

There is give and take – while the new car looks more like the C-Class coupe (at least, I think it does), it is a tad longer than the old E-Class two-door.

The result is a pleasing looking, low-sloped motor that has hints of muscle on the rear flanks to counter the flowing crescent lines of the car in profile as well as that strong unmistakeable Mercedes front.

Of course, as a coupe it has to be smart and different but bearing in mind that it is made to attract two different sets of buyers, it surely took a fair bit of work to meet wider expectations than would be otherwise the case. Its core rivals, the Audi A5 and BMW 4-series – two of the best looking cars on the road – perhaps have a narrower focus.

It is all a matter of taste, of course, as each brings something different to the table. The 4-series’ gorgeous shape and the A5’s cabin are good examples.

The Mercedes deserves high scores on the visuals and cabin too, but I’m going to surprise you with something in addition to those: the 2-litre diesel engine with mild-hybrid technology.

It merits mention this early in the review because of its spectacular ability to use minimum fuel. I have had that engine in other Mercs but have never noticed it being as frugal as in this combined model.

Although it could be a bit clunky on start-up, and indeed it let me know it was there when jabbed into life by application of my right foot, it felt like it would go forever on one tankful – I put up a lot of mileage. Without trying I was consistently getting 4.5litres/100km (60mpg).

And, no, I wasn’t cruising in 9th gear on the motorway all the time; there was a lot of fuel-sapping urban drive-testing as well.

It is an engine built for the long journey, of course, with its seamless transmission converting power effortlessly.

The car drove fine around town too, for the most part, except where we encountered rougher roads that are being dug up all over Dublin. I thought the ride (damping) was too stiff on some lumps and bumps – some people might call it “sporty”. All I know is that when combined with a low-slung cabin, I felt a little softer approach would have made a huge difference. Maybe I’m being hyper critical because of my aversion to cars with low seating.

Luckily in the CLE, the electronic adjustment permitted enough lift to get me higher but it wasn’t ideal. The low roofline didn’t help access and egress either but what did I expect?

The cabin was smart in AMG line-Plus leather trim – really smart and comfortable. Front-seat occupants could enjoy good all-round room. Rear-seats are more than token gestures but, obviously, not designed to take six-footers and long legs.

As luck would have it, I had two tall people for the back seats on a couple of journeys so you can imagine how tight things became. We (not just me) had great difficulty getting the passenger seat to slide forward enough for them to get into the back. No problem with my seat sliding forward. It wasn’t the most comfortable seating for the tall ones but they were OK.

Seating for front occupants was excellent with plenty of lateral support especially.

Screens extravagantly dominate the dash; we have now become accustomed to the brand’s MBUX all-singing-all-dancing interface and multi-function abilities on the steering wheel.

I must introduce another note of criticism here, in that some of the buttons were too sensitive and surprised me with the result of unintended outcomes. Again, I haven’t found that to be the case with other models. It is surprising how annoying such minor matters can become, though I tuned and guarded my touches to super-soft to good effect. It just took a little bit more effort than I’d expected.

Considering the restrictive nature of coupes, the boot in this Merc was reasonably sized. They have, in fairness, made the blend work for them in that regard. I’d just have liked a bit of more “coupe spark” overall.

There is no point in me saying I’d buy the CLE because this old back of mine would go into spasm from stooping and twisting to get in and out.

But I will say this: apart from my niggling criticisms, which are not deal-breaking, this is well worth a test drive if you’re in the market for a posh coupe.

Factfile

Mercedes CLE diesel

220d, 2dr AMG line-Plus; mild hybrid diesel; 9spd transmission; 1,993cc, 4-cyl; 197hp; mil- hybrid technology adds 23hp; 125 g/km; €200 road tax.

Spec includes four-way lumbar support; active parking assist; heated front seats; evasive manoeuvre support; extended MBUX functions; reversing camera; USB package; wireless charging system; MBUX navigation premium; 19in alloys; PRE-SAFE system; traffic sign assist.

Cost: €73,215. With extras, Nappa leather; night package; panoramic sliding sunroof, total cost: €83,760.