Sam says it’s impossible not to stare

The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic with an AMG Line exterior is an example in having it all – in car form. It is both aggressive and elegant in the same breath making a bold statement whether in a parking lot or weaving through traffic. The CLE Coupé embodies the brand’s design philosophy of Sensual Purity: sculpted design defined by flowing surfaces and smooth transitions.

As the sole three-door offering in the current Mercedes-Benz line-up, the CLE occupies a unique and confident space in the brand’s portfolio, consolidating what was previously split across the C-Class and E-Class coupé models into one cohesive, purpose-built dream car.

The Drive

The CLE 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine. It incorporates a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 48 V electrical system. This produces performance credentials expected of a vehicle in this segment. It produces 190 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque.  The ISG provides an additional 17 kW and 205 Nm of electric boost.

This is paired with the 9G-TRONIC transmission, which was developed for this model. Smooth and intuitive shifts are a given irrespective of driving style or conditions.

It is all channelled through Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system. It is a car built for enthusiastic and dynamic driving, rarely encountering a situation in which it does not perform well. The performance is the kind of thrilling that drivers expect from a coupé at this level: confident and always has more to offer.

One of the CLE 300’s most impressive achievements is its fuel consumption. Mercedes-Benz claims a combined figure of between 7.0 and 7.6 L/100 km. During the test period, across a mixture of highway and stop-start suburban driving, the actual figure stayed below 8L/100 km.

With its performance capability, it was a pleasant deviation from most actual figures that are seldom even near claimed figures. It also shows the effectiveness of the mild-hybrid ISG technology which gives it that extra burst of power while keeping things efficient.

The design

The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 is n extremely attractive car. It draws admiring glances wherever you go. A progressively forward-leaning front section, flat LED headlights and a newly designed three-dimensional radiator grille create an athletic yet extremely elegant appearance.

The character line on the side runs from the headlight to the exterior mirror and from the rear light to the door handle, giving the CLE a sense of dynamism even when stationary.

From the rear, the double exhaust pipes are a standout feature, reinforcing the sporting intent of the AMG Line specification. The muscular, sporty stance is further enhanced by the wheels. The 19-inch light-alloy wheels are standard giving the CLE 300 a planted, purposeful look. Those wanting an even more aggressive stance can opt for 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Step inside and the interior experience is immediately arresting. To me, it is reminiscent of the inside of a seashell opening to reveal something precious — perfectly finished in white, with angles and proportions that suggest ultimate luxury.

The seats, trimmed in leather with aeration, deliver on both comfort and aesthetics. The smooth, flowing lines of the interior are carried through even in the smaller details: the cubby spaces, for example, can be closed off to maintain the seamless interior aesthetic while also providing privacy for more valuable items like the cover over the wireless charger.

Cubby space is also plentiful for a coupé. Next to the drinks holder in the centre console is a small cubby which is a perfect home for a key fob and other small essentials.

One of the most impressive aspects of the CLE 300’s interior is the ambient lighting. It is not simply its existence, but where it is placed: air vents, door panels, driver’s cockpit, door controls and within the centre console.

Brighter accent lines are complemented by softer shades that spread outward beneath them, and these are rendered in different but complementary colours that create an immersive atmosphere inside the cabin.

In the rear, where the middle seat would ordinarily be in other configurations, the CLE features a built-in drinks holder and a dedicated space for a phone. This is a thoughtful design decision that acknowledges the nature of a three-door vehicle and makes excellent use of the available space.

Adding to the premium leisure feel of the CLE 300 are two subtle but memorable touches: the Mercedes-Benz nameplate on the bottom of the door that illuminates on entry, and the Mercedes insignia that projects onto the ground from the side mirror at night. It is details like these that distinguish a car in this class.

Stepping Inside

It is an ideal car for buyers in this class who are unwilling to compromise on anything — performance, style, technology, or comfort. it simply misses nothing in its offering.

The infotainment screen’s positioning is one of those details that reveals careful thought in the design process. Housed in a portrait-format layout with a six-degree incline towards the driver, it leans slightly back — making it easy to glance at quickly while driving and protecting it from direct sun glare.

The fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display and 11.9-inch central display together create a cockpit that feels genuinely modern and purposeful without being visually overwhelming.

One feature that proved particularly enjoyable during testing was the volume control on the steering wheel. It is a small touchpad requiring only a finger swipe to adjust the sound. Some newer entrants to the market experiment with touch-based controls with mixed results. In the CLE 300, it works seamlessly, every time.

Another appreciated piece of technology is the automatic seatbelt adjustment system. As the driver fastens their seatbelt, the feeder mechanism actively positions it at the ideal height and tension for comfort and safety. It is a small detail, but one that adds a sense of refinement to the daily ritual of driving.

The boot is, it must be said, quite modest in size — almost comically so. But it makes complete sense for a three-door coupé of this nature, and buyers in this segment are unlikely to be choosing the CLE 300 based on luggage capacity.

Additional features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated and cooled front seats, wireless charging, electronically adjustable seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an electronically opening tailgate among other features that all increase its appeal.

Safety

The CLE 300 4Matic comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technology. Standard features include:

• Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
• Attention Assist driver drowsiness detection
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Speed Limit Assist
• PRE-SAFE collision preparation system
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Multiple airbags including front, side and curtain airbags
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Traction control and ABS with EBD

There are other compelling options in the luxury coupé segment, but this is a car that is difficult to fault in any meaningful way. It performs powerfully, looks aggressively sporty, consumes fuel with surprising restraint and has an interior environment that is one of the best I have seen.

When a vehicle reaches this level, the final decision between it and an equally capable rival often comes down to brand loyalty — and for those with an affinity for the three-pointed star, the CLE 300 needs no further persuasion.

Good to know

The specs

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