This week I attended the local media launch of two new models from Mercedes-Benz SA, the all-new CLE Coupe and the new E-Class Sedan. While both models are worlds apart in terms of design and dynamics, at the heart, they both remain true to the tri-star heritage in terms of quality and elegance.
The CLE Coupe is an all-new model, which replaces the C-Class and E-Class Coupe, now fitting both profiles with the car being based on the E-Class platform but following the sporty silhouette of the C-Class. Driving the range topping CLE300 4MATIC on launch, it embodies everything you would want in a coupe in terms of looks, driving dynamics and technology. On the road, the CLE delivers, performance of the 2.0L, 4 Cylinder petrol turbo engine, along with the 48V EQBoost mild hybrid electric motor delivers quite a punch with 190kW and 400Nm of torque. The 4Matic system proved its worth on the windy roads of the KZN South Coast and along with the coastal air made it the ideal environment for the CLE. The interior of the CLE is a carbon copy of the W206 C-Class with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that has interchangeable views, and the 11.9-inch vertical infotainment screen being the focal points of the design. The materials used on the dash are good but I'm still not a fan of the large pieces of plastic that form part of the design that sweeps over to the front passenger. Seat styling and comfort is superb, definitely ranks high on the coupe scale with both driver and front passenger being fully electric adjustable. The back seats are two bucket style seats and have plenty room for adults as this chassis is based off the E-Class. Overall, it was an enjoyable driving experience in the CLE and a model I can see doing quite well in the market as it has a broad appeal and not targeted at just a certain age group. The range topping CLE63 AMG will have a 4.0L V8 which when announced made most of the internet really happy and I'm sure we will be seeing that on our shores soon.
The CLE is launched in two model variants, the CLE200 and the CLE300 4MATIC, pricing on these are as follows:
CLE200 COUPE - R1,355,350.00
CLE 300 4MATIC - R1,430,650.00
After a sizable lunch, it was time to step into the E-Class. Dubbed as "the Executives Mercedes", the E always gave off this professional look at feel to it. It stood from the other model variants the one that had a bit more sophistication to it that the C or even the S Class for that matter. It stood out and had it's own identity and I think that key characteristic got fizzled out in the W213 model. The first time I saw it on the road, I thought it was a C-Class, while it might have been a great car, it had very little differentiating factors for me and got diluted in the line-up. This new one however, the really went back to the rule book and designed something that personified what the E-Class should be to the T. The design is sublime, from the new aged headlamp design with "eyebrow" style DRL's, to the sweeping body with curves and lines the flow seamlessly from the front to the back that meet the rear tail lights with the Mercedes-Benz logo in LED design formation. The front grille also luminates at night to give it extra presence. The E is available in two models for now, being the E200 and the model which I drove on launch, the E220d. The engine pairing just make sense for a car this size and this statue, both engines benefit from mild-hybrid technology which aids the performance output on the car, on the E220d this equates to 145kW and 440Nm of torque. On the road, the E-Class gives you one of the most comfortable rides in its class, the power feels effortless on the road and when reaching cruising speeds, the car takes over and you hardly feel the drive. The interior features a host of technology advancements including the new hyper screen dash board which features 3 screens, which consist of an instrument cluster, infortainment screen and a third for the front passenger that can have 3rd party apps loaded onto it like Netflix and Youtube. This includes a Bluetooth pairing option for wireless headphones.
In the short time I spent with the new E-Class, I loved everything about it and cannot wait to get one on test. Mercedes-Benz SA did confirm that while there are plans for the introduction of the E53 AMG to the local market in the fourth quarter of this year, there is no plans to bring down the E63 AMG just yet. Pricing on the launch models are as follows:
E200 - R1,344,750.00
E220d - R1,430,550.00
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