Can the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe tow? Maximum towing capacity of the CLE C236 Coupe? Need a Mercedes CLE Coupe towbar? We have you and your CLE covered.

Can the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe tow? Maximum towing capacity of the CLE C236 Coupe? Need a Mercedes CLE Coupe towbar? We have you and your CLE covered.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe (C236) is an exciting new addition to Mercedes' lineup, designed to consolidate the roles previously held by both the C-Class and E-Class Coupes. It brings a modern blend of luxury, sportiness, and cutting-edge technology, making it a significant player in the luxury coupe segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Mercedes CLE Coupe, covering its performance, design, interior, technology, safety, and overall value.

Performance

The CLE Coupe is offered with several powertrains, ensuring there’s a model to suit both casual luxury drivers and those seeking more performance. These include:

CLE 300 4MATIC

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four.
• Power: 190 kW (255 hp).
• Torque: 400 Nm.
• 0-100 km/h: 6.2 seconds.
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
• This model provides a refined and balanced driving experience, well-suited for daily commuting and long drives. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers smooth power and decent acceleration, while the all-wheel-drive system ensures stability and control in various driving conditions.

CLE 450 4MATIC

• Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
• Power: 280 kW (375 hp).
• Torque: 500 Nm, with an additional 17 kW and 200 Nm from the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system.
• 0-100 km/h: 4.4 seconds.
• The inline-six engine is more performance-oriented, offering quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. The mild-hybrid system enhances responsiveness, providing additional power when needed and improving fuel efficiency. The CLE 450 also benefits from air suspension and adaptive damping, which allows the car to switch between comfort and sportier handling.

Driving Dynamics

Both variants are fitted with Mercedes' 9-speed automatic transmission, which offers seamless and precise shifts. The CLE 300 is tuned for comfort, delivering a composed ride with light, accurate steering that’s ideal for city and highway driving. The CLE 450 focuses more on performance, with sharper handling and a more aggressive exhaust note, offering an exciting driving experience, particularly in Sport+ mode.

The CLE Coupe’s suspension and chassis are well-balanced, making the car feel agile despite its size. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions, and the steering is responsive, offering a good blend of comfort and sportiness.

Exterior Design

The design of the CLE Coupe is a highlight, drawing elements from both the C-Class and E-Class while presenting a new, more streamlined profile. It’s a car that radiates luxury and athleticism with its sleek proportions and striking lines.

Key design features:

• Front fascia: A bold, diamond-patterned grille dominates the front, flanked by narrow, sharply styled LED headlights. The sculpted hood and aggressive bumper design give the car a powerful stance.
• Side profile: The coupe’s long, flowing lines create an elegant silhouette, accentuated by a sloping roofline that merges seamlessly into the rear. Large wheels (available in 19- or 20-inch sizes) fill the arches, adding to the car’s athletic look.
• Rear design: The slim LED taillights are connected by a chrome bar, giving the rear a clean, sophisticated appearance. The lower bumper features integrated exhaust tips, and a subtle spoiler adds a touch of sportiness.

The car's design is aerodynamic and stylish, emphasizing its grand tourer capabilities with an air of elegance and performance.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping into the CLE Coupe, you’re greeted by a cabin that exudes sophistication and modernity. The design follows Mercedes’ current interior language, similar to that seen in the latest S-Class and C-Class models, with high-tech features and premium materials throughout.

Key interior features:

• Digital cockpit: The CLE Coupe comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, both running the latest MBUX system. The displays are crisp, customizable, and feature multiple themes to suit the driver’s mood.
• Materials: The cabin features high-quality materials, including Nappa leather upholstery, aluminum accents, and optional wood or carbon-fiber trim. The overall feel is upscale, with attention to detail in every aspect, from the stitching to the ergonomic layout of controls.
• Comfort: The front seats are highly adjustable, heated, and can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions. The coupe’s sloping roofline means rear-seat headroom is a bit limited, but Mercedes has managed to make the back seats reasonably comfortable for short trips.
• Cargo space: The CLE Coupe offers 420 liters of trunk space, making it practical for a luxury coupe, enough for weekend luggage or golf bags.

Technology and Infotainment

Mercedes-Benz is known for pushing boundaries in automotive technology, and the CLE Coupe is no exception. Its tech suite is comprehensive, ensuring both driver and passengers are well-connected and entertained.

• MBUX system: The infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, offering features like voice commands (“Hey Mercedes”), navigation with augmented reality, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The system integrates seamlessly with the digital cockpit, allowing for easy control of navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
• Head-Up Display: Available in higher trims, the head-up display projects critical information like speed and navigation directions onto the windshield, helping the driver stay focused on the road.
• Burmester 3D Surround Sound: Standard on the CLE 450, the Burmester system offers crystal-clear sound and an immersive listening experience, with 17 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin.
• Ambient lighting: With 64 different colors to choose from, the ambient lighting system allows you to personalize the cabin’s atmosphere.

Towing with the CLE Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz CLE (C236), is primarily designed as a luxury coupe with a focus on performance and style. While towing is not typically a primary focus for coupes like the CLE, Mercedes has rated the CLE with a modest towing capacity, so you can tow a trailer, or transport your toys (small boat, Jet Ski, Motorbike, or use a bike carrier on your weekend getaways).

The towing capacity of the Mercedes CLE Coupe varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration and market. Based on the available specifications:

• CLE 300 4MATIC: The CLE 300 4MATIC with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has a braked towing capacity of approximately 1,800 kg.
• CLE 450 4MATIC: The CLE 450 4MATIC, with the 3.0-liter inline-six engine, is expected to have a slightly higher braked towing capacity.

For unbraked towing, both models generally have a towing capacity of 750 kg, which is standard for many vehicles in this class.

Important:

• Always check the specific owner’s manual or the official Mercedes-Benz UK website for exact towing details for your model, as these capacities can vary with equipment levels and optional towing packages.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the CLE Coupe with a full suite of safety and driver assistance features, reflecting its commitment to passenger protection and semi-autonomous driving technology.

• Active Brake Assist (AEB)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality.
• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning.
• Blind Spot Monitoring.
• Active Parking Assist with a surround-view camera for easier parking.
• Traffic Sign Recognition.
• Pre-Safe Plus: Mercedes' advanced pre-collision system, which helps mitigate damage in the event of an unavoidable accident.

The CLE Coupe’s driver assistance systems can handle much of the driving in heavy traffic and on highways, making long trips more relaxed.

Fuel Efficiency

Thanks to the 48V mild-hybrid system in both variants, the CLE Coupe achieves respectable fuel economy figures for its class. The CLE 300 offers slightly better efficiency due to its smaller engine, but the CLE 450 balances its performance with reasonable fuel consumption, especially when cruising at highway speeds.

Pricing and Competition

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is positioned as a premium luxury vehicle, and its pricing reflects this.

The CLE Coupe competes with other luxury coupes like the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5 Coupe, and Lexus RC. However, with its advanced technology, refined design, and performance options, it offers a compelling alternative to these models.

Verdict

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is an impressive vehicle that blends luxury, technology, and performance into one stylish package. It offers a sophisticated driving experience, whether you're in the CLE 300 or the more powerful CLE 450. With its premium materials, cutting-edge infotainment, and a host of advanced safety features, the CLE Coupe stands out as one of the most appealing luxury coupes on the market.

For those seeking a luxury grand tourer that combines comfort with sporty dynamics, the CLE Coupe is a well-rounded choice that exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to excellence.

Increase the functionality and practicality of your CLE Coupe by fitting our invisible CLE Coupe towbar.  Rated at 1900kgs, it’ll ensure you can take your toys or extra gear on the next weekend away, but most importantly will not comprise the look of your Mercedes CLE.  Order your Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe C236 towbar today.