2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4Matic Coupe previewed in Malaysia – 2.0T mild hybrid, 259 PS; fr RM526k est

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today previewed the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE, which is a model that made its global debut last July as the successor to the two-door versions of both the C-Class and E-Class.

We’re getting the fixed-roof (C236) variant of the CLE called the CLE300 4Matic Coupe, which is estimated to retail for RM526,000 on-the-road without insurance. In overseas markets, the CLE is also available as a cabriolet (A236) but that’s not for us.

In CLE300, the two-door coupe is powered by a M256 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 259 PS (255 hp or 190 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,200 rpm. Joining this is a 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid system featuring an integrated starter generator (ISG) that provides a temporary boost of 23 PS (23 hp or 17 kW) and 205 Nm.

Additionally, the ISG enables coasting, recuperation, smoother operation of the start-stop function as well as provide support at lower engine speeds. Paired with the engine is a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive system that enable a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h.

In terms of dimensions, the CLE measures 4,850 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, 1,428 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,865 mm. For context, the W206 C-Class we have here has a shorter overall length by about 100 mm and is 40 mm narrower, although the wheelbase is identical. The CLE is comparable in size to the C238 E-Class Coupe that has since departed from MBM’s line-up.

As for styling, the front of the CLE sort of resembles the current C-Class, albeit with a hexagonal-shaped grille and more contoured headlamps. The sloping roofline is the highlight of the exterior, along with the distinctive taillights with a swooping graphics that are visually linked by trim on the boot lid.

Inside, there’s 2+2 seating and a dashboard design that’s nearly identical to the C-Class, with a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central display taking centre stage. This serves as the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which also drives the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display ahead of the driver – Android Auto and Apple