Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe – striking looks matched by dynamic performance.

01/26/25 • 1 min

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4 MATIC Coupe – a rather
handsome two door Coupe on a long-wheelbase - powered by a 2.0-litre turbo
four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system mated to a
nine-speed automatic driving all four wheels. Ownership rather exclusive with
just 499 sold last year – priced at $124,900 plus on-road costs. So how does it
drive - the petrol engine delivers 190kW of power, 400 Nm of torque, the hybrid
system contributing more power and torque under hard acceleration – the pairing
improving fuel efficiency and I managed 7.9L/100KM, not bad for a rather heavy
coupe on 95 grade petrol. Sharing its underpinnings with the latest C-Class and
E-Class sedan but with an AMG-inspired sports suspension that is 15mm lower
and with calibrated steering that varies in each of the four drive modes - along
with sharper gear shifts this is a sports coupe with real driving appeal. Ride
quality however can get a little hard, the real surprise, the amount of noise
intrusion into the cabin on a harsh surface, something I wouldn’t expect on a car
at this value. But overall, the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 coupe a very polished
performer. I’m David Berthon

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Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe – superbly appointed two-door luxury

Driving the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe today – the German company
rationalizing its coupe and cabriolet line-up last year – the previous C and E-
Class coupe and cabriolet replaced by the CLE 200 and 300 coupe and cabriolet
– now both four-cylinder mild hybrids. I drove the CLE 300 4MATIC coupe at
$124,900 plus on-road costs – powered by a 2-0-litre turbo petrol engine mated to
a nine-speed automatic assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and unlike the
two-wheel drive CLE 200, drive goes to all four wheels. The CLE Coupe sits on a
stretched wheelbase - a most handsome and beautifully appointed luxury two
door Coupe – the body accentuated by a pronounced shark nose, bonnet power
domes, a front and rear apron and side sills. The interior a knockout, with large
centre screen, a configurable 12.3 instrument cluster, a head up instrument
display and very sculptured and supportive front seats in high grade leather – the
rear seat cramped with difficult access and for the most part the CLE 300 is best
described as a comfortable two-seater. Disappointments, a lack of buttons for
climate and audio controls and the slider controls on the steering wheel for
volume and cruise control frustrating to use. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

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New Design rules due in March will see the loss of three popular Mitsubishi models

New design rules due on March 1 will see the loss of three popular Mitsubishi
models. The Pajero Sport 4WD, Eclipse Cross SUV and the small ASX SUV will
be deleted from the Mitsubishi’s line-up due to the need for an expensive upgrade
to their auto emergency braking technology. Mitsubishi Australia MD Shaun
Westcott saying the investment in re-engineering the trio to comply with the new
ADR was not viable considering the advancing age of the vehicles. The three
models last year were 38 per cent of Mitsubishi Australia’s sales and while the
company has already announced a replacement for the ASX later this year, in the
form of the Renault Captur based model, there are no imminent replacements for
the Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport. Whilst the duo’s production has already
ceased the local company says it has ordered significant stock ahead of time to
make them available for most of this year. I’m David Berthon

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