Mercedes CLE 300e Coupé: A Data-Driven Delight

Mercedes has finally added a plug-in hybrid to the CLE Coupé lineup. While this stylish part-time electric excels in fuel efficiency, it doesn’t stand out for its sportiness, and there’s a surprising shortfall in charging capabilities.

Powerful Yet Reserved

As we await the all-electric CLA, Mercedes bridges the gap with the CLE 300e plug-in hybrid. Under the hood, a two-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 150 kW (204 PS), paired with an electric motor at 95 kW (129 PS). Together, they provide a combined 230 kW (313 PS) and 440 Nm of torque.

On paper, these specs translate to strong performance: an electric-only range of up to 111 km on a full battery, thanks to its 19.53 kWh capacity, or up to 753 km with the 50-liter gas tank. The hybrid can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 236 km/h.

Real-World Performance

On our test drive, we began with an 84% battery charge, promising an electric range of 89 km. Driving mostly in hybrid mode over highways and country roads, the system automatically chose the optimal power source. After 2 hours and 24 minutes, we reached our destination with a 33% battery reserve, equating to 34 more electric kilometers.

The onboard computer reported an average fuel consumption of 6.7 l/100 km and 4.5 kWh/100 km on electric power, with 34% of the journey covered in EV mode. The CLE 300e supports AC charging at up to 11 kW but lacks DC fast charging—disappointing for a car in this class.

Punch Meets Poise

The official fuel consumption figure of 0.7 l/100 km is achievable mainly in urban driving, where electric-only mode dominates. Out on the road, the CLE 300e accelerates well in mid-range speeds, but the expected high-speed punch is somewhat lacking. The four-cylinder engine, paired with the electric motor, provides a smooth and relaxed drive, but it’s not tuned for pure sportiness.

At 2,175 kg, the vehicle’s weight impacts both agility and responsiveness, especially as the electric boost tapers off. Suspension is comfortably tuned and smooths out road imperfections, though body sway is noticeable on uneven roads. Switching to Sport mode tightens the ride, but the steering feels somewhat muted, lacking in feedback. The nine-speed automatic transmission, however, performs smoothly and capably.

A Modern, Feature-Rich Interior

Inside, the CLE 300e offers the typical refined Mercedes ambiance, though the plastic glove compartment lid detracts slightly. The latest MBUX infotainment system features a 12.3-inch vertical touchscreen, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a large head-up display.

With extensive app integration, a voice assistant, and AI-driven personalization, the system can adapt to driver preferences. However, mastering the range of customization options requires some familiarization.

Increased Space and Usability

Mercedes emphasizes the CLE Coupé’s 4.85-meter length, which surpasses the C-Class Coupé by 16.4 cm and even edges out the E-Class Coupé. This translates to more room: rear passengers enjoy an additional 10 mm of headroom, 19 mm of shoulder space, and 72 mm of knee room compared to the C-Class.

The Easy-Entry feature facilitates access to the back seats, though taller passengers may find the headroom limited due to the coupe’s sloping roofline. Cargo space has also expanded by 60 liters to 420 liters, sufficient for up to three golf bags. However, the trunk opening’s design does limit its usability for larger items.