The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé.
07-11-2023 09:59 - CAR NEWS
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The progressively forward-leaning front section (“shark nose”) with a low-slung bonnet, flat LED headlights with a unique design and a distinctive radiator grille ensure a decidedly athletic yet extremely elegant appearance. The strongly contoured power domes on the long hood reference the powerful engines with up to six cylinders. As is typical for coupés, the radiator grille has a single louvre in glossy black with chrome trim and a central star. Behind it shines a grille in a newly designed, three-dimensional chrome look with a Mercedes-Benz pattern. The downward-opening silhouette of the radiator grille (A-shape design) also emphasises the powerful forward drive of the CLE Coupé. Together with the chrome frame around the shiny black central air intake in the front apron, it makes the two-door look lower and nestle closer to the road.
Thanks to consistent electrification and intelligent downsizing, the new CLE Coupé sets standards in efficiency. The range of engines includes four-cylinder units and a six-cylinder engine from the current modular Mercedes-Benz engine family FAME (Family of Modular Engines). Both the diesel and petrol engines are mild hybrids. In addition to a turbocharger, they have a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG). It provides support in the low-speed range and ensures excellent power development. The ISG includes the 48-volt vehicle electrical system. It ensures functions such as coasting, boost or recuperation and thus enables significant savings in consumption. Another advantage: the engines start very quickly and conveniently. As a result, the start-stop function is almost imperceptible, as is the transition from coasting with the engine switched off to powerful propulsion with engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction of the ISG with the combustion engine ensures outstanding smoothness. Thanks to a new battery, the power of the electric motor has been increased from 15 to 17 kW compared to other series. The boost torque is 205 Nm.
Mercedes-Benz will also offer the CLE Coupé as a plug-in hybrid at a later date. In purely electric driving mode, the vehicle will offer a practical range. The driving programme will provide the electric driving mode for the most sensible sections of the route. For example, electric driving will be given priority on routes in urban areas.
The most powerful engine is the 3.0-litre straight-six. The combination of twin-scroll turbocharger and ISG ensures excellent power delivery without turbo lag. The exhaust ducts of three cylinders each are combined in the dual-flow exhaust manifold and only rejoin directly in front of the turbine wheel. This leads to a spontaneous build-up of boost pressure and torque as well as rapid engine response and revving at low engine speeds. The CLE 450 4MATIC: develops 280 kW (381 hp) and 500 Nm of torque and thus achieves the sportiest driving performance. The four-cylinder petrol engine is available in two output levels at market launch: with 150 kW as the CLE 200 and CLE 200 4MATIC and with 190 kW as the CLE 300 4MATIC. The entry displacement is 2.0 litres. In this engine, Mercedes-Benz has combined all the innovations of the modular engine family FAME in one unit. These include the NANOSLIDE® cylinder coating, the CONICSHAPE® cylinder honing (trumpet honing), the segment turbocharger with variable flow connection and the exhaust gas aftertreatment placed directly on the engine. The M 254 with 150 kW works with the Miller combustion process to further increase efficiency. The intake valve already closes during the intake stroke. This reduces the gas temperature after compression. This leads to a higher thermal efficiency and thus to a more efficient use of the fuel. In addition, fewer pollutants are produced, in particular the proportion of nitrogen oxides is lower. The 190 kW power variant also has CAMTRONIC with two-stage valve lift switching.
Under the hood of the CLE 220 d Coupé is the four-cylinder OM 654 M diesel engine. It is powered by a single-stage exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and friction-optimised roller bearing. The turbocharger is tuned so that the engine responds quickly and develops its power harmoniously. The electrification also includes the use of an electric refrigerant compressor for the air conditioning system. Exhaust aftertreatment includes a close-coupled NOx storage catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter with a special coating (DPF), an SCR catalytic converter and an additional SCR catalytic converter in the vehicle's underbody.