The Mercedes-Benz CLE replaces the E-Class Coupe and Convertible and the C-Class Coupe and Convertible, creating a new class in the Mercedes range and taking on the likes of the Audi A5 and BMW fourth series. Replacing the sporty versions of the E and C-Class, the Mercedes CLE combines the best features of the two models – the sportiness of the C-Class with the technology of the E-Class. As for the car's size, it's actually even longer than the E-Class Coupe it replaces, and it's the same width and slightly lower. In terms of design, the front of the CLE is more similar to the C-Class than to the new E-Class Mercedes - here we see the extended headlights separated from the radiator grill, four prominent hood bumps, from the side we see the usual Mercedes silhouette and the window line very similar to the old C-Class Coupe and two bright lines above the wheel arches. At the rear, the car has a similar taillight design to the new GLC Coupe SUV, huge chrome but non-functional exhaust tips, as well as a non-functional air diffuser and air vents that don't vent anything. Overall, the car has a much sportier look than the previous C- and E-Class models, and despite the fake sporty details, we think it looks much better than its competitors from BMW and Audi. True, one should not forget the excellent design of slightly outdated Japanese competitors - Lexus RC and Infiniti Q60 models. Because the wheelbase of the new Mercedes is 8mm shorter than the E-Class Coupe, the CLE's interior is slightly smaller. There's less legroom and headroom in the back, and the 420-litre boot is 5 liters smaller than the two-door E-Class, but 60 liters bigger than the C-Class Coupé. Inside the CLE, you'll immediately notice a number of design details and technology taken from the C-Class and GLC models, including a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and an 11.9-inch driver's display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. This system learns the driver's habits and will automatically activate the climate control, change the ambient lighting and even set reminders such as birthdays or phone calls based on the car's owner. From launch, the CLE is offered with one diesel and three petrol engines, all 2.0-litre units with a mild hybrid system and mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Later, the modifications will be complemented by a plug-in hybrid variant borrowed from the new E-class model. The most modest version of the CLE 220d has a power of 197 hp and a torque of 440 Nm, and reaches a speed of 100 kilometers per hour in 7.5 seconds. The most modest CLE gasoline engine has a power of 204 hp and a torque of 320 Nm. The power of the CLE 300 4MATIC version increases to 258 hp and 400 Nm. This acceleration to 100 km/h is reduced to 6.2 seconds. The twin-turbo version of the CLE 450 is much more powerful, with 381 hp and 500 Nm of torque, which allows this car to reach 100 km/h in an incredible 4.4 seconds. And it's not even the AMG version. The second-generation ISG system with an integrated starter-generator in each model allows for some electric-only driving and provides an additional 23 hp and 200 Nm of power.