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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