So that you could the primary order of industrial: is that this automotive extra pumped-up C-Elegance or slimmed-down E-Elegance in its presence, structure and normal persona? On the kerb, it’s possible you’ll be expecting the previous, on account of its sheer measurement.

However at the within, the CLE’s fascia is clearly C-Elegance-derived. You will have already clocked the quartic, high-level air vents, the tapering fascia panel, and the shiny black union of centre stack and transmission tunnel that each one give the sport away, the place in all probability you’d was hoping to peer the E-Elegance’s wider- and extra expansive-looking fascia.

The decrease fascia plastics lack the tactile subject matter high quality you’d be expecting of an E-Elegance, too, with only a trace of onerous, reflective cheapness about them – even if, as standard, Mercedes seeks to attract your consideration away with its conventional, top-level razzle-dazzle chrome and gloss carbonfibre. The full atmosphere is wealthy sufficient, even though it’s no longer as broadly or pervasively lavish and expensive-feeling as some would possibly be expecting.

However then there’s all the automotive’s virtual era to imagine – amongst which is the brand new E-Elegance’s third-generation, portrait-orientated MBUX infotainment machine, which will get a extra tough processor, a simplified top-level menu machine with larger menu icons, and entirely built-in and hooked up Android app-based compatibility with the likes of TikTok, Webex and Zoom (I didn’t have a possibility to check all of them, however agree with that the video conferencing apps paintings most effective when the auto’s parked). The revised house display screen structure, in the meantime, gives a marked development on simplified usability.

So whilst E-Elegance Coupé homeowners may no longer to find subject matter high quality ranges commensurate with their outdated automotive within the CLE, they’ll unquestionably to find the virtual era on which Mercedes so squarely trades at the present time. Respectable usable house too. Up entrance, elbow and head room really feel moderately beneficiant even for taller adults, and within the again, you’ll want to be a smaller grownup or kid to be comfy for any duration of time – however even this is growth from the place the decidedly pokey valuable C-Elegance Coupé left off, and almost certainly marginally beats the four-seat practicality of key competitors (Audi A5 Coupé, BMW 4-Collection Coupé).