Mercedes GLC 43 4Matic, CLE Cabriolet to launch on August 8

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the CLE Cabriolet and the GLC 43 4Matic Coupe on August 8, just a month after the all-new EQA and the EQB facelift's launch. The new CLE will be Mercedes’ third convertible in India after the E 53 Cabriolet and the SL 55 Roadster, and the GLC 43 is a new top-spec performance variant in the GLC line-up. Both models will arrive as full imports and are among the six new launches that Mercedes-Benz has lined up for the remainder of 2024.

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: what to expect?

Globally unveiled in July 2023, the new CLE is based on Mercedes’ Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, which it shares not with just the current C-Class but also the upcoming new-gen E-Class. This makes it longer than both the outgoing C- and E-Class coupes. The CLE is available as a coupe and convertible overseas, but Mercedes-Benz will only be offering the convertible version in India.

The CLE borrows styling cues from the outgoing E-Class coupe and cabriolet – a large grille with a shark-nose effect, a long bonnet, and an automatic, multi-layered fabric hood that neatly folds away into the boot. Inside, the CLE features the latest C-Class’ interior with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment display. It offers a 2+2 seating layout.

While Mercedes-Benz hasn’t confirmed what powertrain the CLE will get in India, internationally, the CLE range starts with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s available in two states of tune – the CLE 200 with 204hp and the CLE 300 4Matic with 258hp. Then there’s the CLE 450 4Matic with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine making 380hp. There’s also a CLE 200d with a 2.0-litre diesel producing 197hp. The CLE also gets a hot AMG version in 53 spec with 449hp.

Mercedes will likely offer the CLE in either 300 4Matic or 450 4Matic version, and prices are expected to be north of Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). All variants get a 48V mild-hybrid setup that provides an additional 22hp and 200Nm via an electric motor mounted on the 9-speed torque converter unit. The hot AMG is unlikely to come to India. It will compete with the BMW Z4 M40i in India.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 4Matic Coupe: what to expect?

The new GLC 43 Coupe was unveiled last September, and the big news here is that it ditches the 3.0-litre six cylinder bi-turbo engine from the outgoing model, and is powered by the C43 AMG's 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid tech. On the GLC, this powertrain produces 421hp and 500Nm for a 0 to 100kph sprint in 4.7 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and sends power to all four wheels. It also gets rear-wheel steering, high-performance brakes, speed-sensing steering and adjustable suspension dampers as standard.

Besides the coupe-like rear end, the GLC 43 features typical AMG design cues. This includes an AMG-specific grille, sportier front and rear bumpers, up to 21-inch alloy wheels, AMG-specific side skirting and a prominent rear diffuser with quad exhausts – two on each side. The interior is largely shared with the regular GLC, but new touches include an AMG-spec steering wheel, sporty seats with nappa leather, AMG-branded pedals and floor mats, and illuminated door sills. There's also unique AMG graphics on the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment.

Given that the C43 AMG 4Matic was priced at Rs 98 lakh at launch, the GLC 43 4Matic could cost over a crore. It will compete with the X3 M40i in India.