The new Mercedes CLE Coupe can ‘easily’ carry three golf bags

Says something about the new Mercedes CLE Coupe that golf bags get more than one mention in the press release. So, golfists, here is your new clubhouse taxi.

The main thing Merc wants you to know is that the new car is roomier and more agile than the C-Class Coupe: a 25mm longer wheelbase allows for more room for heads, shoulders, knees (and toes?) in the rear, and rear-wheel steering makes the turning circle that bit tighter.

Comfort is its other trump card, although the car’s been lowered by 15mm as standard and you can opt for a sports suspension system and Merc’s dynamic body control system if you wish.

The engine line-up consists of an entry-level petrol with 201 or 255bhp, plus a diesel with 194bhp. All are mild-hybrids and all are four-cylinders, with the exception of the top-spec 3.0-litre straight-six that packs 375bhp and 369lb ft. It’ll do 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and 155mph, claims Merc. A nine-speed auto is standard, while all-wheel drive is either available away from the diesel.

Inside you get the firm’s latest MBUX infotainment system, projected through a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 11.9-inch touchscreen. In standard trim the seats are kitted out in a man-made leather, although you can swap this out for Nappa leather if you wish, and there’s the option of a 3D Burmester sound system with - count ‘em - 17 speakers.

The CLE Coupe will launch in Europe in November, with a cabriolet to come in 2024. A plug-in hybrid version is also in the works, we’re told, the electric range for which will be ‘practical’.

Thoughts?