Rather quietly, registration of interest for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe has opened in Malaysia, roughly 7 months after it made its global debut in July 2023.

Now, the CLE is an entirely new model, a spinoff developed to succeed both the C-Class and E-Class coupe and cabriolet versions, as part of the company's drive to streamline its model line-up. We're happy that it's stilll a couple in the traditional sense – with two doors, with an option for a convertible version too.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz CLE debuts; replaces C- and E-Class Coupe, MHEV, in-line 6 with up to 381 PS/500 Nm

At this juncture it's hard to tell what will the local specifications entail, but on Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's website, a few things are listed: Digital Light, 7-zone massage seats, Burmester 3D surround sound system, updated MBUX software with augmented reality, as well as Dynamic Body Control adjustable suspension with rear-wheel steering.

Engine choices are not outlined on the Malaysian site just yet, though there are five mild-hybrid variants offered in Europe:

• CLE 200, CLE 200 4Matic - 2.0L turbo 4-cyl, 204 PS / 320 Nm
• CLE 300 4Matic - 2.0L turbo 4-cyl, 259 PS / 400 Nm
• CLE 450 4Matic - 2.0L turbo 6-cyl, 380 PS / 500 Nm
• CLE 220d - 2.0L turbodiesel 4-cyl, 200 PS / 440 Nm
• CLE53 AMG - 2.0L turbo 6-cyl, 455 PS / 600 Nm

All models come with the corporate 9-speed automatic gearbox, and mild-hybrid electrification comes from the brand's 48V EQ Boost system.

Being that it's supposed to replace two models, it's sized larger than the C-Class and E-Class coupes: the CLE is 4,850 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,428 mm tall, all resting on a 2,865 mm wheelbase.

This makes it 164 mm longer, 50 mm wider, and 23 mm taller than the last-gen C205 C-Class coupe. Compared to the E-Class coupe, the CLE is 15 mm longer, and 2 mm lower, while having the same width.

Also read: Here are 20 photos of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53; 3.0L in-line 6 turbo, 449 PS/600 Nm

Ultimately this results in more room for those sitting in the back, with rear passengers gaining 10 mm more headroom, 19 mm more shoulder and elbow room, and 72 mm more knee room in the new CLE.

As for standard safety kit in Europe, the Mercedes-Benz CLE comes with Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and the parking package with a reversing camera. In some markets, Active Distance Assist Distronic is also included as standard.

It will be a while yet before it comes to Malaysia, but stay tuned as we bring you more as we have it.