BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz Cle200

What's the difference?

First launched in 2008, the BMW X6 created history (and a new car category) with its coupe styling on an SUV framework.

It was a polarising effort but one that opened up the SUV market for those wanting the size and presence of an SUV without compromising on the sporty styling of a smaller car.

The 2024 X6 has had a facelift and that brings a more athletic and robust kerb-side appeal that might swing a few fence sitters onto the side of liking it.

The already pleasant interior has been polished with extra customisations available on trims and accents. The technology has seen the biggest upgrade and it now features a more streamlined mild-hybrid component to the engine. It all positions the X6 well and truly within the rank of luxury.

For the last week I’ve been driving the mid-spec xDrive40i M Sport variant to see how the facelifted model holds its own against rivals, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI Dynamic Black and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic Coupe. 

Freedom of choice has been the focus for the luxury car industry for more than a decade. Buyers were free to choose from a seemingly endless amount of variations and bodystyles to suit their taste and lifestyle.

It gave birth to the ‘four-door coupe’ then the ‘SUV coupe’ and so many more. But now it seems car makers have reached their limit, as evidenced by Mercedes-Benz’s newest offering - the CLE Coupe and Cabriolet.

While technically a new addition to the range, the CLE actually replaces not one existing model, but two. The CLE will fill the gap left by both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, allowing the German brand to simplify its line-up (ever so slightly).

So, what is the CLE Coupe and how will it live up to expectations of two different car buyers? Read on to find out…