THE new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe has been released in the UK, with prices starting from £46,605for the CLE 200 AMG Line.

It is the latest in a long line of coupes from Mercedes-Benz and the new CLE Coupe brings together the C-Class and E-Class models with its design and driving characteristics.

Initially the new CLE Coupe is available in AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications.

The range of powertrains includes four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel - all with mild-hybrid technology. A plug-in hybrid will follow at a later date.

Prices for AMG Line Premium models start from £50,355 with the Premium Plus cars prices from £54,355 and the Premier Edition from £56,855.

The line up tops out from £72,765 for the 3.0-litre CLE 450 4Matic and diesels run from £49,060 to £59,310. All other engines are 2.0-litre.

Standard equipment on all models includes the latest MBUX infotainment system with an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in portrait forma and a free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.

Performance figures run from a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of around 7.5 seconds for the CLE 200 and the 220d with maximums close to 150mph and top out at 4.5 seconds for the CLE 400 which has a top speed restricted to 155mph.

Best fuel economy comes from the diesel at 60.1mpg with the CLE averaging an official 44.1 to the gallon.

All engines use Mercedes' nine-speed automatic transmission with a choice of drive modes and sports suspension.