Overview Given the low popularity of coupes, Benz decided to consolidate the two-door variants of the C- and E-classes into one model: the CLE. There’s a lot more C-class than E-class here, but this coupe and softtop convertible are still all Mercedes: upscale in looks and materials, comfortable on the road, and equipped with the latest tech. Every model leverages all-wheel drive for superior traction and a turbocharger to boost power, though the 255-hp CLE300 has a four-cylinder engine while the 375-hp CLE450 has a six-cylinder engine.Expert Tip: No Mercedes range would be complete without at least one AMG variant. For this model, it’s the CLE53 (reviewed separately), which sets itself apart with a 443-hp turbo six, a sport-tuned suspension, and racier styling. What’s New for 2026?Now entering its third model year, the Mercedes-Benz CLE remains largely unchanged.Pricing and Which One to BuyWe’d spec a CLE450 coupe, as it costs only slightly more than a CLE300 convertible but gets a higher-horsepower engine. We’d add a few options, such as adaptive cruise control and front-seat ventilation.Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Engines: 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLE300), 375-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (CLE450)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
The CLE-class offers two powertrains. CLE300 models carry a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, which is good for 255 horsepower. The CLE450 makes 375 horsepower by means of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. Both powertrains have a 48-volt hybrid system that can boost output at low rpm to compensate for turbo lag. We got a chance to drive both the CLE300 and CLE450 and came away happy with their performance. They handle much like the E-class, although the ride isn’t quite as plush because the CLE doesn’t offer the sedan’s air springs.0–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 4.1 seconds (CLE450 coupe)
In Comparison: In our hands, the CLE450 coupe got to 60 mph in a swift 4.1 seconds. We haven’t tested the CLE300 coupe yet, but we estimate it will get to 60 mph in around 5.2 seconds. The heavier convertible models will likely be slower by a few ticks.Additional ResearchFuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- EPA City Ratings: 23-24 mpg
- EPA Highway Ratings: 32-33 mpg
The EPA hasn’t released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class yet, but the ratings shouldn’t change. The 2025 CLE300 coupe earns estimates of 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the convertible gets 23 and 32 mpg, respectively. CLE450 models see between 32 and 33 mpg on the highway, depending on the body style, but both coupe and convertible boast a 23-mpg EPA city rating. We’ve yet to test any of these models on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. For more information about the CLE’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: The CLE-class looks a lot like the C-class and GLC-class inside, though the front seats—with standard heating but optional massage and cooling—are model-specific. Base models come with vinyl upholstery, but shoppers can upgrade to leather for added cost. Second Row: Rather than a bench seat in the back, the CLE features a pair of bucket seats. The space is adult-friendly, so long as your passengers aren’t particularly tall.Cargo Capacity: Because the convertible needs a place to stash the soft top, its trunk is smaller than the coupe’s, measuring 9.6 cubic feet versus 11.2. Neither space is very large, but it’ll do for a typical grocery run.Infotainment and Connectivity
- Infotainment: 11.9-inch touchscreen
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Audio System: 17-speaker Burmester stereo
Every CLE-class model comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display in addition to an 11.9-inch central touchscreen, which runs the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment software. Drivers can use their voice or tap the screen or steering-wheel buttons to control it, though the buttons take some getting used to. Also, users can pull up the familiar Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface easily (and without plugging in their phones). All models come with a 17-speaker Burmester stereo system.Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe CLE-class comes with basic tech like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. For adaptive cruise control, shoppers have to pay extra.
- Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist
- Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control
For information about the CLE’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.Warranty and Maintenance CoverageMercedes-Benz provides competitive warranty coverage but no complimentary maintenance plan. Rival two-door models from BMW offer up to three years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance.
- Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: none
C/D Test Results and SpecsWe test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Coupe
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $66,800/$80,010
Options: Pinnacle trim (head-up display, Parking package with surround-view camera system, MBUX Entertainment Plus and augmented reality navigation, Digital Light with projections), $2600; white/black nappa leather, $2590; Driver Assistance package (Pre-Safe Plus, active speed limit assist, route-based speed adaptation, adaptive cruise control with steering and stop-and-go assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active brake assist with turning and cross-traffic function, active lane change assist), $1950; Patagonia Red Metallic paint, $1750; 20-inch AMG wheels in black, $1150; multicontour front seats with massage, $950; rear side airbags, $700; ventilated front seats, $450; heated steering wheel, $250; Advanced USB package, $220; natural grain black wood trim with aluminum lines, $200; AMG Night package (gloss black exterior accents), $200; Energizing Air Control, $200
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2999 cm3
Power: 375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
245/35R-20 95Y Extra Load MO
275/30R-20 97Y Extra Load MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.8 in
Length: 191.0 in
Width: 73.3 in
Height: 56.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/37 ft3
Trunk Volume: 15 ft3
Curb Weight: 4262 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 10.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 111 mph
120 mph: 14.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 159 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 323 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/33 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
