2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review$56,500 to $72,800
Original MSRP
7.2
of 10
expert review
avg user rating
(0 reviews)
Pros
Comfortable
Easy-to-use technology
Fun to drive
Cons
Not much cargo space
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class keeps the coupe and convertible segment alive and well.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class multitasks by replacing both the C- and E-Class coupes and convertibles with excellent results. It's sized just right, with all of the comfort, technology, and refinement expected of the brand. With three models that range from mild to wild, there should be one that easily fulfills your desires.
Verdict: With a starting MSRP of $57,650, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE keeps the German brand competitive in the dwindling four-seater coupe marketplace. Impressive technology and outstanding design make this one of the more interesting new cars for 2024.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is an all-new model, but it doesn't really stand out from the rest of the lineup, and that's not a criticism. Blending into a stable of refined, stately, and unmistakably luxurious siblings is certainly not a drawback, even though it replaces two body styles from two previous models. The CLE is available as either a coupe or Cabriolet (convertible) and replaces those models from the previous C-Class and E-Class. The CLE measures an inch longer than the last E-Class coupe, and 6.5 inches longer than the C-Class coupe.
From the front, it's easy to mistake the new CLE for the current (or even past) C-Class sedan. It's not until you get to the profile that the two-door shape begins to distinguish itself with a long hood and gracefully arching roofline. As sleek coupes seem to be losing popularity, it's refreshing to see the revival of a once-favored class. The folding fabric convertible top also mimics the silhouette when deployed. Around back, the rounded tail is accentuated by a single light bar that joins the two taillights.
For those seeking a racier aesthetic (and the actual performance to accompany it), the AMG CLE 53 variant spices things up with a more rounded nose and vertical grille slats that reminds us of the raucous AMG GT. The stance has also been widened by a full three inches in the rear, with wider fender flares to accommodate the even wider wheels and tires.
The CLE's interior is also very similar to the existing C-Class, with a cascading dashboard that flows into the center console and a large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen canted toward the driver. A tablet-like digital instrument panel is mounted in a similar fashion in front of the driver. We've become accustomed to this layout over the years, but those screens aren't as well integrated into the dash as we expect from Mercedes. Instead, they almost look as though they were afterthoughts.
Materials quality is excellent and easily exceeds our expectations in almost all cases. With such nice surfaces in abundance, it emphasizes the one spot that could use improvement. The silver door handles/armrests look and feel like plastic, and not even the sturdier plastic found elsewhere in the CLE. It's a very minor disappointment that would seem more at home inside a Genesis-branded vehicle.
Nitpicks aside, the CLE-Class delivers the class and prestige we expected from a new Mercedes-Benz coupe. It feels special inside and in turn, makes you feel that much more special, too.
This review focuses on the entry-level CLE 300 4Matic which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid system that adds up to 23 hp and 151 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) are standard as well.
Stepping up to the CLE 450 4Matic gets you a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that boosts output to 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the lineup is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. It takes that turbo six-cylinder and squeezes out 443 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. A driver-actuated overboost function increases torque to 443 lb-ft for ten-second bursts.
There's no doubt that the base CLE 300 will easily satisfy the vast majority of drivers. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is plenty quick to merge onto a flowing highway with confidence. In most cases, you won't even know it's a four-cylinder under the hood, as it's unusually smooth and quiet. The CLE 450 will reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and while the power increase is noticeable, it doesn't fundamentally change the character of the CLE. It's still tuned with comfort in mind, but the engine is even smoother. There were points where we had to double-check that the engine was indeed running.
Both are effortless to drive, whether you're in city confines or out on the open road. The suspension ably erases bumps in the road while also remaining composed when cornering. It's not as sporty as alternatives from BMW or Audi, instead favoring the cosetting comfort that Mercedes is known for.
Not surprisingly, the AMG CLE 53 forces some sacrifices to ride quality and it's noticeably louder, too. It's an edgier interpretation of the luxury coupe theme, but it doesn't go so far as to be harsh or nervous. In the progression from CLE 300 to AMG, all three models fill their intended niche perfectly. Our preference is the CLE 450 for its smoother operation and added power over the base powertrain.
The CLE's front seats provide adequate support and cushioning to make long road trips seem much shorter. In the Cabriolet, the leather upholstery is treated with a near-infrared reflective coating that claims to lower the surface temperature, and when things get cold, there's an Airscarf function that gently blows warm air on the back of your neck. Seat ventilation and massage features are also available. The convertible top is deployed or stowed with a single button, with no need to fuss with any latches. It transforms from coupe to convertible in 20 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 35 mph.
Mercedes has a definite advantage when it comes to top-down touring, thanks to its Aircap system of wind deflectors. A thin spoiler rises from the top of the windshield and a mesh screen emerges from behind the rear headrests, greatly reducing interior buffeting. Even at highway speeds, I found it easy to hold a conversation with my passenger without ever having to raise my voice. It's so calm that at one point, I disabled the Aircap just to feel the wind in my hair.
The rear seats are spacious enough to accommodate average-sized adults, though at five-foot-ten, my head is bumping into the headliner. There is also enough legroom to easily survive a short trip across town, but on longer journeys, smaller passengers will be more comfortable back there.
Interior storage for your personal items is only adequate, with a rubberized phone tray and moderately sized cupholders, bins, and door pockets. Cargo capacity is also merely adequate, with 11.2 cubic-feet available in the coupe and 9.6 cu-ft for the Cabriolet. That's enough for a couple's set of small rolling carry-on luggage, but not much else. For a coupe or convertible of this size, it seems appropriate, but not generous.
Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system remains one of the best in the business, thanks to logical menus, sharp graphics, quick responses, and comprehensive voice controls. You simply have to activate the system by saying, "Hey Mercedes," followed by your request in plain conversational speech. The system can navigate you with minimal effort as well as adjust several comfort and climate settings. It'll even tell you a joke if prodded.
Almost all functions are controlled via the touchscreen, which can be daunting for some new users, but the system smartly keeps the primary buttons and climate controls anchored to the bottom of the screen for consistency. In addition to the voice and touchscreen, you can also control the system via touchpads on the steering wheel, but those tend to be overly sensitive and also take some getting used to.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, pairing well with the rubberized charging pad. Augmented reality overlays projected in the available head-up display and infotainment screen greatly reduce anxiety when trying to find your way through unfamiliar cities, with animated arrows that clearly show where you should be turning.
The standard Burmester audio system delivers strong bass and crisp highs, aided by the very quiet cabin. In the Cabriolet, headrest-mounted speakers help to surround you with sound and also target the driver's speakers with navigation voice prompts.
Crash test results are not yet available from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but considering Mercedes' reputation for safety, we'd be surprised if it didn't achieve praiseworthy ratings.
Standard advanced safety features are comprehensive and include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, parking proximity sensors, a blind-spot monitor, a semi-automated parking system, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Options include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, cross-traffic collision alert, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, an integrated dashcam, and a low-level automated highway driving system.
In our time with the CLE, we never encountered any false alarms and all systems operated just as they should. The adaptive cruise control deserves additional praise for its smooth actions that can take you all the way to a gentle stop in traffic.
Prices for the base Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic coupe start at $57,650 (including $1,150 in destination charges). Stepping up to the CLE 450 coupe will set you back $66,800, while the top-of-the-line AMG CLE 53 coupe shoots up to $73,950. Taking the CLE Cabriolet route further increases the price of admission by $9,000 or so, with the CLE 300 Cabriolet ringing in at $65,500 and the CLE 450 Cabriolet costing an even $75,000 to start. Pricing for the convertible AMG model hasn't been announced yet, but we expect it to go for around $85,000.
The entry-level CLE 300 4Matic will easily satisfy most drivers' appetite for luxury and performance, but if you can swing it, the CLE 450 is marginally better in terms of engine smoothness and power. Obviously, the AMG variants are best reserved for those with a penchant for performance and are willing to make some sacrifices to comfort. Then again, if you're truly seeking a top performer, you may be better served by some of its rivals since the AMG still places added emphasis on luxury.
The CLE splits the difference between the smaller and less expensive BMW 4 Series and the similarly sized and pricier 8 Series. These make for more exciting alternatives, but the stiffer suspensions result in a firmer ride quality. The Audi A5 and S5 are even smaller and more affordable than the BMW 4 Series, but the aging platform is set for a redesign soon and as it is, it comes up short against both the Benz and the BMW.
Altogether, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class easily fills the role of the C-Class and E-Class models it replaces. Without any direct competitors, you don't really have a lot of other choices, but thankfully the CLE's overall excellence doesn't have us clamoring for rivals. Whether you're looking for a sleek coupe or an open-top tourer, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Burmester · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 710 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 295 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top · Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot compatible
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Burmester · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 710 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 375 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1800
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power · Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot compatible
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum with painted accents
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Burmester · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 710 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.6 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 443 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 413 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2200
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot compatible
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum with painted accents
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation