2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Class

The CLE cuts a dashing shape with a flared trapezoidal grille decorated with dots from a pointalist’s pen. Cat’s eye headlights start at the grille and wrap around the rounded front corners of the car, echoed below by large front air intakes and an open lower fascia. The car’s lines flow up and back from there to create a wedged, sporty shape. On the coupe, the roofline arcs back all the way to the tail, and the greenhouse aids the sporty look by tucking in from the wide-set fenders. The side window line is outlined in chrome and its bottom portion kicks up at the rear to create the feel of a bit more mass back there. Unadorned but bulging flanks and a high-set rear end with a built-in spoiler and a full-width taillight bar finish the look. 

The convertible has the same proportions but substitutes a power cloth top that’s available in several colors, including red. 

The AMG model is just more of a good thing. With wider front and rear fenders, it sports more of a Coke bottle shape and has a more planted stance thanks to wider tires. It also gets the brand’s Panamericana grille with vertical slats and quad exhaust tips.

Inside, the CLE-Class places a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a portrait-style 11.9-inch touchscreen among synthetic or nappa leather upholstery, and a variety of trim materials that look great and play off each other well. Standard 64-color ambient lighting brightens the cockpit at night. Buyers also have a choice of bright upholstery colors for even more visual flair. 

All models have all-wheel drive, though a base CLE 300 model may join the lineup.

How fast is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

We’ve only driven the coupe, and it starts out strong and progresses to downright quick. The CLE 300 model has a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. With the aid of an extra 23 hp and 151 lb-ft from a mild-hybrid system, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in a quoted 5.8 seconds. Its power comes on smoothly, and offers more than enough acceleration for everyday needs. 

The other two models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes 375 hp and 369 lb-ft in the CLE 450 4Matic and 443 hp and 413 lb-ft in the CLE AMG 53. Both also use the mild-hybrid system, and all models run their power through a 9-speed automatic that shifts smoothly and is most often quite responsive.

The turbo-6 engines offer even smoother and more robust power, with 0-60 mph times that drop to 4.4 seconds in the 450 4Matic and 4.0 seconds in the 53 model, according to Mercedes. Our time in the 450 and 53 models proved that the turbo-6 is stronger across the rev range, and passing is a breeze. The turbo-6 also adds a deep growl that befits the car’s looks, and the AMG 53 lets out pops and crackles when the driver lets off the throttle. 

Mercedes sets the CLE on standard four-link front and five-link rear suspensions but doesn’t give it adaptive dampers or rear-wheel steering in the U.S. like it gets in other markets. However, it sits 0.6 inch lower than the E-Class sedan, and the 450 and 53 models have sport-tuned suspensions. 

Handling is generally athletic, and it gets more agile with the sport tune and as tire sizes increase. The CLE 300 comes on standard 18s and has the smoothest ride but isn’t as quick to change directions. The available larger tires add more width to increase grip, and their staggered width provides more traction at the rear and better turn-in response at the front. The convertible has little body quake and generally feels as solid as the coupe.

In both body styles, the steering is light, quick, and direct, and the brakes are strong and predictable, though the bigger brakes of the AMG model can handle more punishment on a twisty road. The CLE is a pleasant and fun car to drive, great for a mountain tour, but not quite a track machine, even as the AMG 53 model. Perhaps any future CLE AMG 63 model will be the track version.

Two adults can fit in the back, though the front seat occupants will have to take up little legroom to let that happen. Three across is a no-go in the coupe and the convertible is worse for rear shoulder room.

Cargo space isn’t a focus of the CLE. The coupe has a decent 14.8-cubic foot trunk, while the convertible will certainly have less space. 

The synthetic leather looks good and is likely quite durable, and the nappa leather is soft. The various trim choices include several types of wood (even open-pore), carbon-fiber, piano-black plastic, a metal weave, a silver-mixed metal fabric, and aluminum. 

For now, however, the CLE has a good set of standard safety features and even more options. The standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, automatic parking, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high beams. Safety options consist of pedestrian and cross-traffic support for the automatic emergency braking system, steering support for the blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, an exit warning system, and a surround-view camera system.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class should I buy

We prefer the power and features of the $66,800 CLE 450 4Matic. It adds all-wheel drive, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and 19-inch wheels. 

How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?

The AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ will be the most expensive model at launch, but a likely AMG 63 will certainly cost more. Expect the AMG 53 to cost $75,000 or more.

Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class infotainment

The CLE-Class uses the familiar Mercedes MBUX user interface that has quick reactions and lots of connectivity, including a 5G wifi hotspot. It’s run through a portrait-style touchscreen, voice commands that can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” or steering wheel inputs. Mercedes offers augmented reality live video for the navigation directions that becomes helpful after drivers learn how it works.

The CLEE 450 4Matic is rated at 23/33/26 mpg as a coupe or convertible. 

Ratings for the AMG 53 4Matic+ models are not yet available.