2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE

Price Range: $56,500 - $65,650 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

+98

Pros

Optional smooth, powerful and silent inline six-cylinder
Standard all-wheel drive across the lineup
Easy on the eyes inside and out

Cons

Costly engine is required to make it fun
More relaxed canyon cruiser than back-road athlete
Some interior finishes miss the mark in this price range

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$54,994

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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Review

byJosh Jacquot^{Correspondent
Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

What's new

New CLE coupe and convertible replace the C-Class and E-Class equivalents
New performance-oriented AMG CLE 53 coupe variant
Kicks off the first CLE generation for 2024

Overview

The CLE is a new coupe and convertible that slots into the Mercedes roster between the C-Class and E-Class lineups, replacing the existing C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles. Its mission is to be a more engaging-to-drive car than the sedans in those lines. Two engines are available in the coupe and convertible (aka Cabriolet), both paired with a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. A higher-output AMG CLE 53 version will join the lineup later in 2024.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 300 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

Not EPA tested

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Edmunds spotlight: Fashion and function

Inside, the CLE offers the decluttered dash and center stack of many modern Benzs, giving it a decidedly upscale presentation. There's a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch center touchscreen. And there's the third-generation MBUX infotainment system that adds to the appeal since it's more intuitive than the second-gen system that's still in many Mercedes vehicles. But the CLE is not perfect. Some interior door plastics aren't as well finished as we'd expect in this segment. Standard equipment is adequate. Forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance are included but you need to spring for the Driver Assistance package to get adaptive cruise, blind-spot warning and lane centering assistance. Neither the base coupe nor convertible offers adaptive dampers, which is fine — we like the compliant, comfy ride these models offer. The adaptive dampers, as well as rear-axle steering, will be available on the higher-performance AMG CLE 53.

Competitors to consider

BMW's 4 Series coupe and convertible and Audi's A5 and S5 coupe and convertible are the CLE's direct competitors. The Audi RS 5 coupe and the BMW M4 Coupe compete closely in output with the upcoming AMG CLE 53 variant.

Which CLE does Edmunds recommend?

We'll admit that the more powerful CLE 450 is the better-driving car, but its considerably higher asking price adds significant power yet includes no additional features. We think the CLE 300 is the smarter buy if you can do without the additional power.

Mercedes-Benz CLE models

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is available as a coupe or convertible in two trim levels. Each body style offers two engines. The CLE 300 comes with a turbocharged inline four-cylinder (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) and the CLE 450 offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system (375 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque). Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The AMG CLE 53 coupe is motivated by a 3.0-liter inline six (443 horsepower, 413 lb-ft) that's boosted by both a gas turbocharger and an electric supercharger. It also benefits from mild hybrid assistance. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.

CLE 300 and CLE 450
The CLE 300 and CLE 450 coupe and convertible offer the following features:

18-inch wheels
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen
Navigation
Burmester premium audio
Ambient lighting
Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Keyless entry and ignition
Dual-zone climate control
Heated front seats with memory
Satellite radio
Wireless device charging
Rain-sensing wipers
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Three USB-C ports
LED headlights and taillights
Fingerprint sensor (configures preferred settings for up to seven drivers for seats, audio, climate and other systems)
Selectable drive modes
Synthetic leather upholstery

Every CLE comes with the following driver assist and safety features

Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the CLE and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the CLE back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Automatic high beams
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound (tensions seatbelts, closes windows and protects hearing in a collision)

AMG CLE 53
The AMG CLE 53 coupe comes with the features found in the CLE 300 and CLE 450 plus the following:

Adaptive dampers
Rear-axle steering
Advanced center differential that can send 100% of the torque to the rear wheels
Performance exhaust

The following packages are available on the CLE 300 and CLE 450 coupes and convertibles:

Pinnacle trim
- Augmented reality for navigation
- Head-up display
- MBUX entertainment plus
Driver Assistance package
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active lane change assistance (automates lane changes without driver input once the turn signal is activated)
- Active speed-limit assist (adjusts vehicle speed based on signage)
- Route-based speed adaptation (adjusts cornering speed when a sharp curve is detected based on navigation)
- Cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is about to cross your path)
AMG Line
- AMG interior and exterior trim
- Sport brake system
- Enhanced engine sound
- AMG floor mats
Night package
- Black trim for grille, rear diffuser, front splitter, exterior mirrors and window trim

Stand-alone options for the CLE include:

Adaptive cruise control
Massaging front seats
Ventilated front seats
Dash camera (requires Pinnacle trim)
Advanced USB package (adds more USB ports)
Energizing air control (cleans the air entering the cabin)

The AMG CLE 53 is available with most of the above packages and stand-alone options plus several appearance packages including:

AMG Night package
AMG Night Package Plus
AMG Performance Studio package
AMG Carbon Fiber package
AMG Carbon Fiber Package II

The AMG CLE 53 is also available with the following packages:

AMG Dynamic Plus package
- Red brake calipers
- Dynamic engine mounts
AMG Performance Seat package and Performance Seat Package Advanced
- Seats in carbon
- Spoiler lip in carbon

Edmunds suggests you pay

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE pricing

in Columbus, OH

Edmunds suggests you pay

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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Features Specs

Trim:

CLE 300 4MATIC

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$56,500
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the CLE include:

Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE First Impressions

byNick Yekikian

•7/05/2023 (updated 9/12/2023)

What is the CLE?

Mercedes is taking one more crack at the tried-and-true 2+2 luxury coupe formula with the new-for-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE. The all-new nameplate is designed to do a few things in one package. Its first job is to replace two cars, the C-Class and E-Class coupes. (A convertible will come later.) The second is to be a more interesting and better-to-drive alternative to the brand's less expensive sedans.

The CLE is a true tweener in that it's bigger than the C-Class coupe in every dimension but smaller than the E-Class in most of them. (The CLE actually offers more shoulder room in the rear and more legroom up front than the E-Class coupe did.) Its exterior dimensions are far closer to the E than the C, but unlike the previous E-Class coupe, the CLE has a door pillar. In the past, Mercedes' more premium 2+2s featured two main side windows and two rear quarter windows that weren't interrupted by a middle roof pillar, but not so in the CLE. It's a small design choice, but one that makes the CLE feel less special from before you even get inside.

How does the CLE drive?

On the first day we drove the CLE 300, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that kicks out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive.

Power from the smaller 2.0-liter didn't quite fit the CLE's mission statement, though, and for the second half of our day we swapped into the CLE 450 that ups the ante to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Right away it became clear the bigger engine was the one to have. The extra low-range torque and burlier top-end thrust of the inline-six felt perfectly matched to the CLE's sportier sheetmetal — it simply fits this car's brief more appropriately.

The CLE wasn't exactly built with corner carving in mind. Both the brake pedal and the steering felt too remote, and it was difficult to find faith in the front end, especially when it felt like the car's rear had a mind of its own due to the rear steer. After day one, the CLE came off as a bit of a head-scratcher. A sporty-looking coupe that didn't feel all that, well, sporty.

However, on the second day of driving with the CLE we found a coastal route with long sweepers and long straights — this is where CLE came good. With the optional (and excellent) Burmester stereo with Dolby Atmos thumping away in the background and stunning vistas in front of us, we weren't scratching our heads any longer.

Its skill set might be limited to comfortable cruising, but that is where the CLE 300 and CLE 450 excel. Plus, sportier AMG versions are already on their way, and they'll more than likely take care of the buyers who want something with sharper handling and even more thrust.

How comfortable is the CLE?

The highway-heavy stretches of our drive time gave us the chance to evaluate the CLE's ride, but first a caveat: the car we drove was equipped with an adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering. While the adaptive dampers can adjust the firmness of the ride, and the rear-wheel steering aids low-speed maneuverability, Mercedes says both features won't be available on any CLE in the U.S. regardless of specification.

We're not overly concerned — our CLE test car rode well in any mode, and the suspension controlled the car's mass well without feeling too stiff. The seats also proved to be comfortable, especially in the higher-spec 450 model where they are both heated and cooled. All in all, the CLE is a cushy cruiser that delivers on the Mercedes-Benz tradition of being elegant, comfortable and tech-forward personal 2+2 transportation.

How's the CLE's interior?

The CLE's interior is essentially the same as the cabin of the redesigned C-Class, and that's fine with us — though we'd be remiss not to mention that the stunning, width-spanning Hyperscreen from the E-Class and S-Class doesn't appear here. You do get a sizable 11.9-inch touchscreen front and center, alongside a 12.3-inch digital driver display. These complement ambient lighting strips on the doors, center console and even the air vents.

In the CLE the copy-and-paste Mercedes interior remains a great-looking place to sit thanks to a decluttered dash, great sightlines and driver-oriented setup. It does fall down in terms of usability, however. Touch-sensitive controls are used for everything from the volume control to the rearview mirror adjusters, and they're both too fiddly and less accurate than more typical physical controls would be. In addition to those concerns, some of the interior plastics, especially those on the doors and below your beltline, felt low-quality and rough to the touch.

How's the CLE's's tech?

The CLE is the second vehicle in Mercedes' lineup — after the new E-Class — to be equipped with the third generation of the excellent MBUX operating system. A digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver and is flanked by a portrait-style center display that controls almost all of the car's major functions. Everything from maps to music and even Angry Birds (not kidding) is controlled by the center screen. Despite being relatively menu-heavy, the interface itself is darn simple to use and presents almost none of the learning curve of the old MBUX systems.

In terms of advanced safety features, the CLE will come standard with forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance. Every other function — from adaptive cruise control to blind-spot warning and lane centering assistance — is bundled into the Driver Assistance package.

Edmunds says

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE has the unenviable task of replacing two vehicles, but after having driven it, we can safely say it nails that mission.

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 CLE both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CLE has 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz CLE. Learn more

What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE:

New CLE coupe and convertible replace the C-Class and E-Class equivalents
New performance-oriented AMG CLE 53 coupe variant
Kicks off the first CLE generation for 2024

Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz CLE is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CLE. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CLE's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 CLE is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 300 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $56,500.

Other versions include:

CLE 300 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $56,500
CLE 450 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $65,650

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What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLE?

If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz CLE, the next question is, which CLE model is right for you? CLE variants include CLE 300 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), and CLE 450 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of CLE models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE

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