Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe Review 2024
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe At A Glance
Stylish coupe is bigger than rivals like the BMW 4 Series.
Likely to be more expensive than the C-Class Coupe it effectively replaces.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Mercedes CLE Coupe, a luxury replacement for both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, set to open for ordering later this year.
As the largest two-door coupe in the mid-size segment, measuring over 4.8 meters in length, the CLE Coupe boasts more size and elegance than its key rivals, the BMW 4 Series Coupe and the Audi A5 Coupe.
Powering the CLE Coupe will be a selection of four-cylinder mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, along with a six-cylinder mild hybrid petrol variant. This model is expected to be one of the last new Mercedes-Benz cars featuring internal combustion engines before the brand transitions to full electrification. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid version is scheduled to arrive later, offering even greater environmental credentials.
In today's market, two-door coupes are a rarity, making the CLE Coupe a unique offering for those seeking luxury and performance. The Mercedes-Benz lineup will also see the introduction of the CLE Cabriolet later in 2024, further expanding the options for enthusiasts.
The CLE Coupe is set to open for ordering later in 2023, with deliveries expected to start early in 2024. Though precise pricing is yet to be confirmed, it is estimated to start from around £50,000, positioning it above the previous C-Class Coupe but more competitively priced compared to the previous E-Class Coupe.
Styling-wise, the CLE Coupe boasts an athletic and dynamic appearance, featuring a bold character line along its sides. The front end has a distinctive "shark nose" design, incorporating slim LED headlights and a radiator grille that aligns with the aesthetics of other modern Mercedes-Benz models. The coupe's classic proportions are further accentuated by large wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches and ten different exterior color options, including satin finishes.
Inside, the CLE Coupe shares its high-tech design with the regular C-Class saloon. The centrepiece is an 11.9-inch portrait-format centre display, tilted six degrees towards the driver, complemented by a 12.3-inch freestanding fully digital instrument display. Equipped with 5G functionality, the CLE Coupe's infotainment system supports third-party apps through an Android-based compatibility layer, including popular choices like TikTok, Vivaldi web browser, and Angry Birds.
The cabin also features a 64-color ambient lighting array, with an optional Ambient Lighting Plus that adds a light band sweeping from the centre console to the air vents, creating a captivating ambiance. The "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant comes as standard, making the driving experience more intuitive.
The seats of the CLE Coupe are designed for both comfort and aesthetics, featuring a minimalist appearance. The multi-contour design includes an easy-entry function, replacing the traditional plastic lever with a premium Nappa leather loop. The CLE Coupe also comes with seatbelt feeders, enhancing passenger convenience and safety.
With a length of 4850mm, width of 1860mm, and height of 1428mm, the CLE Coupe surpasses both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe in overall dimensions. This translates to a longer wheelbase, resulting in 10mm more headroom, 19mm more shoulder room, and 72mm more knee room for rear seat passengers.
For cargo capacity, the CLE Coupe provides a 420-litre boot, a significant increase of 60 litres compared to its predecessor, enabling the easy accommodation of three golf bags.
The CLE Coupe engine lineup includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo mild hybrid motor producing 204PS in the CLE 200 variant and 258PS in the CLE 300 variant. Both models are available in either rear-wheel or 4Matic all-wheel drive, and the CLE 300 4Matic achieves a 0-62mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is further enhanced by the 48V mild hybrid system, contributing to an average of up to 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions starting from 145g/km.
For those seeking more power, the CLE 450 4Matic offers a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, generating 381PS and achieving 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds, while still delivering an average of up to 36.2mpg with CO2 emissions starting from 176g/km.
The sole diesel option is the C 220 d, equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 200PS, offering a great balance between performance and efficiency. The C 220 d averages up to 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions from just 123g/km.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4850 mm |
| Width | 2042 mm |
| Height | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2865–2875 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1790–1985 kg |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £56,555 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | A–Alternative fuel, K |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
Model History
- February 2024: Mercedes-Benz announces pricing and specification of new CLE Cabriolet
- December 2023: New 449PS Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe announced
- November 2023: Mercedes announces pricing and specification of new CLE Coupe
- May 2024: Mercedes-AMG CLE53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet becomes second AMG convertible
- August 2024: Mercedes adds plug-in hybrid CLE 300 e with EQ Hybrid Technolog, priced from £60,610
February 2024
Mercedes-Benz announces pricing and specification of new CLE Cabriolet
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is now available to order in the UK, with prices starting from £52,995 for the CLE 200 AMG Line.
Combining the expressive design of the CLE Coupé with a multi-layer fabric soft top that can be raised or lowered in as little as 20 seconds, the new CLE Cabriolet continues the tradition of elegant, four-seat open-top vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.
Initially the new CLE Cabriolet is available in AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications.
At launch the range of powertrains includes four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel – all with mild-hybrid technology.
The year-round usability of the CLE Cabriolet is further enhanced by the Aircap electric wind deflector system and the Airscarf heating system, both fitted as standard.
Additional standard equipment on all models includes the latest MBUX infotainment system with a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display. In the CLE Cabriolet, the central display can be tilted electrically from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent glare when the soft top is lowered.
AMG Line models start at £52,995 and feature 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, automatic climate control, LED headlights, a multifunction sport steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, wireless device charging, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and the Parking Package with a reversing camera.
AMG Line Premium costs from £54,745 and adds 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, digital light LED headlights, MBUX augmented reality for navigation and the Parking Package with a 360° camera.
AMG Line Premium Plus models bring 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and a 17-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. Prices start at £58,745.
Premier Edition models start at £61,245 and add the Night Package – including 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in black – a heated steering wheel and Nappa leather upholstery.
December 2023
New 449PS Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe announced
Mercedes has announced the new CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, which it describes as its entry-level model to the performance coupe segment.
Designed to replace performance versions of both the C-Class and E-Class Coupe models, the new CLE 53 is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 449hp, connected to an automatic nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission.
To ensure the power makes it to the road smoothly, the CLE 53 gets AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and rear-axle steering as standard.
To compliment the engine's credentials, the CLE 53 includes a sporty exterior makeover, while the interior benefits from the latest generation MBUX infotainment system.
In the UK, the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is available exclusively with a leather or Nappa leather interior, with the AMG coat of arms embossed into the front headrests.
A Pro Performance package is optional, and combines the AMG Optics package, which adds extra exterior aerodynamic additions, and the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package that includes a RACE driving programme with Drift Mode, and active engine mounts.
November 2023
Mercedes announces pricing and specification of new CLE Coupe
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is now on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £46,605 for the CLE 200 AMG Line.
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.
Standard equipment on all models includes the latest MBUX infotainment system with an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display, and free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
AMG Line models start at £46,605 and feature 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, automatic climate control, LED High Performance headlamps, a multifunction sport steering wheel, dynamic 64-colour ambient lighting, wireless device charging, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and the Parking Package with a reversing camera.
AMG Line Premium costs from £50,355 and adds 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, digital light LED headlamps, the KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package, MBUX augmented reality for navigation, the Parking Package with 360° camera, and a panoramic sliding sunroof.
AMG Line Premium Plus models are priced from £54,355 and introduce 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, the Energising Plus Package with climatised multi-contour front seats, head-up display, and a 17-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.
Premier Edition models start at £56,855 and add the Night Package – including 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in black – a heated steering wheel and Nappa leather upholstery.
The new CLE Coupe is available in eight colours, and AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition customers may specify the advanced Driving Assistance Package Plus (£1,695) to benefit from additional latest-generation safety and assistance systems.
May 2024
Mercedes-AMG CLE53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet becomes second AMG convertible
Following Mercedes' SL Roadster, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet has become the second convertible offered by AMG. Powered by a 449PS twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine, the CLE53 also features fully variable all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering.
Standard equipment includes a fabric acoustic top, Mercedes' AIRCAP and AIRSCARF to keep driver and passenger comfortable with the top down, an electric luggage compartment separator, a memory package, and keyless go.
August 2024
Mercedes adds plug-in hybrid CLE 300 e with EQ Hybrid Technolog, priced from £60,610
The Mercedes CLE Coupe can be specified with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which marries a 204PS 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with a 129PS electric motor and 25.4kWh battery.
The CLE 300 e can travel up to 69 miles on electric power alone. The car's combined system output is 313PS, which allows the CLE 300 e to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds.
The CLE 300 e is available to order in AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications. Prices start at £60,610.
