2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 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 2.5 centimetres longer than the last E-Class coupe, and 16.5 cm 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-favoured 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 7.5 cm 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 centre 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 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-litre 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.

The CLE 450 4Matic, which will join the line-up in Canada for 2025, gets you a turbocharged 3.0-litre 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 100 km/h 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 100 km/h in 4.4 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 favouring the cossetting 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 55 km/h.

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 420 litres available in the coupe and between 295 and 385 litres 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.

In Canada, prices for the base 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic coupe start at $61,900 before destination charges and fees, which are set individually by Mercedes-Benz Canada dealerships. The CLE 450 coupe will arrive in 2025 with a starting price of $73,900. The top-of-the-line 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 coupe shoots up to $80,900. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet rings up at $71,650 in Canada. The CLE 450 and AMG 53 Cabriolet models arrive in 2025 with Canadian pricing landing at $85,150 and $93,800 respectively.

Among the non-AMG models, 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. The AMG variants are typically the best-sellers in Canada, and those interested will need to be willing to make some sacrifices to comfort to unleash that added performance. 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 clamouring for rivals. Whether you're looking for a sleek coupe or an open-top tourer, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Note: Images show a US model.