2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe 300 MHEV 4MATIC 9AT AWD (258 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLE as a two-door version for both the E-Class and the C-Class. This is a familiar idea for the German automaker since it used it for the previous CLK generations built between 1997 and 2010.

The German automaker wanted to spend less for a car that fills a niche for expensive, two-door vehicles, so it carried over parts and elements from the C-Class and the E-Class when it created the CLE. As a result, the 2024 Coupe from Mercedes-Benz slits between the previous C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe in terms of size and interior space. In addition, it carried over engines from both four-door sedan versions of these well-known vehicles.

From the design point of view, the front part of the car shared the A-shaped styling on the lower bumper with the C-Class (W206) and the wide grille with a single horizontal bar with the E-Class (W214). Of course, only the styling was shared, not the actual part and the same went with the headlights. The CLE’s headlamps were specific for this model and were slimmer than on its siblings, as mentioned above. They were fitted with LED technology, and, as an option, customers could get the Digital Light headlights, with or without projection on the asphalt. From its profile, the CLE revealed its connection with the previous C-Class Coupe (C205), especially thanks to the shape of the side rear window that featured an upward kink on the lower side towards the C-pillar. At the back, the automaker created a short, sloped-down deck, like on a liftback. Yet, it was a proper three-box construction. Finally, the taillights looked closer in design with the C-Class than with the E-Class since the latter featured LEDs shaped like the three-pointed star logo of the brand.

Inside, there were more C-Class-inspired elements, such as the dashboard, the seats, and the standard infotainment system. The driver fronted the same digital instrument cluster as in the W206. Atop the center stack, Mercedes-Benz installed a standard touchscreen for the infotainment system similar to the one from the C-Class, but with a graphic that resembled the E-Class. The automaker offered the vehicle with standard ARTICO man-made leather, while the upper trim levels could get a combination of ARTICO/Microcut upholstery, which was made from 60% recycled materials. As expected, Nappa leather was also an option. Unlike its main German rivals, Mercedes-Benz offered an option for a retractable panoramic glass roof. In the back, the CLE provided seating for two and just enough legroom for adult passengers thanks to the 2865 mm (112.8 in) wheelbase.

Under the skin, the automaker installed a choice of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid drivetrains that sent power to the rear wheels or in all corners via a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.