2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class

Overview

At one point, Mercedes-Benz had coupe and convertible variants for the C-class, E-class, and S-class. Now, in the process of trimming the lineup, Mercedes has blended the first two together, and the result is the 2024 CLE-class. With a footprint closer to the old E-class coupe, two available powertrains, and all manner of standard cabin tech, the CLE-class carries all the latest and greatest features Mercedes has to offer in a slick two-door form factor. Models wearing the CLE300 badge are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder while CLE450s get a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six. When the CLE-class goes on sale, which we expect will be sometime toward the end of 2023, it will go head-to-head with rivals such as the Audi A5 and the BMW 4-series.

What’s New for 2024?

The CLE-class is brand new for 2024, although the idea of a lineup-spanning two-door is no stranger to Mercedes, having sold the CLK-class for over a decade.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

CLE300 Premium

$60,000 (est)

CLE300 Exclusive

$63,000 (est)

CLE300 Pinnacle

$67,000 (est)

CLE450 Premium

$70,000 (est)

CLE450 Exclusive

$73,000 (est)

CLE450 Pinnacle

$77,000 (est)

Mercedes-Benz has not revealed any pricing or equipment information yet, but the CLE-class could follow the new trim lineup that launched with the 2022 C-class sedan, which starts with the entry-level Premium and works up to Exclusive and Pinnacle models. Either way, we expect to see a price premium for the new two-door, with pricing starting around $60,000 for the CLE300 Premium.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The CLE-class comes with one of two powertrains. The CLE300 carries a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, which is good for 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the CLE450 bumps that up to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on both models. Both powertrains are 48-volt hybrids, incorporating an electric motor that can add up to 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, as well. Both the CLE300 and the CLE450 are limited to a top speed of 130 mph. When we get a chance to test drive the CLE-class for ourselves, we’ll update this story with driving impressions.

More on the CLE-class Coupe and Convertible

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Neither Mercedes-Benz nor the EPA have released fuel economy estimates for the CLE-class yet, but when we find out the new car’s mpg ratings we’ll update this story with those details. We’ll also get a chance to take the CLE-class on our 75-mph highway test route which will give us an idea of the car’s real-world fuel economy. For more information about the CLE-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The CLE-class’s interior should look familiar, as its general layout is shared with the C-class and GLC-class. However, the front seats are new and specific to the CLE-class, and they glide forward for rear-seat access by way of a leather strap that activates the sliding mechanism; seat heating is standard, while ventilation and massage are optional. 64-color ambient lighting is standard, as is a 17-speaker Burmester sound system. Base models come with vinyl upholstery, but in the Mercedes tradition, you can pay more money for leather or even fancier nappa leather. The CLE-class offers more front legroom than both the C-class and E-class coupes, while it rests between the two in rear legroom. Its 14.8 cubic-foot trunk offers 2.1 cubic feet more than the outgoing C-class coupe, but it’s two-tenths of a cubic foot behind the E-class coupe.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every CLE-class comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display that handles traditional cluster duties and offers three distinct visual styles. In addition, an 11.9-inch central touchscreen runs the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment software. This latest version of MBUX includes new native apps, including TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, and Zoom. Music services including Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal are baked in, as well. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The CLE-class comes standard with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention monitor. An optional Driver Assistance Package beefs things up with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. For more information about the CLE-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Benz provides competitive warranty coverage compared with premium rivals. However, the German automaker doesn’t offer the complimentary maintenance that BMW and Jaguar do.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance