2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Kelly Lin
Mercedes-Benz has an all-new vehicle for us this year with the CLE-Class. Hitting dealerships in early 2024, the two-door, two-row CLE Coupe competes with the BMW 8 Series. A convertible version is also now available.
What's New
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has no predecessor; this is a new nameplate for the automaker. Here's what we can expect from the midsize coupe:
- More interior space than C-Class Coupe, less than E-Class Coupe
- Four- and six-cylinder mild hybrid powertrains
- Latest generation MBUX infotainment system
- New electronic architecture with 5G
- Standard 64-color ambient lighting
- Optional head-up display
- Choice of synthetic leather, leather, and quilted Nappa leather upholstery
- Nappa leather loop helps passengers climb into the rear seats
What We Think
We finally got a chance to drive the CLE-Class and—surprisingly exactly no one—it's a respectable, luxurious sport coupe. The cabin is beautifully finished and this iteration of MBUX is relatively intuitive, though some key features like massage seats are buried a few menus deep. We found the four-cylinder impressively smooth but only adequately powerful; the inline-six picks up that slack and the AMG is properly quick. Unfortunately, the North American market won't get the Euro cars' adjustable suspension and rear steering.
The driving experience clearly prioritizes comfortable quietude over buttoned-down handling, but body motions are still relatively well controlled. The coupe can, however, start to feel floaty over imperfect road surfaces. For everyday driving, though, most drivers will appreciate the plush ride. More impressive is its augmented reality navigation system. As a package, the CLE-Class is a well-executed if imperfect luxury coupe; we're grateful there are at least a couple of them left.
Performance
Buyers can choose between four- and six-cylinder engine options. All are mild hybrids, which use an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical system to complement the internal combustion engine. A nine-speed automatic transmission routes power to all four wheels.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder model makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the CLE450's 3.0-liter inline-six increases power to 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, enabling a 0-60 mph run of 4.1 seconds. With either engine, an additional 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of boost is available. Top speed is 130 mph on both models.
The AMG CLE53 features a more powerful inline-six that develops up to 443 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. With this setup, 60 mph arrives as quickly as 3.6 seconds.
If we're lucky, perhaps AMG will build a CLE63S E Performance. In the C63S, that powertrain combined a plug-in hybrid system with an F1-inspired four-cylinder for a sky-high power output of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.
Safety Features
Standard safety features on the CLE include active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, speed limit assist, and a parking package. The Driver Assistance Package adds lane change assist, active blind-spot assist, avoidance steering assist, and more.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Mercedes says the 2024 CLE-Class Coupe offers more space than the C-Class Coupe. Rear headroom compared to the C-Class increases by a scant 0.4 inch, but rear legroom and cargo space increase by slightly more than 2 inches. Compared to the E-Class Coupe, the new model has slightly less rear legroom (1.7 inches) and cargo space (0.2 inch).
In practice, the rear seats can fit passengers comfortably, although taller riders will wish for more headroom. According to the automaker, the trunk of the CLE can fit three golf bags. In our tests, though, we've found that would require some clever Tetris. We could easily fit two large suitcases back there, making this coupe suitable for road trips.
Technology
An 11.9-inch infotainment screen sits front and center in the cabin, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital driver display. Using the same new electronic architecture as the 2024 E-Class, it features 5G data transmission. Like in the new E-Class, it will feature apps like TikTok, Webex, Zoom, and Angry Birds. Drivers can also create "routines" with the help of AI. For example, you can command the car to turn on the heated seats and set the ambient lighting to orange if the interior temperature reaches 53 degrees. The CLE comes standard with a Burmester 3D surround sound system with 17 speakers.
Coupes and Convertibles of Mercedes Past
Mercedes-Benz once offered coupe and convertible variants of the C-, E-, and even S-Class. Two-door S-Class models are long gone, and the latest C- and E-Class redesigns have been wagon and sedan only. There were more affordable alternatives to the droptop SL-Class, the SLK that was later renamed SLC, but 2020 was the final year of that model line. We're grateful to see Mercedes bringing back an accessible two-row two-door, especially as the SL got pricier with its recent redesign.
