2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Expert Review

Mercedes-Benz sacrificed the C- and E-Class Cabriolets to create the lovely and fun-to-drive CLE. Two-door coupes are very rare in the new car market, and the high-end automaker makes two of them, the CLE-Class and maximum performance AMG GT.

The CLE’s main and arguably only competitor in the luxury two-door coupe segment is the BMW 4 Series, but the pricier 8 Series coupe could also be considered a rival.

What’s New

For the coupe’s third model year, Mercedes-Benz gives the 2026 CLE-Class lineup two new limited Manufaktur edition variants that come with additional standard equipment, as well as distinctive design details. The CLE was new for 2024 and last year the Cabriolet body and AMG CLE53 performance trim joined the family.

What Is the AMG CLE Manufaktur Edition?

The most custom, high-end Mercedes you can buy from the automaker come through its in-house Manufaktur bespoke program. This year, the CLE lineup receives two Manufaktur models that are built on the AMG CLE53 Coupe and Cabriolet.

The exterior of the 2026 CLE Manufaktur Edition Coupe is sprayed in Graphite Grey Magno paint and features yellow “AMG” lettering. Starling Blue Magno paint as well as black and blue graphics differentiate the Cabriolet.

Both ride on 20-inch wheels, but the fixed-roof model comes with forged cross-spoke rims in black with yellow rim flanges, while the convertible open-top variant sports multi-spoke Y-design wheels with black accents.

Regardless of body style, the 2026 CLE Manufaktur comes standard with the AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced. To the Coupe, this adds black Nappa leather upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. The Cabriolet gets a new exclusive Nappa leather in white with black accents.

Door sill trims illuminated in yellow and floormats with yellow branding and stitchwork are included with the hardtop, whereas the convertible comes with white lighting and white accents on its floormats. Carbon-fiber cabin accents are shared between models.

Manufaktur edition models also add additional standard features compared to run-of-the-mill CLE53. Both Coupe and Cabriolet gain the AMG Dynamic Plus package (which includes active engine mounts), AMG Real Performance Sound (for enhancing the piped-in engine noises), and the Pinnacle trim (this brings in Digital Light headlights with projections, augmented video navigation, and a head-up display with AMG-exclusive content).

Coupes also feature the AMG Night Package Plus (glass black exterior accents) and AMG Performance Studio package (AMG front and rear fascia, trunklid spoiler). The convertible comes with standard AMG Carbon Fiber packages I and II, which adds an AMG front fascia, side sill panel inserts, rear bumper, trunklid spoiler, and side mirror caps made from the composite material. Finally, both Coupe and Cabriolet score a silver chrome AMG fuel cap and car cover.

What We Think

The CLE-Class coupe and convertible body styles are properly attractive, but the design gets a little spicier with the AMG model. The performance trim is the most fun to drive in the lineup, delivering good quickness, excellent brakes, and direct steering, though it can handle only short stints of at-limit driving.

The CLE’s engine is also too quiet when the car is driven quickly, but the suspension is plush enough to tolerate the stiffer Sport mode even away from the track.

Power delivery is generally smooth, but the engine’s stop/start system sometimes needs a moment to refire.

For having only two doors, four seats, and unimpressive fuel economy, the CLE can be surprisingly practical. It comes with a huge trunk, and although the roof is low, legroom is generous. Cabin screens are great in both execution and operation, and Mercedes offers plenty of options to make the CLE more premium, even opulent.

The CLE-Class shows us that the automaker still knows a thing or two about making exciting but livable two-door models. That said, a rival like the BMW 4 Series is equaling compelling and slightly more affordable.

Performance and MPGs

Every 2026 CLE powertrain should continue to use a 48-volt mild hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmission. We expect AWD will be standard, as well.

Mercedes-AMG CLE300 Coupe/Convertible

Drivetrain: AWD

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four mild hybrid

Horsepower/Torque: 255 hp/295 lb-ft

Efficiency (city/highway): 23-24/32-33 mpg

Acceleration (0–60 mph): 6.2 seconds (mfr est)

Mercedes-AMG CLE450 Coupe/Convertible

Drivetrain: AWD

Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid

Horsepower/Torque: 375 hp/369 lb-ft

Efficiency (city/highway): 23/32-33 mpg

Acceleration (0–60 mph): 4.1 seconds (coupe)

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe/Convertible

Drivetrain: AWD

Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid

Horsepower/Torque: 443 hp/414 lb-ft

Efficiency (city/highway): 19-20/26-27 mpg

Acceleration (0–60 mph): 3.6 seconds (coupe)

Safety Features

The 2026 CLE includes standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver focus monitoring, and self-parking. Automatic headlights and heated, rain-sensing wipers are also included with every model.

If the 2026 CLE continues where the 2025 model left off, available features will consist of adaptive cruise control with automatic lane change capability, road sign monitoring, and a 360 camera.

Cargo Space

Coupe trunk capacity isn’t as much as you’d get with the 2025 BMW 4 Series Coupe. That said, Mercedes packaged the CLE Cabriolet with more space than the BMW convertible.

Cargo Space

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Coupe: 11.2 cubic feet
2025 BMW 4 Series Coupe: 12 cubic feet
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Cabriolet: 9.6 cubic feet
2025 BMW 4 Series Convertible: 9 cubic feet

Technology

Every 2026 CLE-Class receives a 12.3-inch driver display and 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Look for other standard features to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and power front seats with memory, power-folding side mirrors, ambient lighting, a power trunklid, and remote start. Cabriolet models come with a neat feature that tilts the touchscreen at the touch of a button by 20 degrees to reduce glare when the top is down.