A Complete Guide To The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class

A new model for 2024, the Mercedes-Benz CLE has a tough road ahead of it, as it aims to replace both the C-Class and E-Class coupes in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Size-wise it fits in between the two former models, and receives power from the usual choice of Mercedes engines, many of which are now equipped with a starter/generator in a mild-hybrid system.

Many reasonably-priced two-door luxury cars are becoming extinct, as manufacturers opt for four-door cars with coupe-like silhouettes, to grant better access to rear-seats. The CLE Coupe keeps the traditional bodystyle and fills the cabin with traditional Mercedes-Benz traits – classic design, minimalist luxury and state-of-the-art technology. Launching in the first quarter of 2024, it will later welcome a Cabriolet sibling, which we will cover when more information becomes available. Mercedes-AMG variants will also be covered in a separate guide.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. HotCars sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about our rating system.

What’s New For 2024?

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe wears the traditional coupe exterior of a long hood, sweeping roofline and tight rear deck, with short overhangs framing a long wheelbase. Muscular shoulders and haunches convey the performance potential of the athletic body.

2024 Highlights

• Brand-new model for the model year
• Sized between the outgoing C- and E-Class coupes, the CLE is the largest coupe in the segment
• A shark nose with flat LED headlights uphold modern-day Mercedes family design cues
• Trifunctional LED headlight-brow incorporates daytime running lights, position lights and turn signals

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE offers up turbocharged inline four- and six-cylinder engines, both using a transmission-integrated starter/generator (ISG) to provide 23 horsepower and 151 pounds-feet of torque in a mild-hybrid set up. That allows a smoother stop/start function, improves fuel-economy, and provides bottom-end boost for brisker acceleration.

The CLE 300 uses the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the CLE 450 uses the 3.0-liter turbo straight-six. Dual-stage cam lifts and variable-flow exhausts, combined to build up turbo boost and improve revving at low engine speeds, as well as engine response.

Both use nine-speed automatic transmissions to send power to all four wheels, hence the 4MATIC designation for both, using a system that is more efficient and lighter than previous iterations.

Performance Specifications

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE

• Exclusive high-back sport seats are heated and can be optionally fitted with integrated speakers
• Driver display can be customized in Normal, Sport and Understated modes
• Sliding feature for front seats creates ease-of-entry to rear seating
• Belt-buckling warnings are activated for all occupied seats

The interior of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE can be enhanced with a choice of 64 ambient lighting from the instrument panel trim, cupholders, overhead control unit, door handles and seat-adjustments. The high-backed seats come standard with heat and optional with ventilation and massage features.

In addition to smoothening out the ride, the longer wheelbase provides improved room from the outgoing C-Class Coupe, particularly evident in the rear, where knee-room can be improved by nearly three inches. The trunk can reportedly house three golf bags, which means one of the occupants in a full cabin will have to rent at the golf course.

The standard Burmester 3D surround sound system pumps out sound through 17 speakers, including two each in the front seat headrests.

Technology

The instrument panel in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe features an 11.9-inch center display in portrait mode, rising up from the center console, angled slightly toward the driver. In front of the new multi-function steering wheel, a free-standing fully-digital 12.3-inch display can be customized for individual drivers in Normal, Sport or Understated mode. The head-up display features augmented reality for turn-by-turn navigation.

In addition to the latest MBUX user-experience system that allows control over many vehicle functions through voice commands, a KEYLESS-GO package increases convenience with a push-button engine start/stop button, and by locking and unlocking the doors by simply touching the respective door handle. In HANDS-FREE ACCESS mode, the trunk can also be opened through a kicking motion under the rear bumper.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

Because the Mercedes-Benz CLE is a new model, new to market in 2024, it is far too early to judge its reliability. Although it has already been named in a NHTSA recall, for an 80-Amp fuse that could fail and result in a sudden loss of drive power or other critical systems safety systems, such as instrumentation or restraints, and also potentially increase the risk of fire.

Driver Assistance Features

Mercedes-Benz has been a pioneer in the development of driving aids, and the CLE Coupe benefits from an extensive suite of functions ranging from steering and parking assistance, as well as passive safety features, such as gauging driver alertness or physically nudging occupants away from the sides of the car if an impending side collision is sensed.

• Head-Up Display With Augmented Reality
• Attention Assist
• DISTRONIC Adaptive Cruise Control
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Brake Assist
• Cross-Traffic Alert
• Emergency Stop Assist
• Collision mitigation and occupant protection
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Change Assist

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 1; high-current fuse
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0

Warranties

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLE is fully covered for 4 years or 50,000 miles, and benefits from roadside assistance for the entire term. That comprehensive warranty covers powertrain, corrosion and all components, but the company does not offer a maintenance program. Buyers do have the option of pre-paying for future maintenance and extended warranty for up to three years beyond the new vehicle warranty term expires.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Versus Its Competitors

Two-door luxury coupes are gradually going extinct, with many migrating upmarket to the ultra-luxury grand touring segment or sailing for high-performance shores, while many four-seat luxury coupe offerings are adding doors for easier access to rear seats. The only two-door, four-seat competitors in the luxury segment for the new CLE are from German compatriots Audi and BMW. All three are available in coupe and convertible models.

How The Mercedes-Benz CLE Compares To The BMW 4 Series

• 	2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe	2024 BMW 4-Series
  Make	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
  Model	CLE	4-Series
  Segment	Luxury Cars	Luxury Car
  Engine/Motor	2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl, 3.0L Turbo 6-Cyl	2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder / 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder
  Horsepower	255-375 HP	255 – 503 HP
  Torque	295-369 LB-FT	295 – 479 LB-FT
  Drivetrain	AWD	RWD / AWD
  Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual
  MSRP	$56,500-$65,650	$49,900 – $93,300
  0-60 MPH	4.4-6.2 Seconds	3.4 – 5.3 Seconds

As with many Mercedes-Benz models, there is a BMW equivalent, in the 4 Series. The Merc actually presents a more viable competitor for the Bimmer, matching up almost exactly in entry-level power and in exterior dimensions. The one difference is a higher roofline over the rear passengers, offering them better headroom. Unlike the 4, whose base is rear-wheel drive, the CLE is only available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Although the BMW 430i matches up exactly with the CLE’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and the 440i nearly so with its 3.0-liter “six,” it manages to outsprint the Merc to 60 mph by split seconds. The BMW 4 Series is also cheaper at the bottom end of the line-up, but more expensive at the top end. The other difference is in ride and handling with the 4 Series getting the better of the CLE through the twisties, but feeling a bit harsher over broken pavement.

How The Mercedes-Benz CLE Compares To The Audi A5

• 	2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe	2022 Audi A5
  Make	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
  Model	CLE	A5
  Segment	Luxury Cars	Luxury Cars
  Engine/Motor	2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl, 3.0L Turbo 6-Cyl	2-liter I4 mild hybrid
  Horsepower	255-375 HP	201-261 HP
  Torque	295-369 LB-FT	236-273 LB-FT
  Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
  Transmission	9-Speed Automatic	7-speed automatic

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE equals the Audi A5 in its all-wheel drivetrain, but the former’s 2.0-liter engine is considerably more powerful than the latter’s, by 50-hp and 60 lb-ft of torque. Then, the CLE has the option of a six-cylinder engine that completely blows away the Audi’s “four.” Larger in all exterior measurements also means the Merc is roomier in all interior dimensions.

The Audi A5 is preparing for a redesign for the coming model year, and it’s expected to be a closer competitor for the new CLE. The outgoing A5 is as sure-footed as the CLE, and about $8,000 cheaper both at the entry point of the line-up and at the top end of the 2.0-liter engine model. The Audi’s roofline is more squared off, which means better headroom comfort for rear passengers, as well as rear legroom and shoulder room.

How Much Does A 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cost?

Starting at $56,500, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE can climb to near $70,000 by the time you factor in option packages and standalones. The Pinnacle trim level starts at $59,100 for CLE 300 4MATIC and $68,250 for the CLE 450 4MATIC.

Fuel Economy

Although considerably different in their power outputs, the engines in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE are relatively close in their fuel economy, with the six-cylinder model setting its owners only about $200 back per year in fuel costs, thanks to the mild-hybrid system that shuts the engine down at full-stops and during consistent cruising on highway runs.

Is It Worth Buying A Mercedes-Benz CLE?

With the luxury segment consolidating or eliminating its two-door model line-ups, the Mercedes-Benz CLE becomes one of the most affordable luxury coupes on the market, and certainly a worthy investment in a sporty bodystyle with a healthy dose of luxury salted in.

That it keeps the timeless classic looks of the Mercedes=Benz marque is a plus for buyers who are interested in purchasing a model that will perhaps age more gracefully than some of the more radically-modern designs some manufacturers use to show their cutting-edge redesigns.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, FuelEconomy.gov, J.D.Power, NHTSA.