2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Key Features
- Starting at $59,550 MSRP* (CLE Coupe) or $68,050* (CLE Cabriolet)
- 2.0L Inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
- Standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive with 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
- Available as a 2-door coupe or cabriolet with triple-layer acoustic fabric soft top
- 3rd Generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 11.9-inch touchscreen central multimedia display
- Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System
- Enhanced 64-color LED ambient lighting
- Standard PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
About the Mercedes-Benz CLE
Marking the beginning of a new era of sophistication and style from Mercedes-Benz, the CLE-Class is a spacious coupe or cabriolet that offers a notably more luxurious experience than the competition. As the name suggests, the CLE sits between the C-Class and the E-Class in the Mercedes-Benz lineup with unique and elegant styling that carries on the Mercedes-Benz tradition of building some of the most desirable coupes and cabriolets the world has ever seen. There is a choice of two different engines each mated to a mild hybrid system, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and 4MATIC® all-wheel drive system. The stylish two-door is made to be more engaging behind the wheel than the sedan models on either side in the lineup and the option of a drop-top sets it apart even further. As you would expect from Mercedes-Benz, the CLE comes loaded with all of the latest connectivity, safety, and comfort amenities.
What the Critics Say
But what’s impressive is the fact that it’s one of the best small luxury cars you can buy, two- or four-door. If you don’t need the practicality or space of a sedan, you’d likely enjoy owning the CLE more than a C-Class or E-Class. It’s sharper-looking and more enjoyable to drive while offering the comfort, luxury and tech of its four-door siblings.” — Edmunds
In general, the two-door luxury coupe is a dying breed that appeals to a dwindling demographic, and we’ll wager the target market will find the CLE most satisfactory. It’s extraordinarily handsome, has a Benz-grade posh interior and reasonably high level of tech, and its chassis setup provides first-class comfort with a sporty edge.” — MotorTrend
What’s New for 2026
Several impressive updates have been made to the dynamic Mercedes-Benz CLE Class for the 2026 model year. For both CLE Coupe and CLE Cabriolet variants, these are now available with a new Engineering Package that adds an adaptive damping suspension and 2.5-degree rear-axle steering. The Surround View System is now offered as a standalone option in addition to a new Black Fine Structure center console option.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Features
Engaging Dynamics
Catering to the needs of discerning motorists, the Mercedes-Benz CLE offers the same engine options as the E-Class sedan. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a mild hybrid system. This engine produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, enough to give the Coupe an admirable 6.2-second 0-60 time. For those who want more power, there is an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine, also mated to a mild hybrid system, which produces 375 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, and shaves a full two seconds off the 0-60 time of the base model. Just like the E-Class, both engines also come with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, making the CLE an ideal highway cruiser. For drivers who want to push it in the corners, a sport-tuned suspension and sport brakes are both available.
Luxurious Interior
While the Mercedes-Benz CLE is exceptionally good-looking, it’s the interior that really sets it apart from other cars. For one thing, there is a lot of natural light. Coupe versions come with a standard panoramic roof while cabriolet models obviously let even more light in. The soft top is comprised of three layers of material including acoustic damping to keep the interior quiet while the roof is up. When the sun goes down, 64-color LED ambient lighting provides the illumination and a tasteful complement to the cabin. Heated seats and dual-zone climate control come standard and multiple leather upholstery options are available. To give you a listening experience that rivals the driving experience in the CLE, a 17-speaker, 710-watt Burmester® 3D surround sound system that’s a seriously impressive bit of audio equipment is included as standard.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Mercedes-Benz has always been a leader in automotive technology and the CLE comes packed with all of the latest features, starting with the 3rd-generation MBUX infotainment operating system. This comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, MB Navigation, and different user profiles extend to infotainment preferences, not just things like seat position. For those who want even more tech features, there is MBUX augmented video for navigation which overlays things like street names and turning directions on top of a live video feed on the central touchscreen. Or you can opt for a head-up display which displays important information right on the windshield. Active Parking Assist, often an optional feature even on vehicles costing twice as much as the CLE, just one example of how much further ahead Mercedes-Benz technology really is.
Trims & Specs
CLE Coupe Models
CLE 300 4MATIC® Coupe
- Starting at $59,550 MSRP*
- 2.0L Inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive
- 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- Heated front seats
- Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System
CLE 450 4MATIC® Coupe
- Starting at $69,000 MSRP*
- 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive
- Sport suspension
- Sport brake system
- AMG body styling
- MB-Tex upper dash trim w/Nappa grain
CLE Cabriolet Models
CLE 300 4MATIC® Cabriolet
- Starting at $68,050 MSRP*
- 2.0L Inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive
- All-season 3-layer acoustic power soft top
- AIRSCARF neck-level heating system
- AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop system
- Power front seats with memory
CLE 450 4MATIC® Cabriolet
- Starting at $77,400 MSRP*
- 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive
- Remote opening and closing of windows and soft top
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Enhanced 64-color LED ambient lighting
- Illuminated entry system with logo projectors
*The Total Price is the Starting at price plus estimated taxes and fees once a ZIP code is provided but is subject to change and may vary based on location of the Dealer and customer, inventory levels, vehicle features and available discounts and rebates. Additional products added to your deal will affect the price. The Total Price displayed is an estimate.Return to Disclaimer