2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE AMG CLE 53

Price Range: $72,800 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Keith Buglewicz | Edmunds

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE AMG CLE 53 Coupe Exterior. European Model Shown.

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There may be fewer and fewer new coupes on the road these days, but you'll find some gems among the remaining bunch. The CLE is a comfortable, quiet and well-appointed luxury coupe that replaces both the C-Class and E-Class coupes. It's not the sportiest two-door out there, but it's plenty quick when you ask for it. It's one of the more expensive vehicles in its class, but when it comes to luxury 2+2s, there are few out there better than the Mercedes CLE.Read full review

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26 mpg

Combined MPG

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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Review

byJosh Jacquot^{Correspondent
Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

rating written byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Optional smooth, powerful and silent inline six-cylinder
Standard all-wheel drive across the lineup
Easy on the eyes inside and out

Cons

Costly engine is required to make it fun
More relaxed canyon cruiser than back-road athlete
Some interior finishes miss the mark in this price range

What's new

New CLE coupe and convertible replace the C-Class and E-Class equivalents
New performance-oriented AMG CLE 53 coupe variant
Kicks off the first CLE generation for 2024

Overview

The CLE is a new coupe and convertible that slots into the Mercedes roster between the C-Class and E-Class lineups, replacing the existing C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles. Its mission is to be a more engaging-to-drive car than the sedans in those lines. Two engines are available in the coupe and convertible (aka Cabriolet), both paired with a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. A higher-output AMG CLE 53 version will join the lineup later in 2024.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE AMG CLE 53 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.73 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$170/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Edmunds spotlight: Fashion and function

Inside, the CLE offers the decluttered dash and center stack of many modern Benzs, giving it a decidedly upscale presentation. There's a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch center touchscreen. And there's the third-generation MBUX infotainment system that adds to the appeal since it's more intuitive than the second-gen system that's still in many Mercedes vehicles. But the CLE is not perfect. Some interior door plastics aren't as well finished as we'd expect in this segment. Standard equipment is adequate. Forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance are included but you need to spring for the Driver Assistance package to get adaptive cruise, blind-spot warning and lane centering assistance. Neither the base coupe nor convertible offers adaptive dampers, which is fine — we like the compliant, comfy ride these models offer. The adaptive dampers, as well as rear-axle steering, will be available on the higher-performance AMG CLE 53.

Competitors to consider

BMW's 4 Series coupe and convertible and Audi's A5 and S5 coupe and convertible are the CLE's direct competitors. The Audi RS 5 coupe and the BMW M4 Coupe compete closely in output with the upcoming AMG CLE 53 variant.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the CLE drive? The CLE is firmly in the luxury coupe camp, but that doesn't mean it's a snooze behind the wheel. Our CLE 450 4Matic test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4.5 seconds, putting it near the top of the class. The turbocharged inline-six is smooth, with very little turbo lag and power all over the rev band. The automatic transmission is smooth and seamless in operation, and it never stumbles or seems to be in the wrong gear at the wrong time.

Overall handling is better than you might expect for a luxury coupe. The suspension is compliant, but the smooth ride doesn't lead to excessive body roll in a turn. The CLE's standard all-wheel-drive system puts the power down firmly to the pavement, so traction is never really an issue. Steering feel is a bit lacking, but the light effort and quick response to the driver's inputs make the CLE easy to park.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the CLE? Comfort and ease are the name of the game here. Ride quality is excellent overall. The CLE soaks up bumps and imperfections with easy, sending very few vibrations or shocks through the cabin, even on rougher road surfaces. CLE 450 models like our test car come standard with a sport suspension setup (optional on the CLE 300), but it's fairly compliant as far as these things go. Seat comfort is nice with our car's optional seats offering tons of adjustment for lumbar, bolstering and more. It may take a second to dial in a good position, but few people will have trouble finding a comfortable setting.

Like most current Mercedes models, the CLE uses touchscreen controls for the climate system. They're easy to reach, but the low placement on the screen and lack of physical controls mean taking your eyes off the road to make adjustments or using voice commands, neither of which is ideal. Heated and ventilated seats work well, though. The fans, like the CLE as a whole, are quiet, even at full blast. Very little wind or road noise intrudes into the cabin.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The CLE is one of the more spacious coupes in this class. The CLE is fairly easy to get in and out of for a coupe, though the long doors can make it difficult to slip in and out of in tight spaces. The front should offer plenty of room for passengers of every size, while the rear is tight for adults but offers more space than rivals from BMW, Audi and Lexus.

The driving position is comfortable, and most of the controls are easy to see and reach. The controls themselves aren't our favorite. The steering wheel's capacitive touch controls haven't grown on us over the years, and the touchscreen is responsive but comes with a steep learning curve. Controls for the heated seats can be hard to see, too. The tall beltline and long hood hurt outward visibility, but the standard surround-view camera system offers high-resolution images that make parking much easier.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $3,810 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,810 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG CLE 53 trim.}

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE AMG CLE 53 pricing in Ashburn, VA

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Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The learning curve can be steep, but Mercedes' infotainment and technology is some of the best in any car on the road today. The navigation system is clean and easy to use, with large maps and clear turn-by-turn directions. You can use voice commands to input an address, adjust the climate control, or even have the car tell you a joke. If you prefer to use your own device, the CLE features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Both work wirelessly, and there are a handful of USB-C ports for charging and connection. There's a wireless charging pad in front of the cupholders, too.

The CLE is available with a wide array of driver aids, including standard features like an automated parking system, a surround-view camera and blind-spot warning. Our test vehicle was equipped with a few other options, including adaptive cruise control. Everything worked well in practice, with no false readings or phantom jabs of the brake.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The CLE is a bit longer than rivals like the BMW 4 Series or Lexus RC, but that affords the Mercedes slightly more trunk space. While the cargo area isn't as spacious as what you'll find on a similarly sized sedan, it's large enough to fit a sizable load of groceries or a week's worth of luggage for two. The rear seat folds down for additional storage, too. Storage up front isn't quite as good. The door pockets are long but shallow, and the cupholders are deep and tightly spaced. It can be a pinch to get a drink out if both cupholders are in use.

The rear seat offers Isofix anchors for a child's seat, though the sleek roofline and limited rear space make getting larger seats in difficult or even impossible. You could get a smaller seat inside in a pinch, but there's not much space to work with.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The base four-cylinder CLE 300 has a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg (24 city/34 highway). Our six-cylinder CLE 450 test vehicle has a slightly lower rating with a 26 mpg combined estimated (23 city/33 highway). We saw a solid 27.4 mpg on Edmunds' testing route. Those figures aren't quite class-leading, but they're near the top of the segment and fairly good considering the CLE's performance.

Value

7.5/10

Is the CLE a good value? With a base price that's pushing $60,000, the CLE is one of the more expensive cars in its class. A no-option CLE 300 starts thousands of dollars above cars like an equivalent BMW 4 Series or Lexus RC. Our well-equipped CLE 450 test car came in at a cool $77,090. The CLE's list of standard features is generally better than what you'll find elsewhere, especially when you consider things like standard all-wheel drive. We think the interior feels a bit more premium in the Mercedes, too, with nicer materials for the trim and upholstery than in the competition. Still, there are cheaper ways to get into a luxury coupe.

Mercedes' four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties are average for the class. The CLE also comes with four years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance, but we're surprised by the lack of any included service visits, a common feature in this class.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The CLE stands out merely by being a coupe in an age where proper two-doors are becoming few and far between. It's handsome and distinctly Mercedes, with clean lines and sharp details. Unlike cars like the divisive BMW 4 Series, the CLE is unlikely to offend, even if it isn't the most standout in a crowd. The interior offers much more personality than the exterior suggests, especially with details like the standard 64-color ambient interior lighting.

This isn't the sportiest coupe out there, but not it's not trying to be. It's plenty quick and handles well enough, but this is a car that aims to be comfortable, quiet and cool. There it exceeds.

Which CLE does Edmunds recommend?

We'll admit that the more powerful CLE 450 is the better-driving car, but its considerably higher asking price adds significant power yet includes no additional features. We think the CLE 300 is the smarter buy if you can do without the additional power.

Mercedes-Benz CLE Reviews

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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Features & Specs

Type:

AMG CLE 53

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$72,800
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$170/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the CLE include:

Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE First Impressions

byNick Yekikian

•7/05/2023 (updated 9/12/2023)

What is the CLE?

Mercedes is taking one more crack at the tried-and-true 2+2 luxury coupe formula with the new-for-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE. The all-new nameplate is designed to do a few things in one package. Its first job is to replace two cars, the C-Class and E-Class coupes. (A convertible will come later.) The second is to be a more interesting and better-to-drive alternative to the brand's less expensive sedans.

The CLE is a true tweener in that it's bigger than the C-Class coupe in every dimension but smaller than the E-Class in most of them. (The CLE actually offers more shoulder room in the rear and more legroom up front than the E-Class coupe did.) Its exterior dimensions are far closer to the E than the C, but unlike the previous E-Class coupe, the CLE has a door pillar. In the past, Mercedes' more premium 2+2s featured two main side windows and two rear quarter windows that weren't interrupted by a middle roof pillar, but not so in the CLE. It's a small design choice, but one that makes the CLE feel less special from before you even get inside.

How does the CLE drive?

On the first day we drove the CLE 300, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that kicks out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive.

Power from the smaller 2.0-liter didn't quite fit the CLE's mission statement, though, and for the second half of our day we swapped into the CLE 450 that ups the ante to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Right away it became clear the bigger engine was the one to have. The extra low-range torque and burlier top-end thrust of the inline-six felt perfectly matched to the CLE's sportier sheetmetal — it simply fits this car's brief more appropriately.

The CLE wasn't exactly built with corner carving in mind. Both the brake pedal and the steering felt too remote, and it was difficult to find faith in the front end, especially when it felt like the car's rear had a mind of its own due to the rear steer. After day one, the CLE came off as a bit of a head-scratcher. A sporty-looking coupe that didn't feel all that, well, sporty.

However, on the second day of driving with the CLE we found a coastal route with long sweepers and long straights — this is where CLE came good. With the optional (and excellent) Burmester stereo with Dolby Atmos thumping away in the background and stunning vistas in front of us, we weren't scratching our heads any longer.

Its skill set might be limited to comfortable cruising, but that is where the CLE 300 and CLE 450 excel. Plus, sportier AMG versions are already on their way, and they'll more than likely take care of the buyers who want something with sharper handling and even more thrust.

How comfortable is the CLE?

The highway-heavy stretches of our drive time gave us the chance to evaluate the CLE's ride, but first a caveat: the car we drove was equipped with an adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering. While the adaptive dampers can adjust the firmness of the ride, and the rear-wheel steering aids low-speed maneuverability, Mercedes says both features won't be available on any CLE in the U.S. regardless of specification.

We're not overly concerned — our CLE test car rode well in any mode, and the suspension controlled the car's mass well without feeling too stiff. The seats also proved to be comfortable, especially in the higher-spec 450 model where they are both heated and cooled. All in all, the CLE is a cushy cruiser that delivers on the Mercedes-Benz tradition of being elegant, comfortable and tech-forward personal 2+2 transportation.

How's the CLE's interior?

The CLE's interior is essentially the same as the cabin of the redesigned C-Class, and that's fine with us — though we'd be remiss not to mention that the stunning, width-spanning Hyperscreen from the E-Class and S-Class doesn't appear here. You do get a sizable 11.9-inch touchscreen front and center, alongside a 12.3-inch digital driver display. These complement ambient lighting strips on the doors, center console and even the air vents.

In the CLE the copy-and-paste Mercedes interior remains a great-looking place to sit thanks to a decluttered dash, great sightlines and driver-oriented setup. It does fall down in terms of usability, however. Touch-sensitive controls are used for everything from the volume control to the rearview mirror adjusters, and they're both too fiddly and less accurate than more typical physical controls would be. In addition to those concerns, some of the interior plastics, especially those on the doors and below your beltline, felt low-quality and rough to the touch.

How's the CLE's's tech?

The CLE is the second vehicle in Mercedes' lineup — after the new E-Class — to be equipped with the third generation of the excellent MBUX operating system. A digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver and is flanked by a portrait-style center display that controls almost all of the car's major functions. Everything from maps to music and even Angry Birds (not kidding) is controlled by the center screen. Despite being relatively menu-heavy, the interface itself is darn simple to use and presents almost none of the learning curve of the old MBUX systems.

In terms of advanced safety features, the CLE will come standard with forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance. Every other function — from adaptive cruise control to blind-spot warning and lane centering assistance — is bundled into the Driver Assistance package.

Edmunds says

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE has the unenviable task of replacing two vehicles, but after having driven it, we can safely say it nails that mission.

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 CLE both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CLE has 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz CLE. Learn more

What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE:

New CLE coupe and convertible replace the C-Class and E-Class equivalents
New performance-oriented AMG CLE 53 coupe variant
Kicks off the first CLE generation for 2024

Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz CLE is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CLE. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CLE's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 CLE and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 CLE is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE AMG CLE 53 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $72,800.

Other versions include:

AMG CLE 53 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $72,800

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What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLE?

If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz CLE, the next question is, which CLE model is right for you? CLE variants include AMG CLE 53 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of CLE models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE AMG CLE 53

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