Mercedes-Benz CLE (2027)

The CLE offers smooth speed across a broad range of driving styles. The 255-hp CLE 300 is the sensible everyday choice, while the 375-hp inline-six CLE 450 delivers a reported 4.2-second 0–60 mph run. The AMG CLE 53 raises output to 443 hp, with reviewers recording launches around 3.7 seconds. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic keep commuting refined, although some testers noticed boosty power delivery, transmission hesitation, and a muted or synthesized exhaust note.

The CLE is most convincing when driven as a long-distance luxury tourer. Its quiet highway refinement and composed suspension make extended trips feel relaxed, while the cabriolet’s fabric roof, Air Cap, and Air Scarf preserve comfort with the top down. AMG versions remain surprisingly supple despite their pace, and stop-start operation is notably smooth. The trade-offs are firm standard front seats, limited evidence that passive dampers match every rival, and a heavier AMG feel that becomes more apparent on rough or winding roads.

The CLE is more usable than its sleek proportions suggest, but it remains a true 2+2. Its 191-inch overall length helps create a relatively spacious front cabin and a useful coupe trunk, supporting daily errands better than many compact two-doors. Rear seats can work for shorter adults or occasional passengers, and some cabriolet testing found four-adult usability surprisingly good. However, rear-seat access is awkward, headroom is limited for taller occupants, and the convertible sacrifices cargo capacity when its roof is folded.

The CLE feels secure and controlled rather than lightweight or razor-sharp. U.S. models use standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the AMG CLE 53 adds rear-biased 4MATIC+, rear-axle steering, torque vectoring, and quick turn-in. Those systems support confident wet-weather driving and make the AMG genuinely entertaining on twisty roads. Still, its roughly 4,400-pound curb weight limits agility against a BMW M4, while experts describe the regular CLE as less engaging and more grand tourer than sports coupe.

The cabin delivers strong visual drama and useful technology, but execution is uneven for the price. The 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen offers navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and broad functionality, yet reviewers criticize slow software and touch-heavy controls. Available massaging seats, ambient lighting, and Burmester audio can elevate the experience, although the standard sound system is underwhelming. Piano-black trim attracts fingerprints, and hard plastics, steering-wheel control glitches, and occasional build-quality complaints weaken the otherwise upscale impression.

The mild-hybrid lineup supports efficient, low-effort touring without turning the CLE into an economy car. The CLE 300 is rated around 24/33 mpg city/highway with an estimated range near 470 miles, while the CLE 450 reaches roughly 23/33 mpg and about 450 miles. An independent CLE 450 drive reportedly returned 26.7 mpg, supporting Mercedes’ efficiency claims. AMG performance lowers economy to about 20/27 mpg, but the 65.8-liter tank still suits long highway journeys.

The CLE’s final verdict is pleasantly clear: it is a quiet grand tourer first and a sports coupe second. The CLE 450 and AMG 53 supply convincing acceleration, while standard AWD—and the AMG’s rear-steer hardware—make fast, wet-weather driving feel secure, though the AMG’s weight dulls agility. Its ride is polished for commuting and road trips, but firm seats can spoil long stints. Owners and experts like the design, front-cabin room, and touring range, yet fiddly touchscreen controls, uneven software, hard plastics, and occasional glitches weaken the premium impression. Rear seats remain occasional-use territory, especially for tall passengers, and the cabriolet gives up cargo space. Choose the CLE 300 for relaxed value, the six-cylinder models for effortless pace, and the coupe for maximum refinement. It earns its recommendation as a distinctive, capable luxury GT—not as the sharpest or best-finished choice in the class.