The new CLE replaces the C-Class and E-Class coupes, simplifying Mercedes’ lineup while demonstrating why coupes remain such appealing vehicles. It combines the successful formula of a Mercedes, luxury, comfort, and refinement, with the sporty look and feel that only a coupe can deliver.
Though coupes are declining in popularity, with major players in the industry like Audi stepping away from the segment, the CLE is a great example of what happens when a manufacturer gets it right. It has all the right ingredients for success, blending style, performance, and luxury seamlessly. However, all of this does come with a somewhat high price tag.
Drive & Comfort
The CLE 300 is the entry-level model in the CLE lineup, positioned as the least performance-oriented option in the family. However, it’s far from boring behind the wheel. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine with a mild hybrid system, it makes 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. While it prioritizes comfort and luxury over performance, it provides decent acceleration, making it well-suited for most driving conditions. The automatic transmission also adds to the driving experience, working well with the engine, and offering quick and smooth shifts while staying in the right gear under most driving conditions.
Handling is what you would expect from a Mercedes. While not the performance model, the CLE300 does well for a luxury coupe. The suspension offers a comfortable ride without introducing excessive body roll during cornering. The steering does lack when it comes to road feedback, but it still feels light and responsive.
As far as comfort goes, the CLE is great, it offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The ride quality is great, with the suspension smoothing out bumps and imperfections on rough roads. No matter the drive mode, the CLE 300 has a smooth and composed ride, never becoming too harsh. Road and wind noise are also kept to a minimum, even at highway speeds, adding to the luxurious experience inside the cabin.
Interior & Seats
The CLE’s interior brings a touch of luxury, with design and materials that feel upscale, something you’d expect from a Mercedes. The layout is both practical and intuitive, with controls that are easy to navigate. Dual digital displays, which include a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen, add to the modern, driver-focused ambiance of the cabin. While the steering wheel’s capacitive touch buttons can be frustrating to use and detract slightly from the user experience, the cabin is visually appealing and a great place to be. At night, ambient lighting illuminates the cabin beautifully, creating a great atmosphere that elevates the nighttime driving experience.
While coupes often struggle with space, the CLE stands out as an exception. It offers a surprisingly roomy cabin, and while it sits low, which is to be expected from a coupe, getting in and out is pretty easy. The seats are comfortable, with plenty of adjustments and generous headroom and legroom in the front. However, the rear seats are best suited for storage rather than passengers, as the legroom is quite tight for adults.
Technology
The CLE has all the modern tech you’d expect in a luxury car. The centrepiece in the cabin is an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, angled toward the driver for easy access. The infotainment system is responsive, user-friendly, and ranks among the better options in the automotive industry. Its vertical design also adds to the cabin’s ambiance, making it both functional and visually appealing. While the placement and design have received criticism from the automotive world, the current design improves usability and practicality versus the older one.
One drawback is that most functions, including climate control, are controlled through the touchscreen. While not a dealbreaker, physical climate controls would have been more convenient and easier to use. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel can also feel unintuitive at first. While not overly difficult to get used to, they may cause a bit of distraction until you get used to them.
On the positive side, the infotainment system supports voice commands, allowing drivers to adjust climate settings or even have a bit of fun joking around with the vehicle. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, enhancing the CLE’s connectivity and convenience. And while the available wireless charging pad is convenient, its placement can be awkward. When the cupholders are in use, accessing the charging pad becomes a bit Inconvenient.
Fuel Economy
The base four-cylinder CLE 300 leads the CLE lineup in fuel efficiency, prioritizing comfort and economy over performance. It’s rated at 9.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway, exceptional figures for a luxury coupe that still delivers respectable performance.
