2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE First Drive Review
Reports of the coupe and convertible's death have been greatly exaggerated.
Mark Takahashi
In an era when SUVs dominate auto sales, it's a welcome change when an automaker introduces a new coupe or convertible. Enter the all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, which replaces the previous C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible models. The C-Class and E-Class sedans continue, the latter receiving a redesign this year.
Because the 2024 Mercedes CLE replaces two models, the range is appropriately broad in scope, starting with a base car equipped with a modest engine and capped by a potent AMG model. Prices and performance vary accordingly. Based on a day driving both the CLE coupe and convertible, I can say I found the drop top delightfully effortless to drive, while the AMG variant adds a healthy dose of excitement.
Mercedes-Benz provided the vehicle for this 2024 CLE review and paid for airfare, lodging, meals, and experiences during the evaluation period.
Mark Takahashi
What Is the New CLE-Class?
The 2024 CLE-Class Coupe and Cabriolet (convertible) are available in the CLE 300 4Matic four-cylinder and CLE 450 4Matic six-cylinder model series, each with standard all-wheel drive. In addition, there is an AMG CLE 53 high-performance six-cylinder model, but for now, Mercedes offers it only as a coupe.
In terms of size, the new Mercedes CLE is about half an inch longer nose to tail than the last E-Class coupe and 6.5 inches longer than the previous C-Class coupe. The styling is nearly identical to the current C-Class sedan, last redesigned in 2022.
From the front, you'd have a tough time telling the C and CLE apart. Only when you get around to the profile view does it become apparent this is a two-door coupe or convertible. In the back, a black plastic trim element joins the CLE's taillights, a cue absent from its predecessors.
The AMG CLE 53 Coupe upgrades to a different grille and gets a rounder nose to match the rest of the AMG lineup. It also has a more muscular hood, and the flared fenders give it a broader and more athletic stance.
Inside, the CLE is also similar to the C-Class. The wide dashboard curves inward to blend into the center console, while a digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system appear tacked on rather than well integrated into the dash.
The AMG model spices things up with sport seats, faux suede upholstery inserts, red stitching, and a sport steering wheel. As expected, this higher-performing model doesn't stop at aesthetics; it has legitimate performance gains throughout.
Mark Takahashi
A Wide Range of Models and Prices
The base price of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic Coupe is $57,650, including the $1,150 destination charge to ship the car from Bremen, Germany. The CLE 300 4Matic Cabriolet starts at $65,500, including destination.
Both CLE 300 models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. On top of that, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds up to 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission powers all four wheels through the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The midrange CLE 450 4Matic Coupe costs $66,800, and the Cabriolet will set you back about $75,000. These models boast a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, increasing output to 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine features the same 48-volt mild-hybrid power boost as the turbo four.
Mark Takahashi
The AMG CLE 53 Coupe will begin arriving in showrooms this summer, and as of publication, official prices are still pending. It takes the CLE 450's turbo six and bumps output to 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. An overboost feature increases torque to 443 lb-ft for 10-second bursts.
I spent most of my time driving a CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet on Tenerife, a Spanish island off the west coast of Africa, and was pleased by its well-rounded nature. There's plenty of power to merge onto a fast-flowing highway confidently, and the six-cylinder engine remains blissfully quiet. Braking and handling are appropriate for a luxury touring car and are more than adequate for most drivers.
Those seeking more performance will likely prefer the AMG CLE 53 Coupe. There's noticeably more power, and the louder engine and exhaust add to the overall theater. Handling is much more capable on a winding mountain road, and encourages spirited drivers to slice through turns with enthusiasm. The ride quality is firmer than other CLEs, but it's still comfortable over long distances.
Mark Takahashi
Old-World Luxury With New-School Tech
Comfort is the name of the game with the CLE-Class, and that applies whether you take the coupe or convertible route.
The Cabriolet deserves additional acknowledgment for its Aircap feature, which significantly reduces wind buffeting. When the feature is activated, a mesh screen rises from behind the rear headrests and a hidden spoiler emerges from the top of the windshield. Even with the windows down, the Aircap system keeps your hair from whipping around and allows you to converse with your passenger without raising your voice.
Both the Coupe and Cabriolet can accommodate average-size adults in the rear seats, but not for long road trips. At 5 feet, 10 inches tall, my head was bumping into the headliner, but I had adequate legroom. The Coupe holds an advantage with its 14.8 cubic-foot cargo capacity, as the Cabriolet is limited to 13.6 cu-ft. That figure drops to 10.4 cu-ft with the top down, but two carry-on luggage bags should still fit.
Mark Takahashi
The CLE is also easy to live with, thanks to the praiseworthy Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The sizable 11.9-inch touchscreen delivers sharp graphics, quick responses, and large onscreen buttons to reduce distraction while driving. The navigation system benefits from augmented reality overlays in the head-up display and the main screen, which I found reduced my stress while traveling through unfamiliar locales.
In my opinion, the MBUX system also has one of the best voice controls in the industry. It allows for natural speech commands like "Hey Mercedes, where's the closest Starbucks?" The system will then set you on your way.
In addition, the CLE gets a full array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). During my evaluation, the adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring systems worked flawlessly with no false alarms or glitches. Combined with the CLE's easy-driving nature, the ADAS helped reduce driver effort and fatigue.
Mark Takahashi
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Is Effortlessly Luxurious
As someone who has continuously owned convertibles for the last three decades, it's reassuring to see that carmakers haven't completely abandoned this class. The CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet favors comfort over performance, making it an excellent luxury touring car. I feel it's a more refined and opulent alternative to the sportier BMW 4 Series.
If you're seeking performance comparable to the BMW, the AMG CLE 53 should satisfy that desire, but it's more in the league of the BMW M440i xDrive than the high-octane M4. Audi also has convertibles and coupes in the form of the A5 and S5, but I feel they lack the athleticism and luxury of the BMW and Benz, respectively.
On the luxury spectrum, you'd have to spend much more to surpass the CLE. Alternatives include the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Porsche 911 or pricier offerings from Aston Martin, Bentley, or Maserati.
Among these esteemed choices, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class proves it has the comfort, spirit, and smarts to appeal to various drivers. Even as it replaces two previous models, it fills both roles with a grace and elegance uncommon in the class.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Mark TakahashiThere's no such thing as a perfect car, but I'm convinced that there is a perfect car for you. That's why I've spent the last two decades reviewing every type of vehicle I could get my hands on. From economy hatchbacks to high-performance sports cars and pickup trucks to family SUVs, I've driven them all. I aim to deliver the most comprehensive evaluation possible so you can see for yourself which vehicle is likely to be the best fit for your life and budget.
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