Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a grand tourer which consists of the C236 coupe and the A236 cabriolet that were both launched in 2023 and replaced both the C and E-Class coupes. A performance variant, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 was released and a more powerful CLE 63, is also planned for 2025.

Overview

In 2005 a car named the "CLE" was rumoured and was expected to arrive in mid-2006. Thought to be based on the W204, a car of this type never came to production—until 2023.

The CLE Coupe replaced both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe as part of Mercedes' drive to streamline its model range. At 191 inches from bumper to bumper, the CLE is 1 inch longer than the outgoing E-class coupe but 6.5 inches longer than the outgoing C-class coupe. The added length mostly in the overhang size, with the CLE's 112.8-inch wheelbase within an inch of both of its predecessors. The CLE Coupe adopted the window design of the C-Class coupe with a B pillar and fixed rear windows, rather than the pillarless design of the E-Class Coupe with roll down rear windows.

Official manufacture of the coupe began in October 2023, while the convertible followed in April 2024.

Equipment

The CLE has a rounded, single-bar grille with a honeycomb mesh insert and is accompanied by C-Class-style headlights and sporty air intakes. The rear includes LED taillights and an angular boot with an integrated spoiler. There is also a curved bumper that does not have exhaust cutouts.

It also features the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which is also seen on multiple other models. The 11.9-inch vertically-positioned touchscreen comes with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

The CLE features the KEYLESS-GO system and the GUARD 360° safety system which helps monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, and notifies the owner of collision detection via the Mercedes me app.

The Cabriolet model additionally features an acoustic soft top, AIRCAP electric wind deflector system, AIRSCARF neck-level heating and ventilation, and electric cargo divider system.

Variants

The engine options of the CLE are shared with its saloon counterpart, the W214 E-Class, all of which feature the 48-volt EQ-boost mild hybrid system. This integrated starter-generator running on the 48-volt electrical system provides a boost of 23 hp and 148 pound-feet through the electric motor.

Four models are available at launch, which include the petrol CLE 200, CLE 300, CLE 450, and the diesel CLE 220d.

CLE 300

The base CLE 300 is powered by the M254 motor, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

CLE 450

The CLE 450 is powered by the M256 motor, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 pound-feet.

• Coupe (C236)
• Rear view (C236)
• Convertible (A236)
• Rear view (A236)

Mercedes-AMG models

AMG CLE 53

In December 2023, Mercedes introduced the CLE 53 AMG, featuring a mild-hybrid AMG-enhanced M256 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor, standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering, and styling with distinctive AMG design elements and flared wheel arches. The model is also available as a Cabriolet.

The CLE 53 AMG produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque (443 lb-ft for 10 seconds with overboost). The 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) provides support at lower engine speeds with 23 hp and 151 lb-ft. Models based on it are competing in Argentina's Turismo Carretera championship.

• Front view (CLE 53)
• Rear view (CLE 53)
• Interior

AMG CLE 63

A Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 model is planned for 2027. The CLE 63 will use a twin-turbo V8, akin to previous generations.

AMG Mythos

In January 2026, Mercedes-AMG teased the extreme, limited-edition Mythos model based on the CLE. It is highly likely that it will be powered by a 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine.

Engines

Safety