Early last year, reports claimed that Mercedes-Benz plans to seriously reduce its model lineup as part of its long-term strategy. This means trimming unprofitable body styles like wagons and sedans while consolidating its coupes to meet the current demand more effectively. The first byproduct of this approach is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 4MATIC, a sleek two-door that replaces both the discontinued C and E Class coupes.
However, while the CLE aims to split the difference between the C and E, it doesn’t do so right down the middle. Instead, it cherry-picks bits from both to create something new. As such, this 450 model gets a mild hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six previously reserved for the E-Class. Its interior layout is straight from the latest C-Class, with an 11.9-inch vertically oriented central infotainment screen as its centerpiece. Dimensionally, it sits much closer to the E-Class Coupe, sporting a 6.5-in longer and 2.1-in wider footprint than the outgoing C.
The CLE’s biggest challenge isn’t integrating new components. Instead, it’s blending the personas of two very different cars, the E-Class being the more traditionally luxurious and the C-Class erring on the sporty side. Where does the CLE fall, then?
Aesthetically, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 has all the makings of a luxurious two-door in the traditional sense. It sports a lengthy 112.8-in wheelbase complemented by a ride height 0.6 lower than the C-Class Coupe’s. Short front and rear overhangs, a forward-leaning shark-like nose, and a long hood add to its sporty persona. The 450 trim receives the AMG-Line treatment as standard, which adds 19-in wheels, although my tester wears an optional $850 set of 20s wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 summer rubber.
While it’s meant to replace the C and E-Class Coupes, the CLE sports plenty of elements we’ve seen miniaturized in the CLA Sedan. From its raked windshield to its sloping roofline and widened head and tail lights, the CLE draws inspiration from beyond the cars it’s aiming to replace. Yet while this allows the CLE to generate a feeling of familiarity with the rest of the lineup, it also detracts from its distinctiveness, wearing the look of a Mercedes coupe, even if you’re unsure which one.
In keeping with the simplification theme that spawned it, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE offers just two powertrain options: a turbo-four for the 300 models and an inline-six as the 450’s range-topper. The latter is a 3.0-liter unit that pairs with a twin-scroll turbocharger and a mild-hybrid system for efficiency. It’ll coast briefly on electrons while also improving its power delivery, filling in torque to eliminate the effects of turbo lag. Thanks to an updated battery, the small electric motor can generate 25 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, bringing the 450’s total output to 375 hp and 369 lb-ft.
While its nine-speed automatic is widely used across the carmaker’s lineup, it’s been redesigned to be more compact and 30 percent lighter. This pairs with an updated 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, sending more power upfront for improved traction. As such, the CLE 450 will sprint to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.
Despite its sporty looks, it takes only a few moments behind the wheel of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE to realize that while it may seem appropriately athletic, it’s a luxurious coupe first. Take its inline-six as an example. It generates a healthy dose of power, especially down low in the rev range, then consistently carries it to the redline, helped by that aforementioned electric motor. There’s no turbo lag to report, and its power curve is impressively progressive. However, this inline-six is virtually silent as it delivers it.
While its electric motor circumvents the need for a traditional starter, thus resulting in a seamless start/stop system, a quiet exhaust aided by a healthy dose of sound deadening means this inline-six is practically invisible behind the wheel. This is great when puttering around town but not so much when you want to lean into the CLE’s sporty side. So much so that Mercedes added a Progressive Sport Sound setting, which pipes in synthetic V8 noises through the CLE’s speakers to add drama to the experience. This is a real shame, considering we’ve heard how good variations of its inline-six sound when uncorked authentically in cars like the outgoing AMG E53 Coupe.
Mercedes offers two suspension calibrations for the CLE: Comfort, which comes standard in the 300 model, and Sport, which is baked into the AMG Line-equipped 450. Despite what its name may suggest, even the firmer of the two configurations is still quite compliant. Although it struggles to isolate minor imperfections, a challenge made trickier by its larger 20-in wheels, it easily soaks up larger bumps. As such, a hint of roughness around town dissipates as you pick up speed on a highway.
If you venture further and end up on a twisty road, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE will hang on far longer than expected. Despite its hefty 4,266-lb curb weight, it’s particularly grippy in the bends, able to keep pace with machines that outgun it on paper. So grippy that the effects of that weight are constantly top of mind. Turn into a bend, and the front wants to dive in while the rest of its body plops over, spoiling its balance. An adaptive suspension system like that available for the Euro-spec CLEs would likely solve the problem, but sadly, that setup won’t be available for the US cars.
So, while the CLE can tackle the odd bend, it’s probably best to think of it as a very well-appointed grand tourer, which, given its looks and, crucially, its interior, is by no means a bad thing. While its layout may carry over mainly from the latest C-Class sedan, there are plenty of CLE-specific touches. Its standard sports seats, for example, are unique, offering optional massage, cooling, and ventilating features. Their headrests include speakers that pair with a standard Burmester 3D Surround Sound System.
While all CLEs get Mercedes’ MB-Tex as standard, a Nappa leather option with a perforated diamond stitch pattern is available. However, the AMG Line-equipped 450s get MB-Tex with a “Nappa look,” bridging the gap between synthetic and the real deal, which is surprisingly convincing despite sounding quite gimmicky. However, materials aside, a benefit of the CLE leaning closer to the E-Class Coupe’s footprint is its excellent interior space. While generous room for the front two occupants is expected, there is a decent amount of space in the second row as well, which, aside from being able to house adults, is easy to get in and out of.
Like the latest E-Class Sedan, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE leans heavily into technology and connectivity. While its 12.3-in digital instrument cluster and 11.9-in infotainment screen may seem familiar, they’re powered by the latest MBUX system and the new electronic architecture introduced in the aforementioned E. By integrating an Android operating system, MBUX can now support applications like Zoom, TikTok, and Angry Birds, as well as directly integrating with all major music streaming platforms. Previously, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto unlocked many of these features, but now MBUX can also operate them natively.
As clever as its software is and as good as its interior looks, interacting with it is still quite challenging. For starters, there are barely any physical switches anywhere in its interior, requiring you to constantly interact with its central touch screen. And while there are plenty of haptic feedback controls in its steering wheel, they’re challenging to operate precisely, often requiring multiple presses or swipes to generate the desired outcome.
For the 2024 model year, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC starts at $57,650, including a $1,150 destination fee. Upgrading to the 450 raises that base figure to $66,800, fees included. However, with options such as its $950 massaging seats, $1,950 Driver Assistance Package, and $800 20-in wheels, my tester comes in at $72,600. This places it slightly above a comparatively optioned Audi S5 and BMW M440i, although it’s worth pointing out that the CLE is marginally larger than those competitors.
While the CLE aims to split the difference between the discontinued C and E-Class Coupes, it’s clear that it doesn’t fall perfectly in between them. Instead, thanks to its larger size, more spacious cabin, and compliant suspension, it’s a luxurious coupe first, with some sporty character peppered in. Remember, an AMG CLE 53 and potentially a 63 are coming for those who want more athleticism. Given its positioning within the carmaker’s shrinking lineup, its grand-touring persona is arguably the best for it.