Skip to main content

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is here — and it’s stunning

Iconic and packed with new features, the 2024 CLE Coupe is an instant classic

2024 MB CLE Coupe
Mercedes-Benz

Sometimes less is more. In an automotive world full of fine-tuned, niche-market choices, you can get anything from a hyper-exotic Ferrari, to a truck that looks and drives like a car, to a car that looks and drives like a truck and back again. As the savvy premium carmaker they always have been, Mercedes-Benz has realized this and has decided to eliminate both the C- and E-Class Coupes and instead bring us the brand new and stunning 2024 CLE Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz 2024 CLE coupe
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz says the CLE Coupe is “shaped by desire”

While some may fret that their beloved C-Class or E-Class Coupe will be no more, one look at the CLE Coupe, and those fears will abate rapidly. Designed with what Mercedes-Benz calls its Sensual Purity philosophy, the 2024 CLE elicits a visceral reaction from onlookers. Smooth yet powerful, the long-hoot/short-deck blueprint has worked for Mercedes-Benz, and plenty of other automakers, harking all the way back to the 300SL Gullwing of the ’50s. The CLE’s “shark nose” front end sports a 3-D radiator grill bookended by wraparound LED headlamps set high on the hood. Smooth yet muscular lines flow seamlessly to the sculpted, but not overdone rear end.

Recommended Videos

With its overall length of 191 inches, the CLE is almost seven inches longer than the C-Class Coupe and just over half an inch wider than the E-Class. At 73.2 inches wide, the CLE is precisely the same width as the E-Class it replaces and a full two inches wider than the C-Class. At 56.2 inches high, the CLE is almost a full inch taller than the C and about a tenth of an inch shorter than the E. Even the CLE’s wheelbase of 112.8 inches sits about an inch longer than the C, and a third of an inch less than the E, showing that the CLE is almost the perfect compromise between the two outgoing models.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE interior view
Mercedes-Benz

The new CLE Coupe offers equal parts comfort and style

Inside, the 2024 CLE Coupe offers to take the driver wherever they need to go in style, while offering an aesthetic that’s designed for the future. The high-end premium interior is highlighted by a large 12.3-inch configurable digital display as well as a centrally-mounted 11.9-inch digital infotainment touchscreen featuring the latest generation of MBUX that uses 5G data transmission for instant updates and downloads.

The interior continues to impress with new sports seats, designed specifically for the CLE, that feature heat and ventilation and a four-way lumbar support standard. A 17-speaker Burmester 3D stereo system works in conjunction with any one of 64 colors to create the perfect ambient mood both from an audio and visual standpoint.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe in blue
Mercedes-Benz

The 2024 CLE Coupe offers two powerful engine options

The CLE will be initially offered with two engine options, both as mild-hybrids. The CLE 300 4MATIC is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque on its own and then, when combined with its electric motor, adds an additional 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

The more powerful CLE 450 4MATIC gets a larger 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that makes an impressive 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on its own, while the electric motor kicks in the same 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque as with the CLE 300. No official acceleration numbers are available (as of this writing), but MB says the CLE’s top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

2024 MB CLE Coupe interior view
Mercedes-Benz

The only thing the new CLE Coupe needs is a driver

While the official price has yet to be released for the 2024 CLE Coupe, given how the car is the perfect midpoint between the current C-Class and E-Class Coupes, we can reasonably expect the CLE’s base price to fall somewhere between the $49,550 base price for the C-Class Coupe and the $69,750 base price for the E-Class Coupe. Whatever the cost, the true reward future owners get is never having to choose between two great Mercedes-Benz cars again, and instead, with less choice, they can now get the best of both worlds (at least until the CLE Convertible comes along).

Lou Ruggieri
A lifelong lover of cars, Lou contributes to Motor Trend, Hot Cars, Auto & Truck Connection, and the PowerAutoMedia Group.
New survey reveals what Tesla owners really think about EV ownership
Tesla owners second guessing their purchase
Tesla group photo with Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y parked in front of charger during sunset.

Electric cars might be seen as the future, but many Tesla owners have been surprised by some of the challenges that come with the ride. From dealing with slashed tires to rising insurance premiums, the experience hasn’t been as smooth as they’d hoped. A recent survey by Guardian Service examined how issues such as vandalism, rising insurance costs, and public perception are affecting the ownership experience of Teslas, particularly for younger drivers and residents in specific regions of the U.S.

Nearly half of the Tesla owners surveyed (44%) reported that their cars have been vandalized, which includes being keyed or having tires slashed. The average repair bill is around $1,900. In the South, the problem seems to be even worse, with 46% of owners saying their vehicles were intentionally damaged—way more than the 11% in the Midwest and higher than the 21% in the West and 22% in the Northeast.

Read more
Five million strong: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reaches new milestone with electric twist
FedEx uses combustion engine and electric Sprinters for intercity and last-mile deliveries.
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter five millionth Sprinter right front three quarter view in front of Charleston South Carolina assembly plant.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans division delivered the five-millionth Sprinter van to FedEx in Charleston, South Carolina at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in that city. The milestone Sprinter was an eSprinter fully-electric model.
How FedEx uses Sprinters

FedEx is one of the largest customers of Mercedes-Benz vans, deploying Sprinters and eSprinters in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. FedEx uses the combustion and electric Sprinters mainly for intercity and last-mile deliveries.

Read more
Rolls-Royce debuts its bespoke Phantom Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossom Phantom is a true one-off from Rolls-Royce
rolls royce debuts its bespoke phantom cherry blossom p90593874 lowres presents

With the enchanting pink petals of the Sakura season just past the calendar, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars recently unveiled the Phantom Cherry Blossom. As with most upper-echelon carmakers who cater to the hyper-wealthy, if you have the cash, they can create whatever you want your new ride to be. This unique one-of-a-kind Phantom Extended commission captures the beauty of cherry blossoms and is inspired by a Japanese client’s special memories of this natural wonder.

The Phantom Cherry Blossom design kicked off three years ago when Rolls-Royce artisans teamed up with the commissioning client in Japan to fully grasp what they wanted. The result? An elegant motor car that’s not just a way to get around but a stunning piece of art, crafted with a ton of attention to detail. It perfectly captures the client’s personal vision while showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of the Bespoke Collective.
Rolls-Royce turning one customer's love of cherry blossoms into automotive art

Read more