Core summary
Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a four-seat premium two-door model introduced as a new nameplate for the brand’s coupé and convertible range. It is sold in two closely related forms: the CLE Coupé, with a fixed roof, and the CLE Cabriolet, with a powered fabric roof. Mercedes-Benz positions the line between the C-Class and E-Class families, using concepts and technologies from both. The model is available with turbocharged mild-hybrid engines, nine-speed automatic transmissions and either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive, depending on market and variant. In the United States, the 2026 Coupé range comprises the CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG CLE 53. The 2026 Cabriolet range adds the same three principal power levels. European markets offer a broader engine spread, including rear-wheel-drive petrol and diesel versions. The CLE is therefore a global model with a common body concept but market-specific powertrain and equipment menus. Its defining attributes are a long-wheelbase two-door layout, a digital Mercedes-Benz cabin, four usable seats and a stronger touring emphasis than a compact sports coupé.
History & generations
Mercedes-Benz presented the CLE Coupé on July 5, 2023, and announced European market introduction for November of that year. The Cabriolet followed as the open-top member of the same model family. The nameplate consolidated the brand’s former C-Class Coupé and E-Class Coupé roles rather than continuing either line as a direct successor. Mercedes-Benz described the CLE as combining the agility and sportiness associated with the C-Class with the space and status associated with the E-Class. The first generation uses the internal series codes C236 for the Coupé and A236 for the Cabriolet. The two body styles share their basic front-engine architecture, digital systems, suspension concepts and engine family, while the Cabriolet adds a fabric roof, wind-management equipment and additional body reinforcement. AMG broadened the range with the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé in December 2023, followed by the corresponding Cabriolet. By the 2026 model year, Mercedes-Benz USA listed three U.S. variants for each body style: CLE 300, CLE 450 and AMG CLE 53. European catalogues retain additional four-cylinder petrol and diesel choices.
First generation, C236 Coupé and A236 Cabriolet
The CLE replaced the former C-Class and E-Class two-door lines.
Body, platform & design
The CLE’s design uses classic long-hood coupé proportions with a strongly inclined windscreen, a long wheelbase and a short front overhang. Mercedes-Benz describes the front treatment as a “shark nose,” with a low-set grille, slim lamps and sculpted power domes on the bonnet. A sharp shoulder line runs between the front lamp and mirror area, while a second form line links the rear lamp area toward the door handle. The rear uses two-piece LED lamps with three-dimensional light elements and a broad, rounded tail treatment. Mercedes-Benz lists the Coupé at 191.0 inches long in the U.S. CLE 300 specification, with a 112.8-inch wheelbase. The AMG CLE 53 uses a slightly longer 113.2-inch wheelbase and wider body dimensions. The Cabriolet preserves the Coupé’s basic silhouette but replaces the roof with a three-layer acoustic fabric top. Its standard AIRCAP and AIRSCARF systems address wind turbulence and neck-level warmth during open-air driving. Regional wheel sizes, exterior packages, lighting systems and grille details vary with trim, engine and market. AMG versions add wider arches, AMG-specific fascias and performance-oriented wheel and brake designs.
Engine & drivetrain
The CLE family uses turbocharged internal-combustion engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. The integrated starter-generator can recover energy during deceleration, support engine restarting and provide short-duration electrical assistance. In the U.S. 2026 range, the CLE 300 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four rated at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The CLE 450 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six rated at 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. Both U.S. models use 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The AMG CLE 53 uses an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with an electric auxiliary compressor and hybrid assist. Mercedes-Benz USA lists 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft for the 2026 model, while AMG identifies a short-duration overboost function. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT nine-speed transmission are standard on the performance model. European versions broaden the family with CLE 180, CLE 200, CLE 200 4MATIC and CLE 220 d derivatives. The European CLE 220 d uses a 1,993-cc diesel engine and mild-hybrid support. Engine output, emissions certification and drivetrain availability therefore vary materially by region.
Trim differences
Trim naming is market-specific, so the U.S. and European ranges should not be treated as identical. In the United States, the 2026 Coupé is organized around the CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450 4MATIC and AMG CLE 53. The Cabriolet follows the same three-model structure. Mercedes-Benz USA lists AMG Line as an available package for the CLE 300 and as standard equipment on the CLE 450. The AMG CLE 53 is a separate Mercedes-AMG model with AMG-specific powertrain, chassis, steering, bodywork and interior equipment. U.S. equipment menus include options such as the Driver Assistance Package, DIGITAL LIGHT, head-up display, ventilated and massaging seats, leather or Nappa leather upholstery, larger wheels and upgraded multimedia functions. European Mercedes-Benz configurators use design and equipment labels including Avantgarde, AMG Line and CLE 53, while the engine menu includes versions absent from the U.S. range. Exact standard equipment, option packages, lighting, upholstery, wheel designs and assistance functions depend on body style, engine, model year and country. The reliable comparison is therefore by named powertrain and body style rather than by assuming one worldwide trim ladder.
_%E2%80%93_f_21012024.jpg)
Interior & seating
The CLE cabin follows Mercedes-Benz’s current digital cockpit layout, with a freestanding 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen. The screen is angled toward the driver and can be adjusted in the Cabriolet to reduce reflections with the roof open. The third-generation MBUX system supports voice control, profiles, routines, wireless smartphone integration and over-the-air software updates. Mercedes-Benz designed dedicated integral sports seats for the CLE, and the Coupé uses a strap-based front-seat easy-entry release rather than a conventional upper seat lever. The front seats can be equipped with heating, ventilation, memory adjustment and massage functions, depending on specification. The cabin remains a genuine four-seater, although the rear seats are best suited to passengers whose size matches the available headroom and legroom. Mercedes-Benz USA lists 11.2 cubic feet of Coupé cargo capacity for the CLE 300 and 9.8 cubic feet for the AMG CLE 53. The Cabriolet has less luggage capacity than the fixed-roof car because of its roof packaging. Available finishes include MB-Tex, leather and Nappa leather, with wood, metal and other decorative trim choices varying by market. Optional Burmester audio adds seat-integrated speakers in selected configurations.
_%E2%80%93_h_21012024.jpg)
Efficiency & range
All current CLE powertrains use 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance rather than plug-in charging. U.S. EPA figures for the 2026 CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé are 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The 2026 AMG CLE 53 Coupé is listed at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Mercedes-Benz USA publishes separate ratings for each body style and powertrain. European figures use the WLTP test cycle and differ from U.S. EPA results. The German CLE Cabriolet listing shows combined consumption of 6.8 l/100 km for the CLE 180 and CLE 200, 7.0 l/100 km for the CLE 200 4MATIC and 4.9 l/100 km for the CLE 220 d. These figures are not directly comparable with EPA mpg ratings. Aerodynamic body shaping, cylinder deactivation or variable valve technology on selected engines, recuperation and the nine-speed transmission support efficiency. Larger wheels, all-wheel drive, performance calibration, body style, weather and driving conditions can increase consumption. The Cabriolet’s roof system and additional structure also affect mass and aerodynamic performance.
Safety & equipment
The CLE includes a broad standard safety foundation, but advanced assistance features vary by market and package. U.S. CLE 300 equipment includes Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, a rearview camera, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, adaptive high-beam functions, seven airbags and a front-center airbag. Mercedes-Benz USA lists more advanced functions, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, active lane changing, traffic-sign assistance and surround-view imaging as optional or package-dependent features. The Coupé was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2025 using a Mercedes-Benz CLE 220 d Coupé. Euro NCAP reported a stable passenger compartment in the frontal offset test and strong protection in the side-impact tests. Its published assessment should not be transferred automatically to every engine, body style or market configuration. The Cabriolet has a different roof and body structure, so its crash-test results should be considered separately when an applicable assessment exists. Driver-assistance systems remain support functions: the driver retains responsibility for attention, steering, speed and legal compliance. Equipment availability can change with model year, country, software configuration and selected packages.
Strengths
The CLE’s principal strength is its combination of two-door design and long-distance usability. Compared with a smaller sports coupé, it offers a more substantial cabin, four seats, a large front-seat environment and a broad technology package. The fixed-roof car provides the quieter and more luggage-friendly touring format, while the Cabriolet adds a genuine open-air experience without abandoning rear seats. The powertrain range spans efficient four-cylinder versions, a smooth inline-six and the AMG CLE 53 performance derivative. Mild-hybrid assistance is standard across the principal engine family, and the nine-speed automatic is common to the range. The U.S. CLE 450 and AMG CLE 53 provide all-wheel drive, while European customers can select rear-wheel-drive versions. The digital cabin is highly configurable, and features such as MBUX routines, wireless smartphone integration, Burmester audio, AIRSCARF and AIRCAP extend the car’s touring brief. The design also gives the CLE a distinct identity instead of treating it as a two-door C-Class derivative. The main advantage is breadth: one model line covers relaxed cruising, premium open-air travel and AMG performance.
A single two-door line combining C-Class agility with E-Class scale.
Considerations
The CLE’s rear seats improve flexibility but do not turn it into a family sedan. Access requires front-seat movement, and the sloping roof of the Coupé limits rear headroom compared with a conventional four-door model. The Cabriolet sacrifices luggage space and adds roof-related complexity in exchange for open-air use. Equipment and engine availability differ substantially between the United States and Europe. U.S. buyers receive a concentrated range of 4MATIC petrol models, while European catalogues include rear-wheel-drive petrol versions and the CLE 220 d diesel. Many higher-level driver-assistance functions, lighting systems, upgraded upholstery and comfort features are package-dependent. The AMG CLE 53 brings wider tires, firmer performance hardware and higher operating costs than the regular CLE models. Its performance focus also makes it less relaxed in urban use than the four-cylinder versions. Buyers should compare body style, engine, drivetrain, equipment package and local certification together rather than relying on a global brochure summary. Rear-seat practicality, cargo capacity and fuel economy should be judged against the intended use, especially when choosing between Coupé and Cabriolet.
Recommended use
The CLE is best suited to drivers who want a premium two-door vehicle for commuting, weekend travel and extended road journeys. The Coupé is the stronger choice for year-round use, quieter highway travel and greater luggage practicality. The Cabriolet suits warm-weather touring, scenic routes and customers who prioritize roof-down driving. The CLE 300 is the balanced U.S. entry point, combining a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid engine with standard 4MATIC and four-seat packaging. The CLE 450 adds a more powerful inline-six for faster overtaking and a more effortless touring character. The AMG CLE 53 is intended for buyers who want performance hardware, AMG calibration and substantially stronger acceleration than the regular models. European rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder cars may suit buyers focused on lower mass and consumption, while the CLE 220 d is aimed at high-mileage users who value diesel efficiency. None of the versions is a substitute for an SUV when cargo height, rear access or rough-road clearance is the priority. The CLE is most coherent as a style-led grand tourer: more usable than a strict two-seat sports car, but more specialized than a sedan or estate.
FAQ
1. What is the Mercedes-Benz CLE? The CLE is a four-seat premium Coupé and Cabriolet line positioned between the C-Class and E-Class families.
2. Is the CLE available as a convertible? Yes. Mercedes-Benz sells the CLE Cabriolet with a powered three-layer fabric roof.
3. Which 2026 CLE models are sold in the United States? The U.S. range includes the CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450 4MATIC and AMG CLE 53.
4. Does every CLE use all-wheel drive? No. U.S. models use all-wheel drive, while Europe also offers rear-wheel-drive versions.
5. Is the CLE fully electric? No. The current CLE uses turbocharged combustion engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
6. How many people can the CLE seat? Both the Coupé and Cabriolet are configured as four-seat vehicles.
What makes the Mercedes-Benz CLE different?
A single two-door line combining C-Class agility with E-Class scale.
Who should consider it?
Long-distance touring, open-air travel and sporty daily driving.
Sources & updates
Research for this Mercedes-Benz CLE profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (9 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.