You see them on the road, as shiny new models at a show or as a beloved classic in passing on a sunny Sunday. The Mercedes-Benz coupe is a unique lopass of the German automobile lopass and anything that many aspire to own.
Avid bettors don’t recognize this new CLE Class nomenclature, as this is new territory for Mercedes-Benz.
It’s the next bankruptcy in the brand’s long and storied history of sleek, modern coupe models, replacing the E-Class and C-Class coupes.
This new mid-size model, which starts at just over $100,000 before on-road costs, serves as an entry point to two-door Mercedes delights.
In fact, reach for the stars with the Mercedes-AMG GT priced from $366,500 before on-road costs.
But let’s get back down to earth for this review and take a look at how Mercedes’ most economical coupe looks, feels, and drives.
With a starting value just above the six-figure threshold of $102,815 plus on-road fees, the CLE200 coupe is more expensive than the older base C-Class coupe ($79,200 plus on-road fees for the C200), but costs $10,000 less than the E200 coupe ($112,969).
And to get up to the price quotient here, the new Benz CLE-Class is longer and wider than the outgoing E-Class Coupe, and noticeably longer and wider than the C-Class Coupe.
The CLE200’s popular equipment is very popular, with features such as LED lighting at the front and rear, an AMG-Line outboard styling package and 19-inch black AMG wheels with road presence.
On the inside, there is an 11.9-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and panoramic sliding sunroof as standard equipment.
There’s a Burmester-branded audio formula with Dolby Atmos, ambient interior lighting, and heated, power-adjustable front seats.
In terms of price, the Mercedes-Benz CLE is a bit pricey compared to a grunter, better-equipped Audi A5 45 TFSI ($90,815 plus on-road costs) or even the grumpier, better-equipped S5 for $119,215 plus on-road costs.
From BMW, consider the 430i M Sport ($109,700), or trade exterior size for engine size, with the smaller but more powerful M240i xDrive, which has 285kW/500Nm and costs $99,900 plus on-road costs.
Those who want a sportier coupe at around $100K should also be looking at the likes of a Toyota Supra, Nissan Z and Ford Mustang.
Perhaps an oddball choice would be the electric Polestar 4, which is classed a coupe, but blends four-door coupe styling, hatchback practicality, and higher-riding SUV stance.
With greater length and width at stake, the new Benz CLE has a clear advantage in terms of surface area over the smaller C-Class coupe.
But even though the CLE is technically a four-seater, its interior has a two-plus-two layout. This means that even though there is room for two (not three, by the way), it is a bit limited. for rear leg and headroom.
Adults may have compatibility here, but comfort will depend on the length of the legs of those in front. The visibility is also usually not wonderful and is only suitable for short getaways.
But of course it’s up front where the CLE200 impresses.
Because there is a top spot of popular gadgets included as popular in this Benz, entering the cabin brings a “surprise” detail to your impressions. It is well designed and features the same combination of design, layout and fabrics that you noticed in Mercedes-Benz’s newest products.
The combination of a timber across the dashboard and glossy piano black combines well, and plays into the whole dark and brooding theme inside the vehicle. Switchgear feels good, and you’ve got a fair amount of storage available in the two lidded storage areas in the central console, along with cupholders, of course.
The power outlets are hidden with the cup holders under the black piano panel, and I’m sure many cleaning enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that you can close it all up to keep it clean and tidy.
Other chrome-like plastics look stylish around the door cards, handles and air vents, but the addition of LED ambient lighting is cleverly executed to give the CLE200 a modern, eye-catching feel.
Disregarding a beefier all-wheel drive powertrain, the only thing a CLE300 offers that’s more expensive than a CLE200 is the addition of leather seats, which are different from the CLE200’s leatherette.
But with a $2,900 option checked, we were upgraded to the same level. And in addition to features such as heating, reminiscence and electric changes that it offers, the CLE200 seats with advanced fabrics are quite comfortable and of elegant quality. We made a trip of approximately two and a half hours and left without any notable problems.
Infotainment has been a Mercedes-Benz suit for some time, and it remains that way here. An 11. 9-inch formula is more than enough in terms of screen size, but the combination of features, menu navigation and ease of use is very present.
Most will likely dip straight into Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for all of their navigation and entertainment needs, but we’ve also got native navigation, AM/FM radio and digital radio to appease our needs.
It is possible to connect the other Mercedes Me app to your CLE Class, which provides you with information and remote control, but there is a fee for this service after the three-year free period.
It turns out that Mercedes-Benz has some vehicle features that can only be accessed through a subscription service, meaning ongoing payments are required to use a given feature, even if the hardware is installed in the car.
While plenty of vehicles in Mercedes’s range have a published ANCAP safety score, and five stars are the norm in this regard, the CLE is currently unrated, with no testing conducted by either ANCAP in Australia or the equivalent Euro NCAP overseas.
The standard protective device is plentiful in this CLE200, and it holds nothing back compared to more expensive variants. This includes the same old suspects like adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, but it also comes at the added price of not interfering with driving.
The generation is there and can be really useful if you have a mistake behind the wheel (we’ve all had one, haven’t we?), but the systems are fine-tuned so they don’t interrupt your overall attention and absolutely safe driving situations. .
Service costs for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class are capped at $3325 for three years or $6800 for five years. Mercedes offers those prices as part of pre-paid packages, and is the same across the Mercedes-Benz CLE range.
Don’t forget, the hardware between CLE200 and CLE300 is mostly the same. While the model with the larger number gets all-wheel drive, more power and torque are garnered from the same fundamental 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Insurance for a 2025 Mercedes CLE200 is set at $3,206 per year according to an online quote generator. This is based on a 35 year old man living in Chatswood, New South Wales. Insurance estimates may vary depending on your location. driving history and non-public circumstances.
With the help of a smooth 48-volt hybrid system, this coupe’s 2. 0-liter M254 engine is a powerful engine. A demand of just 7. 2 litres per hundred kilometres is impressive, yet our driving conditions in the city, highway and busiest regions saw a consistent increase of 9. 0 L/hundred km.
For what it’s worth, opting for the more expensive CLE300 with the higher-power edition of the same engine, 190 kW/400 Nm versus 150 kW/320 Nm, gets a higher average of 7. 4 L/100 km.
In this CLE200 variant of Mercedes’s swooping coupe, you get a driving experience that is competent and refined, but also not exciting. In this case, it’s a car that’s destined for those who don’t see themselves as keen enthusiasts.
The CLE gets a harder tune from the same base engine as the CLE300, but the 150 kW and 320 Nm in this case are enough, but not much either.
The nature of the engine, which doesn’t develop a raucous amount of power density, is quite demure overall. It’s refined and well behaved, with enough grunt for a little bit of nippy driving.
But at the same time, it would be disappointing for those who need a bit of a tough side.
The 17kW and 205Nm outputs from the belt alternator starter, which is fed from the 48-volt mild hybrid system, do help a little in terms of forward motivation. But like most other applications of this technology, this is all about improving efficiency and reducing emissions.
Driving this CLE200, you can feel that the chassis is capable of handling significantly more power and torque than what we have here. It works out to be 84kW to the tonne against a claimed tare mass of 1782kg, which is decent without being sporty.
Numbers and specs aside, the driving experience of this CLE200 doesn’t really feel sporty. This comes from the linear and non-explosive delivery of power through the revs, low-ish peak revs, and a refined soundtrack.
On the plus side, the car remains calm and solid in just about any scenario it finds itself in. It’s balanced and subtle thanks to the steering wheel and offers plenty of handling features to explore. But for willing drivers, they’ll have to accelerate to one hundred percent to get dynamic movement.
Another strong point of the CLE is the ride quality, which is occasionally smart and adequate for city, highway and highway driving. This reinforces the CLE200’s strength as a smart-looking passenger vehicle, rather than a dynamic package.
Few people have a Mercedes-Benz coupe as their usual towing option, but the maximum towing capacity of 1,800kg with brake is strangely generous.
As long as the trailer has its own braking system, you can get away with a decent-sized trailer for your car, if necessary.
The biggest appeal of the CLE200 is the aesthetics, whether you look at it from the outside and enjoy the interior. It looks just like the room and will be an attractive option for those who aspire to have a stylish two. Passenger vehicle doors with a three-pointed star.
It’s comfortable and refined, and is loaded with impressive-looking and functioning technology. For those who want a stylish chariot for those weekend road trips and a comfy two-plus-two daily driver, it feels quite good overall.
Those without extra oomph, whether through functionality or soulful emotion, will have to dig deeper into a CLE300, which delivers more muscle and all-wheel drive.
Costing just over a hundred thousand dollars plus on-road costs has its appeal, but the CLE200 does have some compelling competition to consider. The BMW 430i and Audi A5 would need to be considered, along with other sporty coupes like the Toyota Supra, Nissan Z and Ford Mustang.
For those who don’t value big hits of straight-line performance and an accompanying aural orchestra, then the Mercedes-Benz CLE200 is more car in terms of spec, comfort, features and appeal than you’ll probably ever need.
It’s certainly fun to drive, but those who need a little more motivation under the hood would weigh the roughly $20,000 jump to the CLE300.
The next step on the purchase journey is to check the Mercedes-Benz website for stock of your preferred Mercedes-Benz variant. You can also find Mercedes-Benz vehicles for sale at Drive Marketplace.
We strongly recommend taking a test drive at a dealership before committing because personal needs and tastes can differ. Find your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer here. We’d also recommend test-driving the Audi S5, which is available at a similar price but offers higher levels of performance.
If you need to stay up to date with everything that has happened to this car since our review, find all the latest news here.
Performance
6. 5
Security technology
7. 5
Ride quality
8. 0
Infotainment and connectivity
8. 0
Maneuverability and dynamics.
7.5
Energy efficiency
8. 0
Driver technology
8. 0
Value for Money
7. 0
Interior Comfort & Packaging
8.0
Fit for Purpose
8. 0
All-terrain editor