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.
Fans do not recognize this new CLE-Class nomenclature, as it is new territory for Mercedes-Benz.
It’s effectively the next chapter in the brand’s long and storied history of sleek and swoopy coupe models, replacing both the E-Class and C-Class coupes.
This new in-between model, which starts at just over $100,000 before on-road costs, serves as the gateway point into Mercedes’s reach-for-the-stars range of two-door delicacies.
In fact, reach for the stars with the Mercedes-AMG GT priced from $366,500 before highway costs.
But let’s come back down towards earth for this review, and look at what Mercedes’s most budget-friendly coupe looks, feels and drives like.
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 adding to the value quotient here, the new Benz CLE-Class is slightly longer and wider than the outgoing E-Class Coupe, and noticeably longer and wider than the C-Class coupe.
Standard equipment for the CLE200 is at a high level, with things like LED lighting front and rear, an AMG-Line exterior styling pack and 19-inch black AMG wheels improving road presence.
Inside, there is an 11. 9-inch infotainment screen, a 12. 3-inch virtual tool cluster, a head-up display and a sliding panoramic sunroof as 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 grumpier, 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 need a sportier coupe for around $100,000 also check out the 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 longer life and width at stake, the new Benz CLE has a distinct advantage in terms of space over the smaller C-Class coupe.
But while the CLE is technically a four-seater vehicle, it really is a two-plus-two arrangement inside. That means while there is space for two (not three, by the way), it’s a bit restricted for leg room and head room in the back.
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’s a top item of popular equipment included as popular on this Benz, stepping into the cockpit brings a “wow” touch to your impressions. It’s well-designed and has the same combination of design, layout, and fabrics that were noticed in newer Mercedes-Benz products.
The combination of wood on the dashboard and glossy piano black blends well and plays with the completely dark and moody theme inside the vehicle. The switchgear feels smart and has a clever amount of storage space available in the two lidded storage spaces in the center console, plus cup holders, of course.
The power outlets are hidden with the cup holders under the piano black panel, and I’m sure many tidying up fans will appreciate the fact that you can lock all of this up to keep it neat and tidy.
Other chrome-like plastics look sleek around 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 problems.
Infotainment has been a Mercedes-Benz suit for some time now, and that’s still the case 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 much present.
Chances are, most of us will turn to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for all of our navigation and entertainment needs, but we also have local navigation, AM/FM radio, and virtual radio to suit our needs.
It is possible to connect it to the Mercedes Me app for couples in your CLE Class, which provides you with remote control and information, but there is a payment 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.
Standard safety equipment is aplenty in this CLE200, with nothing held over compared to more expensive variants. This includes all of the usual suspects like adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane-keep assistance and blind-spot monitoring, but also has the added value of not getting in the way of everyday driving.
The technology is there and can be genuinely helpful if you have a slip-up behind the wheel (we’ve all had one, haven’t we?), but the systems are finely tuned in a manner to not interrupt your normal attentive and thoroughly safe driving situations.
Service fees for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class are capped at $3,325 for 3 years or $6,800 for five years. Mercedes offers them as a component of prepaid packages and is the same across the Mercedes-Benz CLE line.
Remember that the hardware between CLE200 and CLE300 is necessarily the same. While the higher-numbered styling has all-wheel drive, more power and torque are achieved with the same base 2. 0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Insurance for a 2025 Mercedes CLE200 is set at $3,206 consistent with year according to an online quote generator. This is founded on a 35 year old guy living in Chatswood, New South Wales. Insurance estimates would possibly range depending on your location, driving history and non-public circumstances.
Aided by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, this coupe’s 2. 0-liter M254 engine is a powerful powerhouse. A claim of just 7. 2 liters per hundred kilometers is impressive, however, our city, highway and busy driving conditions saw a consistent increase to 9. 0 L/hundred km.
For what it’s worth, opting for the more expensive CLE300 with the higher-powered edition of the same engine, 190kW/400Nm instead of 150kW/320Nm, gets a top average of 7. 4L/100km.
In this CLE200 variant of Mercedes’ immersive coupe, you get a competent and refined, but not thrilling, driving experience. In this case, it’s a car aimed at those who aren’t avid enthusiasts.
The CLE gets a harsher tune with the same basic 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 does not expand a strong force density, is sometimes spot on. He’s subtle and polite, with enough growl to drive a little nervously.
But at the same time, it would be disappointing for those who need a bit of a hard side.
The 17 kW and 205 Nm power outputs of the belt-driven starter generator, powered via the 48-volt mild hybrid system, help a bit in terms of motivation to move forward. But like many other programs in this technology, it’s all about power and emissions reduction.
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 brighter side, the car remains composed and stable in just about every situation you find yourself. It’s balanced and refined through the steering wheel, and there’s plenty of roadholding ability to explore. But for keen drivers, you’ll often be mashing that throttle down to 100 per cent to get a dynamic wriggle on.
Another strong point of the CLE is the ride quality, which is at times smart and adequate for city, highway and highway driving. This reinforces the CLE200’s strength as a smart-looking travel vehicle, rather than a dynamic package.
Not many people have a Mercedes-Benz Coupe as a regular towing option, but the maximum braked towing capacity of 1,800kg 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 you want.
The main appeal of the CLE200 is in aesthetics, both when you’re viewing it from the outside and soaking up the interior. It looks the part, and will be an appealing option for those who have always aspired to get a slinky two-door tourer wearing 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 who want to gain momentum, whether through functionality and soulful emotions, will have to dig deeper into a CLE300, which offers more strength and four-wheel traction.
Costing just over a hundred grand plus on-road prices has its appeal, but the CLE200 has festival appeal worthy of the BMW 430i and Audi A5, as well as other sporty coupes like the Toyota Supra, Nissan Z, and Ford Mustang. .
For those who don’t appreciate the wonderful straight-line functionality and an accompanying sound orchestra, then the Mercedes-Benz CLE200 is more of a car in terms of specs, comfort, features, and appeal than most would 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 in the shopping adventure is to check the Mercedes-Benz inventory of your favorite Mercedes-Benz variant. You can also locate Mercedes-Benz cars for sale on Drive Marketplace.
We highly recommend taking a test run at a brokerage before committing because private desires and tastes may differ. Find your nearest Mercedes-Benz broker here. We also suggest testing the Audi S5, which is available for the same price but offers superior 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
Safety Technology
7. 5
Driving 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 and packaging.
8. 0
Fit for Purpose
8. 0
All-terrain editor