Mercedes-Benz CLE Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space

Written by Phill Tromans
Quick overview
Pros
- Reasonable rear passenger space
- Very comfortable
- Easy-to-read infotainment screen
Cons
- Touch-sensitive buttons are tricky to use
- Not particularly entertaining to drive
- Gearbox can be hesitant
Overall verdict on the Mercedes-Benz CLE
"The CLE Coupe is large and stylish with much to admire. As well as its sleek looks it’s packed with features, very comfortable to drive long distances and feels solid as a rock on the road. As a bonus, it’s surprisingly practical for this type of car, with space for two passengers in the back. It doesn’t have the dynamic feel of the BMW 4 Series, and some of the infotainment features are a bit of a faff to use, but as a refined cruiser it’s very attractive."

The CLE Coupe is a relatively new model for Mercedes, although it traces its roots back to the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, for which it’s a catch-all replacement. Size-wise, it’s closer to the E-Class coupe, which makes it pretty large, although its interior is closer to its smaller (and more affordable) predecessor.
This puts the Mercedes CLE in a no-man’s land when it comes to luxurious coupes. It’s bigger and swankier than a BMW 4 Series or an Audi A5, but sits behind a Lexus LC or BMW 8 Series in its positioning.
Mercedes CLE trim levels are all based around the sporty AMG Line model, which takes visual inspiration from the top-of-the-range AMG performance cars. They’re well equipped with some eye-catching, state-of-the-art tech, even if some of it isn’t quite as easy to use as it could be.
As is tradition with Mercedes cars there’s a range of engines to choose from, including diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid options, as well as some mega-powerful Mercedes-AMG options. At the time of writing, prices started a couple of thousand pounds above the 4 Series.
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Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE right for you?
What’s the best Mercedes-Benz CLE model/engine to choose?
What other cars are similar to the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Comfort and design: Mercedes-Benz CLE interior
"Sitting in the Mercedes-Benz CLE is a relaxing, luxurious experience. During our time with the car we took a long motorway drive up most of England, and had few complaints. The seats are wonderfully comfortable and there’s bags of technology to keep you both informed and entertained."

Looks-wise, the interior is very similar to the C-Class, rather than the E-Class. While it doesn’t get a few of the fancy extras found in Merc’s luxurious saloon, it’s still a very stylish environment, with a big driver display and central touchscreen, a sweeping, stylish design and some nice chrome touches around the cabin. The front seats are plush and supportive, keeping you secure and comfortable for hours on end, and when you get in an extendable arm presents front-seat occupants with their seatbelts to save you stretching to reach.
Quality and finish
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Mercedes-Benz CLE
Space and practicality: Mercedes-Benz CLE boot space
Handling and ride quality: What is the Mercedes-Benz CLE like to drive?
"“Relaxing”, “comfortable” and “effortless” would be some of the words that immediately jump to mind for the Mercedes CLE driving experience. The CLE 300 that we tried felt muscular yet eminently refined and smooth, and if you’ve got a long journey ahead of you it would be a fantastic choice."

All models have adaptive dampers as standard, which keep the car very nicely controlled through bends and soak up all but the worst potholes very nicely. It’s possible to push on pretty briskly on a twisting road, but it’s not what you’d call exhilarating or fun to drive, with well-weighted steering that provides confidence but doesn’t come loaded up with feedback. The CLE is at its best at a cruise, but for a fairly big and heavy car, it doesn’t disgrace itself when it comes to agility.
The AMG model, which we’ve yet to try, has stiffer suspension to give improved handling.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Refinement and noise levels
Safety equipment: How safe is the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
MPG and fuel costs: What does a Mercedes-Benz CLE cost to run?
"Official fuel economy figures for the Mercedes CLE range from a maximum of 60.1mpg in the CLE 220 d to just 29.4mpg in the more performance-focused AMG CLE 53."

The CLE 200 premises up to 44.1mpg, the CLE 300 up to 39.8mpg and the CLE 450 up to 36.7mpg.
Mercedes-Benz CLE reliability and warranty
Mercedes-Benz CLE insurance groups and costs
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Mercedes-Benz CLE price
"The Mercedes CLE is new to the market, so used examples are rare and restricted to low mileage examples. The most affordable we’ve found so far start at around £41,500, but that figure will drop as more are sold and more miles accumulated."

New, the Mercedes CLE starts at £46,605 for the CLE 200 AMG Line, rising to £56,855 for the Premier Edition trim. The CLE 200 d costs between £49,060 and £59,310, while the CLE 300 4MATIC, which is only available in AMG Line Premium and above, will set you back between £55,745 and £62,245. The CLE 450 4MATIC costs between £66,265 and £72,765, while the plug-in hybrid CLE 300 e starts at £60,610. The powerful Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ costs between £72,990 and £78,740.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Can I surf the web in the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE electric?
Mercedes-Benz Cle cars for sale on heycar
Mercedes-Benz CleCLE 300e AMG Line Premium 2dr 9G-Tronic
20242,071 milesHybrid£777 mo£51,186
Fair priceRG18EQMercedes-Benz CleCLE 300e AMG Line Premium Plus 2dr 9G-Tronic
20252,289 milesHybrid£789 mo£53,427
HP91QJMercedes-Benz CleCLE 300e AMG Line Premium Plus 2dr 9G-Tronic
20241,549 milesHybrid£729 moor £49,500£54,659
£5,159 offRG129FRMercedes-Benz CleCLE 300e AMG Line Premium 2dr 9G-Tronic
20242,835 milesHybrid£726 mo£51,250
Fair priceCM13BHMercedes-Benz CleCLE 300e AMG Line Premium Plus 2dr 9G-Tronic
20243,370 milesHybrid£729 moor £49,250£52,500
£3,250 offRG129FR
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