2024 Mercedes CLE Coupe Review // The Best New German Coupe?

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe: The Goldilocks of Luxury Coupes

Mercedes has finally cleared up their alphabet soup of coupes! Gone are the days of endless options like the CLA, C-Class Coupe, E-Class Coupe, and whatever else they were throwing letters at. Now, we have the **CLE Coupe**—the perfect mashup of the C and E-Class Coupes with a little extra luxury sprinkled on top. Priced at **$56,000** to start, this stylish two-door beauty promises comfort, tech, and just the right amount of performance.

Let’s break it down and see why this might just be the new go-to luxury coupe.

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Driving Experience: Smooth Operator with a Punch

Buckle up, because under the hood is a **2.0L turbocharged inline-four** paired with a **48-volt mild hybrid system**. It’s got **255 horsepower** and **295 lb-ft of torque**, but the sneaky electric motor gives it an extra **23 hp and 148 lb-ft** when you need it. Translation? Enough juice to get you moving with a satisfying surge of power.

The hybrid setup is the real MVP here, smoothing out every stop, start, and acceleration. It’s whisper-quiet at traffic lights, with the engine shutting off before you even realize it. But when you hit the gas, the CLE takes off with gusto. Sure, the **9-speed automatic transmission** can hesitate when downshifting, but unless you’re drag racing, it’s not a dealbreaker.

On the road, the CLE is a dream. This thing eats potholes for breakfast and glides over bumps like they’re not even there. It’s tuned for comfort—perfect for city commutes and highway cruising. Around corners, it’s planted and confident, though it’s not as razor-sharp as a BMW 4 Series. But let’s be real: this car’s goal isn’t lap times. It’s about making every drive feel like a mini vacation.

Oh, and the fuel economy? Surprisingly good for a luxury coupe. Expect **26 mpg combined (23 city/32 highway)**, but we hit **37 mpg** on the highway during testing. So go ahead—plan that weekend road trip!

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Design: Bold, Sleek, and Just the Right Amount of Fancy

The CLE Coupe is a showstopper. Up front, you’ve got the “shark nose” grille, flanked by **digital headlights** that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. These lights even adapt to block out other cars while keeping the road lit, making night drives way less stressful.

The side profile is where things get *chef’s kiss*. It’s long, low, and elegant—about half a foot longer than a C-Class sedan, giving it that stretched-out, luxury look. From some angles, it even has a hint of Rolls-Royce vibe, but at a fraction of the price.

At the rear, the design stays clean and classy, though I’ll admit the fake exhaust tips are a little disappointing. Want to spice things up? Opt for the **AMG Night Package**, which swaps all the chrome for sleek black accents. Trust me, it looks way sportier that way.

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Interior & Tech: Luxury Lounge Meets High-Tech Haven

Step inside, and it’s like walking into a high-end boutique. Mercedes nailed the vibe here—everything feels plush, refined, and just a little extra (in the best way). The **aluminum weave trim**, **white leather seats**, and glowing ambient lighting scream luxury without being too in-your-face.

Speaking of seats, they’re heated, ventilated, and supremely comfortable. You can even opt for **massage seats** if you’re feeling fancy, though this particular car didn’t have them. But don’t worry—it does come with **seat kinetics**, a feature that subtly shifts your position to keep you comfy on long drives. It’s like your seat’s doing yoga while you cruise.

The tech game is strong here. Front and center, you’ve got a **12.3-inch digital gauge cluster** paired with an **11.9-inch touchscreen** running the latest MBUX system. It’s fast, intuitive, and supports **wireless Apple CarPlay** and **Android Auto**. Need to pass the time? Play a round of Sudoku or Shuffle Puck right on the screen (when parked, obviously).

And can we talk about the **ambient lighting**? Mercedes lets you pick from **64 colors**, and the whole cabin lights up like a trendy rooftop lounge. Pair that with the **Burmester sound system**, and you’ve got yourself a rolling concert hall.

But wait, there’s more! The CLE Coupe doesn’t skimp on space, even for a coupe. The rear seats are legit usable—your friends won’t hate you for making them sit back there. And the trunk? At **14.8 cubic feet**, it’s bigger than a C-Class sedan’s, so you can pack for a weekend getaway with room to spare.

Other highlights:

- **Panoramic sunroof**: Let that sunlight pour in.

- **Augmented reality navigation**: Shows turn-by-turn directions right on the windshield.

- **Seatbelt extenders**: Because reaching back for your seatbelt is so 2023.

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Final Thoughts: A Coupe That Gets It Right

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is proof that less can be more. By streamlining its coupe lineup, Mercedes has created a car that feels focused, refined, and perfectly balanced. It’s not trying to be the sportiest option in its class—that’s BMW’s thing—but it nails luxury, comfort, and everyday usability in a way that feels effortless.

Whether you’re navigating downtown traffic or cruising down the coast, the CLE Coupe makes every drive feel special. It’s elegant, tech-savvy, and spacious enough to handle whatever life throws at you.

So if you’re in the market for a coupe that’s as stylish as it is practical, this one’s a no-brainer.