Summary
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a two-door, four-seater coupé that was launched in 2023 before arriving in the UK in early 2024.
The CLE effectively replaces two models in the Mercedes-Benz family, the C-Class Coupé and the E-Class Coupé, as part of a rationalisation of the company’s sprawling model range. The CLE is also available as a cabriolet, and we have a separate Expert Rating for that model.
Media reviews have been broadly positive although the actual review scores have so far only been average. Stuart Gallagher at Evo describes the CLE as “a very good all-round coupe that takes a step back to the Mercedes of old”, while Neil Winn from What Car? similarly describes it as “a compelling choice as a comfortable, long-distance cruiser”. However, Autocar laments that “E-Class Coupé owners might not find material quality levels commensurate with their old car”
As of November 2024, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé hold a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions (thanks to the plug-in hybrid version), although media review scores are only middling and running costs are high. As yet, we don’t have any safety data from Euro NCAP, so that may influence the rating up or down if and when the CLE is tested.
CLE highlights
- Comfortable ride for long journeys
- Good-size rear seats
- Decent level of standard equipment
- Plenty of top tech equipment
CLE lowlights
- Handling can’t match BMW 4 Series
- Touch-sensitive steering wheel controls
- Still a pricey option
- Plug-in hybrid model loses a lot of boot space
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-sized 2+2 coupé
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £46,620 on-road
Launched: Winter 2023/24
Last updated: N/A
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
No safety rating
As of November 2024, the Mercedes-Benz CLE has not been tested by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of November 2024, the Mercedes-Benz CLE has not been tested by Green NCAP.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 40 mpg | D | 37 – 44 mpg | C – D |
| Diesel models | 59 mpg | A | 59 – 60 mpg | A – A |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 470 mpg | A | 41 – 471 mpg | A – D |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 160 g/km | C | 145 – 176 g/km | B – C |
| Diesel models | 125 g/km | A | 123 – 126 g/km | A – A |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 13 g/km | A | 13 – 13 g/km | A – A |
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 69 miles | C | 68 – 69 miles | C – C |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 34 | C | 34 – 34 | C – C |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £367 | C |
| Year 2 | £851 | C |
| Year 3 | £1,381 | C |
| Year 4 | £1,656 | C |
| Year 5 | £2,164 | C |
| Overall | £6,419 | C |
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption on the petrol-engined models is poor, while the diesels and plug-in hybrid models are much better – and much the same applies to CO2 emissions, which affect road tax.
Insurance and servicing costs are pretty average for the new car market, which is fairly competitive for a luxury car model.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of November 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz CLE to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the CLE, we’ll publish the results here.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Mercedes-Benz CLE
Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/130
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2023 to 08/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 2
Defect: On certain vehicles, some 80A fuses installed might not meet requirements.
Remedy: Replace the respective main fuse boxes on the affected vehicles.
As of November 2024, there has only been one DVSA vehicle safety recall on the Mercedes-Benz CLE, and that only affected two cars.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used CLE, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz CLE, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Audi A5 (2016 to 2024) | BMW 4 Series | Ford Mustang
The large coupé market has been in decline for several years. The Audi A5 coupé has now been discontinued, while the BMW 4 Series carries on successfully. Ford has also launched a new Mustang, but that’s not really a direct competitor to the Mercedes CLE.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz CLE at The Car Expert
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