2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Is Such a Tweener, Breaks Cover With Stylish Looks and Up to 376 HP

Mercedes-Benz dropped the C-Class Coupe and Convertible, together with the E-Class Coupe and Convertible, the models that the company affectionately called "dream cars." They were actually more of a nightmare for Mercedes, as sales figures failed to keep them alive in a world where the demand for crossovers has been skyrocketing. To replace all these four, the premium carmaker puts the new CLE in the spotlight. But does it have what it takes to survive?

Ready to take on the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5

The model comes with a sleek silhouette, subtly following the lines of the S-Class Coupe, a version that only survived for a single generation. It sports typical-coupe frameless doors, sculpted hood with power domes that would trick you into believing you're dealing with a V8-powered car, as well as a front end that displays all the drama of a "dream car."

Measuring 191 inches (4,850 mm) in length and sporting a 112.8-inch (2,865-mm) wheelbase, it slots right between the C-Class and the E-Class Coupe, while going up against BMW's 4 Series and Audi's A5.

There are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen floating above the center console in pure S-Class style. Future owners will benefit from the presence of the 5G-equipped latest-gen MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The system allows Zoom conference calls, plays TikTok videos, and lets those on board the CLE play Angry Birds.

A seven-zone massage and the 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system are also inside.

The entire engine lineup is electrified

Based on the MRA II platform, the CLE comes with a completely electrified engine lineup, sporting a 48-volt electrical system. The lineup starts with the mild-hybrid four-cylinder 200 4MATIC with a starter generator integrated into the transmission and 201 hp (204 PS). European customers are also getting a diesel, the 200d with 197 hp (200 PS).

Further up in the range, we find the CLE 300, powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 255 hp (258 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), followed by the 3.0-liter six-cylinder 450 4MATIC with 376 hp (381 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm). An AMG-branded 53 4MATIC will arrive next year with the M256 3.0-liter turbo six, taking the CLE to 429 hp (435 PS) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm).

There is no manual gearbox available for the CLE. The only box to tick here is the 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic.

A thoroughbred AMG version, the CLE 63 is also part of the plan. It won't get the all-so-familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. It can come with either the electrified drivetrain of the C 63 S E Performance, that integrates a 2.0-liter turbo engine and a rear-mounted electric motor or the PHEV setup of the E 63 with a six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine. Spy photos have revealed a charging port located on the right-hand side of the rear bumper.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is optionally equipped with the Dynamic Body Control with adaptive damping and 2.5-degree rear-axle steering.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible, revealed, but not market-ready yet

As spy shots previewed, the official reveal confirms that we're dealing with a fixed-head coupe as well as a rag-top convertible, codenamed C236 and A236, respectively.

The CLE Convertible sports a canvas roof, as Mercedes-Benz wants to keep the weight under control, without though compromising on rigidity.

The premium carmaker has revealed the car in bright white with a contrasting red rag top. But this version won't drop in time for some wind-in-your-hair cruising this summer. Instead, Mercedes will be sending it to showrooms in 2024.

Meanwhile, the new Mercedes-Benz CLE will hit the showrooms in the fall as a 2024 model year.