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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$59,550 to $76,300

Original MSRP

7.5
of 10

expert review

--

avg user rating

(0 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • CLE 53 AMG’s excellent ride and handling balance

Cons

  • Not much cargo space

  • Premium pricing

  • Some recommended driver-assist features aren’t standard

7.5
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
9/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
5/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
Photo by Kirk Bell. 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class front quarter view.

Mercedes’ rationalized coupe and convertible lineup still delivers a premium experience.

We can’t have all the nice things, but we can have some of them. Until 2023, Mercedes-Benz offered both the midsize E-Class and the compact C-Class as coupes and convertibles alongside the meat-and-potatoes sedans. But lagging sales prompted the manufacturer to consolidate those lines into a single model called CLE. The new cars are the size of the E-Class but essentially use the ever-so-slightly less premium C-Class interior.

Every CLE performs well, but the AMG 53 model turns up the wick on power and handling. It tops the lineup until a CLE 63 arrives, and wears the duds of the AMG lineup without becoming a hardcore track car. Basically, it’s a finely tuned grand tourer that works for a weekend away in the mountains or as an everyday driver. We drove the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet and found it a treat to still have at least some nice things.

Verdict: The CLE 53 is a stylish convertible that’s great to drive, but the experience doesn’t come cheap.

9/10

The CLE 53 lineup represents something now in short supply: a low, sleek, beautiful design. The AMG 53 heightens the styling even more with wider fenders and bigger wheels that create a more planted stance.

Up front, the CLE 53 sports the A-shaped AMG Panamericana grille with vertical slats and a large Mercedes star logo in its center. The corners are occupied by squinting headlights with LED light-signature brows up top and large air intakes down low. The rounded nose flows back into heavily flared front fenders backed by chrome-accented air vent gills. From there the body tucks in like a Coke-bottle, then widens again to pronounced rear haunches. The front and rear fender flares are necessary because the front track is 2.3 inches wider than that of the standard CLE, and the rear track is 3 inches wider. A full-width taillight panel drapes over the rear above another Mercedes star and quad exhaust tips. It’s all grounded by wide tires on standard 19-inch wheels, with optional 20s.

The coupe’s roofline arcs back all the way to the tail. The side window line sports a chrome outline, and a kick-up at its rear contributes to the coupe’s wedge shape. The Cabriolet has more of a two-box shape with the top up. Its power cloth soft top is offered in black, gray, or red and can close or open in 20 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph.

Inside, the CLE 53 combines technology with luxury and sportiness. A pair of large screens provides the tech, while the sportiness comes from a chunky, flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel, aluminum pedals, sport bucket seats, and available trim materials including carbon fiber, a metal weave, a metallic mixed fabric, and a few varieties of wood. Soft-touch or other high-quality materials are found wherever the hand may roam, though harder plastics exist at hip level and below. Mercedes livens things up with standard 64-color ambient lighting, some bright upholsteries, contrast stitching, available red seat belts, and illuminated AMG door sills.

Kirk Bell
Published Jun 22, 2026 by Kirk Bell
Kirk grew up in the car culture, going to the drag strip to watch his dad race Pontiacs rather unsuccessfully. He edited Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine before moving to full-size cars as Managing Editor, then Associate Publisher at Consumer Guide. Most recently, he was Senior Editor at Motor Authority, focusing on luxury and performance cars and also contributing to TheCarConnection.com and GreenCarReports.com. A member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, Kirk now freelances for Edmunds.com, Cars.com, Autoblog.com, and The DuPont Registry.

User reviews for 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE Pricing

Original MSRP
$59,550 to $76,300
Price range
$67,825 to $71,546
Average price on CG
$71,546
YoY price change
$70,317 to $71,546

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Burmester · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 710 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 23 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 17 · Electric Motor Torque: 148 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 295 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2000

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top · Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: TIDAL · Premium Brand: Burmester · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 710 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.07

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 23 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 17 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 375 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker · Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Internet radio app: TIDAL · Premium Brand: Burmester · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · 710 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.6 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 23 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 17 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Exhaust: performance · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 443 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 413 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2200

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Apple Music · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 11.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power · Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear pedestrian · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Brakes

Front brake diameter: 14.6 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0

Engine

Electric Motor HP: 23 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 17 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 443 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 413 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 2200

Tires

Type: all season

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