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Jun 03, 2024

Preview: 2024 Mercedes

Mercedes consolidates its two-door C- and E-Class lineup With the unveiling of the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE, the German automaker seems to admit that there might be too many two-door models

Mercedes consolidates its two-door C- and E-Class lineup

With the unveiling of the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE, the German automaker seems to admit that there might be too many two-door models competing for a limited pool of buyers. The CLE essentially replaces the previous generation C- and E-Class coupes and convertibles that are now at the twilight of their current generation.

The CLE is 6.5 inches longer than the C-Class Coupe and 0.6 inches longer than the E-Class Coupe. With these larger dimensions, Mercedes says rear-seat passengers especially benefit with more head- shoulder-, and elbow room than the C-Class Coupe. Likewise, the trunk has 2.1 cubic feet of additional space and can easily accommodate three golf bags, according to Mercedes.

Initially, the CLE will be offered with two trims: CLE 300 4Matic and CLE 450 4Matic, each with standard all-wheel drive. (“4Matic” means AWD in Mercedes lingo.)

After the coupe launches in early 2024, the convertible version will arrive in showrooms.

With the proliferation of luxury SUVs and EVs, the demand for many high-end two-door cars—at least in the U.S.—has shriveled. Witness the demise of the Cadillac ATS, ELR, and CTS coupes; Infiniti just brought an end to its Q60 coupe; and the final Lincoln Mark VIII ended production in the late 1990s. Storied names like Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Ford Thunderbird have all been put to pasture, steamrolled by the SUV onslaught—some of which are pitched as being coupelike.

Consolidating its two-door offerings makes sense in light of this ongoing trend. Even still, Mercedes might be answering a question few are asking.

Here is what we know so far.What it competes with: Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Jaguar F-Type, Lexus RCPowertrains:255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; nine-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive.375-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six; nine-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive.Price: $60,000-$75,000 (estimated)On sale: The Coupe will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2024; the Cabriolet will follow soon after.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Because this new coupe and current C-Class share many components, we already know much about what makes the CLE fly. For example, we think the base 2.0-liter powerplant—which is what we tested in the C300 sedan—is satisfying, responsive, and fuel-efficient. And as we found when we took our C-Class to our track, handling also proved to be engaging and sporty.

The firm suspension produced just a so-so ride. Part of the problem was that our C300 came with the optional AMG stiffer sport suspension, which brought a lower ride height and tires with shorter sidewalls than standard C300s. Mercedes says that a sport suspension is available on the base model and standard on the CLE 450.

Our C-Class has a glorious interior, with lots of padded areas, chrome accents, piano-black trim, high-quality stitching, and smooth-action dashboard air vents. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even for the long haul. This will likely carry over with the CLE.

However, another shared component between the C-Class and CLE that potential buyers need to prepare themselves for is Mercedes’ infotainment system, called MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). We found that this system delivered tech overload, with annoying controls that handle just about every media and climate function through the large center touchscreen. The system is such a hassle that it might be a deal breaker for some buyers—certainly, it gives us pause. Time will tell if Mercedes will make improvements on this complicated system.

The stylish silhouette is highlighted by smooth curves, a graceful roofline, and a rather short and stubby trunk.

According to the company, the CLE’s long hood features “strongly contoured power domes” implying what power lurks underneath. The coupe’s nose gets the usual and prominent Mercedes tri-star logo smack in the middle of the grille, flanked by LED headlights.

As with many coupes, the A-pillars are swept back and look moderately thin. However, and as is the case with many coupes, the rear C-pillars look massive and are likely to cause visibility issues.

The entry CLE 300 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, which seem appropriately sized in the wheel wells. The AMG Line (standard on the CLE 450) gets 19-inch rims, which look a bit like oversized wagon wheels. And if those aren’t big or stylish enough, buyers can choose among a selection of 18- to 20-inch sizes and 10 different exterior colors.

Overall, the CLE’s proportions are elegant and tasteful.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The CLE’s interior looks to be similar to what we experienced in our C-Class, with plentiful padded surfaces, nicely done contrasting stitching on the windowsills and upper dashboard, and a sleek, integrated instrument panel and infotainment screen.

Press photos show liberal use of glossy plastic and carbon-look trim, a thickly wrapped and satisfying steering wheel, and cool mood lighting. We wonder, however, if the CLE will inherit the C-Class’ flimsy turn-signal stalk, and if the windowsills will be as lightly padded as the ones in our C300 sedan.

The CLE’s optional seats feature perforated leather with attractive piping and exposed stitching.

The standard seats are covered in synthetic leather, called MB-TEX. Mercedes says these seats are comprised of “65 percent recycled materials in the seat area and 85 percent in the inner lining.” The front seats have standard heating elements and four-way lumbar support. Ventilated and seven-zone massaging front seats are optional.

Other interior trim details include more applications of MB-TEX on the instrument panel and beltlines; available open-pored, black wood veneer mixed with aluminum inlays; and natural grain walnut wood, anthracite wood, and metal weave trim.

Music lovers will rejoice that a Burmester 3D surround sound system comes standard. Both front seats get two speakers at the level of the headrests for your head-banging music pleasure.

The infotainment screen, at 11.9 inches, takes center stage in the middle of the dashboard. The current version of this system that we tested in other Mercedes models is maddening to use. For example, the system has slider controls for several functions, and in all cases, we found this setup to be far less precise than using buttons or a thumbwheel. What we experienced in our C-Class, for instance, was what a pain it was to adjust the volume exactly where you want it on the first try; sometimes you slide your finger and nothing happens, while other times it goes way too far, or not enough. As a result, the driver may be inclined to reach for the volume adjuster on the touchscreen that only appears after using one of the other sliding controls.

So CLE buyers beware: The new coupe gets a slightly updated but very similar version of this system.

The CLE 300 comes with a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This punchy combination has plenty of invigorating power, and it propelled our all-wheel-drive C300 sedan from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.7 seconds.

The transmission shifts smoothly, and the 48-volt mild-hybrid system contributed to the C-Class’ commendable 29 mpg overall, albeit on more expensive premium fuel. Official fuel economy estimates for the CLE were not released.

The top-shelf CLE 450 gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine, good for 375 hp.

Standard equipment for the CLE Coupe includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and rear automatic emergency braking.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Mike Quincy

Mike Quincy is a writer, editor, podcaster, and tester with the Consumer Reports autos team. He has been with CR since 1993, purchasing more than 160 cars for the test program. Previously, Mike wrote for Automobile Magazine. When he’s not working, Mike can be found training for a long-distance bicycle ride, honing a wide variety of baked goods, or studying the world of mixology in search of the perfect martini.