2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Coupe review

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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Coupe

You see them on the road, as shining new models on show or a loved classic out and about on a sunny Sunday. The Mercedes-Benz coupe is a hallmark of the German car brand, and something that so many aspire to own.

Keen punters might not recognise this new CLE-Class nomenclature, because it’s new territory for Mercedes-Benz.

It’s effectively the next chapter in the brand’s long and storied history of sleek and swoopy coupe models, replacing both the E-Class and C-Class coupes.

This new in-between model, which starts at just over $100,000 before on-road costs, serves as the gateway point into Mercedes’s reach-for-the-stars range of two-door delicacies.

Reach for the stars indeed, with the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 going for $366,500 before on-road costs.

But let’s come back down towards earth for this review, and look at what Mercedes’s most budget-friendly coupe looks, feels and drives like.

How much is a Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?

With a starting price just north of the six-figure threshold at $102,815 plus on-road costs, the CLE200 Coupe is more expensive than the old entry-level C-Class Coupe ($79,200 plus on-roads for the C200), but is $10,000 cheaper than the equivalent E200 Coupe ($112,969).

And adding to the value quotient here, the new Benz CLE-Class is slightly longer and wider than the outgoing E-Class Coupe, and noticeably longer and wider than the C-Class coupe.

Standard equipment for the CLE200 is at a high level, with things like LED lighting front and rear, an AMG-Line exterior styling pack and 19-inch black AMG wheels improving road presence.

On the inside, there is an 11.9-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and panoramic sliding sunroof as standard equipment.

There’s also a Burmester-branded sound system with Dolby Atmos, interior ambient lighting and heated, and power-adjustable front seats.

In terms of pricing, the Mercedes-Benz CLE does feel a little costly against the likes of an Audi A5 45 TFSI ($90,815 plus on-roads) or even the gruntier, better equipped S5 for $119,215 plus on-road costs.

From BMW, consider the 430i M Sport ($109,700), or trade exterior size for engine size, with the smaller but more powerful M240i xDrive, which has 285kW/500Nm and costs $99,900 plus on-road costs.

Those who want a sportier coupe at around $100K should also be looking at the likes of a Toyota Supra, Nissan Z and Ford Mustang.

Perhaps an oddball choice would be the electric Polestar 4, which is classed a coupe, but blends four-door coupe styling, hatchback practicality, and higher-riding SUV stance.

How big is a Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?

With some additional length and width at play, the new Benz CLE has a clear advantage of overall space compared to the more diminutive C-Class coupe.

But while the CLE is technically a four-seater vehicle, it really is a two-plus-two arrangement inside. That means while there is space for two (not three, by the way), it’s a bit restricted for leg room and head room in the back.

Adults can fit in here, but comfort will depend on how long-legged those up front are. Visibility isn’t great either, and it’s only really suited to short jaunts.

But of course, it’s up front where the CLE200 really makes a big impression.

Because there is a high level of standard equipment included as standard in this Benz, dropping yourself into the cabin brings an element of ‘wow’ into your impressions. It’s well designed, and carries on the same combination of design, layout and materials that we have seen in the latest products from Mercedes-Benz.

The combination of a timber across the dashboard and glossy piano black combines well, and plays into the whole dark and brooding theme inside the vehicle. Switchgear feels good, and you’ve got a fair amount of storage available in the two lidded storage areas in the central console, along with cupholders, of course.

Power outlets are hidden along with the cupholders underneath the piano-black panel, and I’m sure many neat-freaks will love the fact that you can close all of this up when you want to keep it looking clean and tidy.

Other chrome-like plastics look good around the door cards, handles and air vents, but the addition of LED ambient lighting is deftly executed to leave the CLE200 feeling modern and quite flash.

Discounting a more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain, the only thing that a more expensive CLE300 gets inside over a CLE200 is the addition of leather seating, which is different to the synthetic leather in the standard-fit CLE200.

But with a $2900 option ticked, we’ve been upgraded to the same level. And aside from features like heating, memory and ample electric adjustment on offer, the seats in the CLE200 with the upgraded materials are quite comfortable and well made. We did a driving stint of around two-and-a-half hours and came out without any issues to note.

Does the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Infotainment has been a strong suit of Mercedes-Benz for a while now, and that continues to be the case here. An 11.9-inch system is ample in terms of screen size, but the combination of features, menu navigation and ease-of-use rates highly here.

Most will likely dip straight into Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for all of their navigation and entertainment needs, but we’ve also got native navigation, AM/FM radio and digital radio to appease our needs.

There is the ability to connect up with the Mercedes Me companion app on your CLE-Class, which gives you some remote control and information, but this service does come with a cost after the three-year complimentary period.

Mercedes-Benz appears to have some vehicle functions only accessed through a subscription service, which means you might have ongoing payments required to use a certain feature even if the hardware is installed in the car.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a safe car?

While plenty of vehicles in Mercedes’s range have a published ANCAP safety score, and five stars are the norm in this regard, the CLE is currently unrated, with no testing conducted by either ANCAP in Australia or the equivalent Euro NCAP overseas.

What safety technology does the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class have?

Standard safety equipment is aplenty in this CLE200, with nothing held over compared to more expensive variants. This includes all of the usual suspects like adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane-keep assistance and blind-spot monitoring, but also has the added value of not getting in the way of everyday driving.

The technology is there and can be genuinely helpful if you have a slip-up behind the wheel (we’ve all had one, haven’t we?), but the systems are finely tuned in a manner to not interrupt your normal attentive and thoroughly safe driving situations.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class cost to run?

Service costs for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class are capped at $3325 for three years or $6800 for five years. Mercedes offers those prices as part of pre-paid packages, and is the same across the Mercedes-Benz CLE range.

Don’t forget, the hardware between CLE200 and CLE300 is mostly the same. While the model with the larger number gets all-wheel drive, more power and torque are garnered from the same fundamental 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Insurance for a 2025 Mercedes CLE200 is set at $3206 per year according to an online quote generator. This is based on a 35-year-old male living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class fuel-efficient?

Helped by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, the 2.0-litre M254 engine in this coupe is an efficient operator. A claim of only 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres is impressive, but our driving across town, highway, and more spirited driving situations saw a number that was a little higher at 9.0L/100km.

For what it’s worth, opting for the more expensive CLE300 with the higher-output version of the same motor, 190kW/400Nm versus 150kW/320Nm, gets a slightly higher average of 7.4L/100km.

What is the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class like to drive?

In this CLE200 variant of Mercedes's swooping coupe, you get a driving experience that is competent and refined, but also not exciting. In this case, it's a car that's destined for those who don't see themselves as keen enthusiasts.

The CLE gets a more powerful tune from the same base engine in the CLE300, but the 150kW and 320Nm in this case are enough, but also not a lot.

The nature of the engine, which doesn't develop a raucous amount of power density, is quite demure overall. It's refined and well behaved, with enough grunt for a little bit of nippy driving.

But at the same time, it would be seen as underwhelming for those who want a little bit of a hard edge.

The 17kW and 205Nm outputs from the belt alternator starter, which is fed from the 48-volt mild hybrid system, do help a little in terms of forward motivation. But like most other applications of this technology, this is all about improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

Driving this CLE200, you can feel that the chassis is capable of handling significantly more power and torque than what we have here. It works out to be 84kW to the tonne against a claimed tare mass of 1782kg, which is decent without being sporty.

Numbers and specs aside, the driving experience of this CLE200 doesn't really feel sporty. This comes from the linear and non-explosive delivery of power through the revs, low-ish peak revs, and a refined soundtrack.

On the brighter side, the car remains composed and stable in just about every situation you find yourself. It's balanced and refined through the steering wheel, and there's plenty of roadholding ability to explore. But for keen drivers, you'll often be mashing that throttle down to 100 per cent to get a dynamic wriggle on.

Another strong suit for the CLE is ride quality, which is mostly good and composed for town, back road and highway driving. This plays into the strength of the CLE200 as a smart-looking touring vehicle, rather than being a dynamic package.

Can a Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class tow?

There wouldn’t be many out there who are looking at a Mercedes-Benz coupe as a regular option for towing, but the maximum towing capacity of 1800kg braked is surprisingly generous.

Provided that the trailer has its own form of braking system, you can get away with a decently sized trailer behind your car – if you’re so inclined.

Should I buy a Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?

The main appeal of the CLE200 is in aesthetics, both when you're viewing it from the outside and soaking up the interior. It looks the part, and will be an appealing option for those who have always aspired to get a slinky two-door tourer wearing a three-pointed star.

It's comfortable and refined, and is loaded with impressive-looking and functioning technology. For those who want a stylish chariot for those weekend road trips and a comfy two-plus-two daily driver, it feels quite good overall.

Those who want some additional impetus, both through performance and stirring emotions, will need to dig deeper into a CLE300, which gets more outputs and four driven wheels.

Costing just over a hundred thousand dollars plus on-road costs has its appeal, but the CLE200 does have some compelling competition to consider. The BMW 430i and Audi A5 would need to be considered, along with other sporty coupes like the Toyota Supra, Nissan Z and Ford Mustang.

How do I buy a Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class? The next steps.

For those who don’t value big hits of straight-line performance and an accompanying aural orchestra, then the Mercedes-Benz CLE200 is more car in terms of spec, comfort, features and appeal than you’ll probably ever need.

It’s no doubt nice to drive, but those who want a little more underbonnet motivation would be weighing up the circa-$20,000 jump to the CLE300.

The next step on the purchase journey is to check the Mercedes-Benz website for stock of your preferred Mercedes-Benz variant. You can also find Mercedes-Benz vehicles for sale at Drive Marketplace.

We strongly recommend taking a test drive at a dealership before committing because personal needs and tastes can differ. Find your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer here. We'd also recommend test-driving the Audi S5, which is available at a similar price but offers higher levels of performance.

If you want to stay updated with everything that’s happened to this car since our review, you’ll find all the latest news here.

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