2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

Most Mercedes-Benzes give their owners industry-leading comfort and technology. The cost of that experience is an expensive base price with expensive options and below-average reliability. The brand produces a wide variety of vehicles for the U.S., including coupes, station wagons, sedans, convertibles, and even two-seat sports cars. Its two- and three-row SUVs that we’ve tested have powerful engines and interiors that are roomy and quiet. Generally, Mercedes-Benz fit and finish, inside and out, is exceptional and helps justify prices. Mercedes-Benz’s EVs range from compact to large three-row SUVs. Across the lineup, controls for the complex climate and infotainment systems aren’t as intuitive as we find in other luxury vehicles. Like most European luxury brands, used Mercedes-Benzes can have expensive out-of-warranty repairs, although Consumer Reports has found used models with above-average reliability.

The CLE is Mercedes' latest two-door coupe and convertible model. It consolidates the previous generation C-Class coupe and outgoing E-Class coupe. It shares the same polished powertrain and athletic chassis of the current C-Class. The punchy, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic deliver plenty of power. This powertrain also gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup for a smoother stop/start and unobtrusive AC operation. The CLE will likely inherit the C-Class' sporty handling and steady and composed ride. It is offered with an optional AMG sport suspension, which will make the ride stiffer. The front seats are supportive, and cabin fit and finish is impressive. Capacitive-touch controls add further frustrations to the infotainment system. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard.