2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe Review

Shopping for a luxury coupe that balances style, comfort, and performance can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe enters the luxury coupe segment with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 255 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency.

This review breaks down everything you need to know about the CLE 300 Coupe, from its sleek design and advanced technology to its driving experience and pricing. You might be surprised by what this new Mercedes brings to the table.

2025 CLE Coupe Canadian Prices

In Canada, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is offered in three trims, two of which are the regular trims and one is the AMG version. The CLE Coupe is offered as CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450 4MATIC, AND CLE 53 AMG 4MATIC+.

MSRP range: $62,000–$80,000+

The base 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe has a Canadian starting price of $62,500, but that’s not what most people will end up paying. Once you start ticking all the options and packages, prices go up fast. Will all the bells and whistles and the most expensive paint, I was able to get the price to $86,500. Like the base price, I’m sure most customers are not going to go all out like that, a nicely optioned out CLE 300 Coupe should cost in the mid-70k region. All these prices are before taxes and fees.

The other two trims of the CLE have higher starting prices and higher fully-loaded prices. The CLE is also offered as a Cabriolet model, which adds about $10,000 to these base prices, pushing the convertible versions into higher territory. The cost reflects Mercedes-Benz’s focus on luxury materials, advanced technology, and refined engineering.

Our review car had a price tag of $77,105 before taxes and fees. Some of the big ticket options included are listed below:

• Pinnacle Trim ($3,600)
  • LED Digital Light headlamps
  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
  • Head-Up Display
  • 360-degree camera
• AMG Line ($3,900)
  • 19″ AMG wheels
  • AMG body styling
  • AMG rear lip spoiler
  • Sport brake system
  • AMG interior package
  • Sport steering wheel
  • Lowered sport suspension
  • Brushed stainless steel pedals
• Burmester Surround Sound ($1,100)
• Misc smaller options
• Freight & PDI, and other fees

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe catches your eye with its flowing lines and refined proportions. This luxury coupe blends athletic stance with sophisticated elegance, creating a design that turns heads on every street corner.

Sleek and elegant design

Mercedes-Benz designers created the CLE 300 Coupe with sleek and elegant design that attracts attention on every street. The car features a smooth and understated design, that’s not in your face, however, this design should age well.

There are muscular curves on the hood and the front fenders show bulges. The rear comes with smooth, modern looking taillights, which look particularly good in the dark. The overall design is quite aerodynamic, resulting in a profile that moves through air with minimal resistance. Modern styling cues combine with classic Mercedes design elements, creating a stylish exterior that appeals to drivers who desire both performance and sophistication.

The CLE 300 Coupe’s exterior design perfectly balances sporty performance with elegant sophistication.

Matrix LED headlights and aerodynamic features

The CLE 300 Coupe includes Matrix LED headlights that enhance night driving safety and visibility. These advanced illumination technology systems automatically adjust their beam patterns, providing improved visual clarity on dark roads.

The headlights collaborate with smart sensors to prevent glare for other drivers while maintaining a well-lit path for you. This adaptive lighting system represents a significant advancement in automotive technology.

Related: Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivers solid performance for daily driving. This powertrain produces 255 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 to 3,200 rpm, giving the coupe enough muscle to handle highway merging and city acceleration with confidence.

The turbocharger helps boost engine performance while maintaining good fuel efficiency.

Engine displacement of 2.0 liters strikes a good balance between power and economy in this luxury coupe segment. The inline-four configuration keeps the engine compact and lightweight, which helps with handling dynamics.

Forced induction technology allows this smaller displacement engine to compete with larger naturally aspirated motors while using less fuel during normal driving conditions.

The horsepower and torque figures are respectable, the CLE 300 has more than enough power for daily commutes on city streets and the highways. The three driving modes give the car distinct driving characteristics, with the Eco mode perfect for cruising on the highway while saving fuel, the Comfort mode for normal driving, and the Sport more for a bit more spirited driving.

The engine performance feels smooth and refined across the rev range. Acceleration comes on strong thanks to that healthy torque figure, making city driving and freeway cruising equally enjoyable.

The powertrain delivers its power in a linear fashion, avoiding any sudden surges or lag that might catch you off guard.

The 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque combination strikes the perfect balance between efficiency and performance for luxury coupe buyers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe delivers solid acceleration with its 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. The turbocharged engine provides enough power to merge onto highways confidently, though it won’t pin you to your seat like a sports car would.

Performance feels smooth and predictable, making daily driving comfortable while still offering decent speed for those moments you need to pass slower traffic.

The 9G-Tronic (9-speed) transmission is smooth and has quick shifts, in the Eco mode, it tries to get to the highest gear possible for better fuel economy while in Sport mode, it holds gears much longer. The gears can also be changed manually with the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

According to NRCan, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe should consume 9.8/7.1/8.6 liters/100 kilometers in city/highway/combined driving. I was able to achieve 7.8 L/100 km in 40/60 city/highway driving, with most of the driving taking place in the Eco mode. These numbers are impressive, however, the harder you drive the car, the worse your fuel consumption will be.

Related: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

Ride Quality and Handling

The CLE 300 Coupe delivers a smooth, refined ride that makes long highway trips feel effortless. Mercedes tuned the suspension for comfort over sport, creating a driving experience that prioritizes relaxation and quiet cabin ambiance.

The soft suspension setup delivers excellent shock absorption, making long highway trips feel effortless and relaxing.

Vehicle stability remains solid despite the comfort-focused approach, though you won’t find the sharp handling characteristics of sportier coupes. Driving dynamics emphasize ride comfort above all else, which means the car glides over bumps and rough pavement without jarring passengers.

The smoothness translates to a serene driving experience that reduces fatigue during extended drives.

Interior and Comfort

The CLE 300 Coupe’s cabin wraps you in premium materials that feel expensive to the touch, while the spacious interior gives both driver and passenger plenty of room to stretch out.

The Burmester sound system delivers crisp audio that makes every drive feel like a concert, and the ambient lighting creates a mood that transforms your daily commute into something special.

High-quality materials and spacious cabin

Mercedes-Benz loads the CLE 300 Coupe with high-quality materials that feel premium to the touch. MB-Tex upholstery covers the seats, delivering durability and comfort without the maintenance hassles of real leather.

Soft-touch surfaces dominate the dashboard and door panels, while brushed aluminum trim adds a refined ambiance throughout the cabin. Material quality stays consistent across all touchpoints, from the steering wheel to the armrests.

Spacious cabin design accommodates four passengers with surprising comfort for a coupe. Front seats offer generous legroom and headroom, while rear passengers get more space than most two-door competitors provide.

Passenger accommodation feels thoughtful, with ergonomic seat positioning that reduces fatigue on longer drives. Interior design maximizes every inch of available space, creating an airy feel that luxury car buyers expect in this price range.

Burmester sound system and ambient lighting

The CLE 300 Coupe comes with an optional Burmester sound system that delivers impressive acoustic performance. This premium audio system produces rich, clear sound quality that transforms your daily drives into concert-like experiences.

The surround sound technology fills the luxury interior with crisp highs and deep bass, making every song sound better than your home stereo.

Mercedes pairs this excellent sound system with 64-color LED ambient lighting that creates the perfect mood for any drive. The color spectrum ranges from subtle whites to vibrant blues and reds, letting you customize your interior design to match your style.

This mood lighting system highlights the cabin’s comfort features while adding a modern touch to the overall luxury interior experience.

Related: Mercedes-Benz GLC Review

Technology and Infotainment

The CLE 300 Coupe features Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system with an 11.9-inch touchscreen that responds quickly to inputs. Voice commands work well for basic functions like navigation and music, while the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel give you easy access to key features without taking your hands off the wheel.

User-friendly infotainment system

Mercedes-Benz equips the 2025 CLE 300 Coupe with the latest MBUX infotainment system, and it delivers a user-friendly interface that makes daily driving more enjoyable. This digital display responds quickly to touch commands, while the voice control feature lets you manage functions without taking your hands off the wheel.

Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration means your smartphone connects automatically once you get in the car. The touchscreen layout feels intuitive, with large icons and clear menus that don’t require a manual to figure out.

Satellite radio comes standard, giving you access to hundreds of channels for long road trips or daily commutes. The multimedia system handles everything from navigation to music streaming with impressive speed and reliability.

Wireless technology eliminates the need for cables, keeping your cabin clean and organized. This connectivity setup works smoothly with most popular apps, so you can access your favorite content without frustration or complicated setup procedures.

Touch-sensitive and voice control features

The CLE 300 Coupe puts smart technology right at your fingertips. Touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel respond to your commands without taking your hands off the wheel. This handsfree operation keeps you focused on the road while managing your infotainment system.

The touchscreen interface feels responsive and clear, making navigation through menus quick and easy.

Voice activation takes convenience to the next level with the “Hey Mercedes” virtual assistant. This digital assistant enhances voice recognition and navigation, understanding your commands with impressive acoustic recognition.

Gesture control adds another layer of interaction, letting you wave your hand to adjust volume or skip tracks. The user interface combines all these features into one cohesive system that actually works the way you’d expect it to.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe features advanced safety systems that protect you on every drive. These driver-assistance technologies combine to create a comprehensive safety net, providing confidence on highways and city streets alike.

Advanced safety systems and ratings

Mercedes-Benz builds the CLE 300 Coupe on the same platform as the C-Class and E-Class models, which have earned excellent safety ratings from crash test organizations. This shared foundation brings proven safety technology and impact protection systems to the coupe.

The platform includes advanced safety systems like automated braking, collision avoidance features, and active safety systems that help prevent accidents before they happen.

Crash test ratings aren’t available yet since the CLE 300 hasn’t been tested by safety organizations. Driver assistance features come standard, including vehicle stability control and comprehensive airbag systems throughout the cabin.

Safety technology monitors the road ahead and can apply emergency braking when it detects potential collisions, giving you extra protection during daily driving.

Standard and optional driver-assistance technologies

The CLE 300 Coupe comes loaded with essential safety systems right out of the box. Forward collision warning keeps you alert to potential dangers ahead, while automatic emergency braking steps in when you need it most.

These standard active safety features work together to create a protective bubble around your ride. Vehicle stability systems monitor your car’s behavior constantly, making tiny adjustments to keep you on track.

Mercedes takes things up a notch with their optional Driver Assistance package. Adaptive cruise control maintains your speed and following distance automatically, making highway drives less stressful.

Lane-keeping assist gently nudges you back into your lane if you start to drift. Traffic monitoring systems scan the road ahead, feeding information to other driver aids for better collision avoidance.

Enhanced safety features like lane departure warning add extra layers of protection, giving you confidence on every drive. The interior design continues this focus on driver comfort and convenience.

Pros and Cons

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupe offers excellent comfort and advanced technology, but its high price may give some buyers pause. This luxury coupe excels in everyday driving comfort and interior design, although it doesn’t provide the sporty performance some enthusiasts desire.

Highlights: Comfort, styling, and technology

The CLE 300 Coupe offers exceptional comfort that makes every drive enjoyable. Luxury materials fill the cabin, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that appeals to discerning drivers.

The Burmester sound system provides crystal-clear audio, while ambient lighting sets the perfect mood for any trip.

Style defines this Mercedes-Benz model from every angle. The sleek, aerodynamic exterior combines sporty design with luxury features that attract attention on the road. Innovation is evident in every detail, from the Matrix LED headlights to the elegant sheetmetal that flows smoothly across the body.

Performance meets aesthetics through careful aerodynamic engineering that enhances both looks and efficiency. Design excellence extends to the spacious interior, where functionality meets premium craftsmanship in perfect harmony.

This coupe isn’t perfect, and there are some drawbacks to consider.

Drawbacks: Price and lack of sporty performance

The CLE 300 Coupe’s biggest drawback hits your wallet hard. Starting at $62,000 and climbing to $80,000+, this Mercedes costs more than most competitors in the luxury coupe segment.

That price difference becomes tough to justify, especially for younger buyers looking for their first luxury car. The cost puts it out of reach for many enthusiasts who want German engineering without breaking the bank.

Performance enthusiasts will find the CLE 300 disappointing on twisty roads. The suspension emphasizes comfort over sporty handling, making it feel soft and disconnected during aggressive driving.

While the 255 horsepower gets you moving, the 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time feels sluggish compared to sportier rivals. The tradeoffs favor highway cruising over canyon carving, which limits its appeal to drivers who want both comfort and excitement.

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 500 Coupe Review Final Thoughts

Mercedes-Benz delivers a compelling luxury coupe with the CLE 300. This car offers smooth performance, premium comfort, and advanced technology that appeals to drivers who want style without sacrificing daily usability.

Sure, the price tag sits high, and you won’t find track-ready acceleration here, but the CLE 300 excels at what it promises: refined driving experience wrapped in elegant design. For buyers seeking a sophisticated coupe that balances luxury with practicality, this Mercedes earns serious consideration in the competitive luxury segment.

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