The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 is one of the German automaker’s newest standout offerings. The model was initially established as a replacement for both the C-Class and E-Class coupes. However, since its release, the CLE 300 has become undoubtedly one of the finest coupes on the market. Today, the 2025 Benz CLE 300 embodies the perfect blend of classic coupe elegance and modern innovation. This car represents an entirely new benchmark for Mercedes’ evolution of luxury vehicles. Amongst other things, the CLE’s design and practicality set it apart.
It has quickly become a favorite among drivers seeking a luxurious vehicle with exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The 2025 Benz CLE 300 has earned a reputation for seamlessly blending sophistication and everyday drivability. This was something Mercedes had struggled with in its recent E, C, and S-Classes. This model is a testament to Mercedes’ unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. With its new, well-rounded appeal, the CLE 300 continues to cement its reputation as a market leader in the luxury coupe segment.
Exterior Design and Build
The 2025 Benz CLE 300 elevates the coupe segment with precise exterior engineering and modern aesthetics. The exterior reflects Mercedes’ mastery of modern sophistication, with a sculpted profile and fluid body lines. The model is engineered to produce a low drag coefficient of 0.29, ensuring both efficiency and a quiet cabin. It also boasts severely sleek proportions, with a sloping roofline and a bold front fascia accent. These really elevate the genius piano black/metal-look door panel insert design. The aggressive lower air intake and sculpted bumper enhance its sporty demeanor while channeling airflow for cooling.
At the front, the iconic Mercedes-Benz star takes center stage, framed by a striking grille design. The exterior integrates a single-louver grille with chrome accents, conveying the heights of luxury and cutting-edge design. Sophisticated LED automatic headlights flank the grille on both sides. These lights adopt the latest delay-off headlights technology to provide enhanced visibility and higher-resolution impact beams. They also adjust dynamically to road conditions, ensuring optimal safety.
The CLE’s extended track width wheelbase ensures better weight distribution, while wider front and rear tracks give it a planted, athletic stance. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels can be upgraded to lightweight 20-inch AMG run-flat tires, improving handling dynamics. There are also aerodynamic side mirrors and integrated glass rear window diffusers to minimize drag. At the rear, LED taillights with a seamless light band contribute to the overall design. The 2025 Mercedes Benz CLE 300 boasts a futuristic and cohesive exterior.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 blends luxury with bleeding-edge digital features. True to the CLE lineage, driver-focused ergonomics are prioritized. This results in a plush cabin that feels both modern and intuitive. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated mirrors, and audio controls. Together, these screens offer customizable displays that enhance visibility and provide access to vehicle functions.
Passengers enjoy plush comfort with leather-trimmed seating and ambient lighting with day-night auto-dimming. There are optional AMG line heated front seats to offer enhanced support. The MB-Tex seat trim also features advanced heated seats, lumbar support, and memory settings for optimal customization. At the heart of the CLE 300’s tech system is Mercedes’ advanced 3rd generation MBUX multimedia system. The system provides intuitive steering wheel controls, seamless smart device integration, and advanced internet access functionality.
The system also offers natural language recognition, making voice commands easier and more accurate. Mercedes also uses sustainable materials like recycled plastics, vegan leather, and natural fiber trims. These elements provide a tactile, eco-conscious luxury experience without compromising style or durability. Additionally, gesture control allows easy manipulation of Android Auto media and navigation functions. Safety features like traffic sign assist, adaptive cruise control, hands-free access, proximity cargo access, and blind-spot monitoring ensure to experience of safe driving. These innovations make every journey safer and more convenient.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 CLE 300 really shines in terms of engine and performance. The vehicle features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine equipped with a variable valve timing system and multi-port brake ABS. This powertrain generates 255 horsepower at 5500 rpm, with a peak of 295 lb-ft of torque delivered as low as 1600 rpm. This makes the car able to make incredible road and tire purchases even at relatively low speeds. The turbocharger uses a slip differential electric motor to pre-spin the turbine at low speeds, virtually eliminating turbo lag. This results in a quicker throttle response, giving the CLE 300 a performance edge.
The 2025 CLE 300 also benefits from an electric boost that provides both performance enhancements and fuel savings. The 48-volt mild-hybrid setup uses integrated starter-generator (ISG) technology to recapture energy during braking and supplement acceleration power delivery. This propels the CLE 300 to 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds, but with subtle tuning, it has even been clocked as low as a 5.7-second registered mark. The drivetrain is complemented by a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, which intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear wheels.
This trim delivers refined performance with a focus on luxury. Mercedes coupes are known for their balance between ride comfort and powerful performance. The CLE 300’s 2.0-liter inline-4 features 16 valves (with pressure warning) and a 1991 cm³ displacement. The 9-speed automatic transmission also helps to provide smooth and precise gear changes. Together, these features enhance the 2025 Benz CLE 300’s overall performance and versatility.
Driving Experience and Handling
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 exemplifies luxury and refined driving in the coupe-SUV segment. It delivers an exceptional balance of comfort and performance. The mild hybrid system enhances acceleration, making every drive feel effortless and responsive. The firm yet precise electric parking brake also improves optimal handling. The car’s dynamics strike the perfect balance between agility and ease without feeling overly heavy.
The 2025 Benz CLE 300 also comes equipped with a multi-link adaptive suspension system, which significantly improves agility and speed-compensated volume control. This setup allows the vehicle to navigate sharp turns while maintaining smooth control. The rear anti-roll bars absorb road imperfections on a variety of surfaces, from city roads to highways. Additionally, the quasi-dual stainless steel exhaust enables the vehicle to adjust automatically to changing road conditions.
Another standout feature is the transmission, which offers seamless gear shifts and includes a real-time traffic display. The CLE 300 gives drivers more hill-hold control over driving dynamics than ever before. The car has also been fine-tuned for enhanced handling and remote releases for a stable rear seat feel during sharp maneuvers. Mercedes-Benz has refined the suspension and driver monitoring-alert systems to improve blind spot assist and deliver confident cornering performance.
Fuel Economy
The 2025 CLE 300 strikes an impressive balance between performance and fuel efficiency in the coupe-SUV segment. Equipped with its advanced 2.0-liter power fuel flap remote engine, it achieves 25 mpg combined, 22 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg on the highway. The mild-hybrid fuel tank enhances both EPA fuel economy and acceleration, delivering a solid EPA Greenhouse Gas score.
Mercedes-Benz has prioritized optimizing fuel consumption without compromising the dynamic driving experience. The CLE 300 is a versatile option for daily commutes and longer journeys.
Dimensions
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 features a 113.1-inch wheelbase, 189.4-inch length, 74.4-inch width, and 55.2-inch height. It offers 96 ft³ of passenger volume with a 15.4 ft³ trunk/hatch auto-latch expanding to 40.2 ft³ with the seats folded. The curb weight is 4,155 lbs, and the vehicle maintains a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
The tire dimensions are 255/40R-18 at the front and 275/40R-18 at the rear. The CLE’s high-strength steel frame and lightweight aluminum carpet front also contribute to both rigidity and reduced weight.
Shortcomings of the 2025 Benz CLE 300
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 combines style and innovation, but its sloped roofline slightly limits practicality. Like many coupes, the sleek design sets the CLE apart in the luxury coupe segment. However, it considerably reduces rear headroom and trunk/ compared to spacious competitors. Taller passengers in the rear may even find long trips less comfortable due to limited head clearance. The aluminum front windshield delivers visual appeal but sacrifices some of the functionality that more traditional designs offer.
As with many luxury coupes, the 2025 CLE 300 involves trade-offs in efficiency. The EPA rates it at 26 mpg combined, with 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. While respectable for its class, these figures may deter buyers focused on fuel economy for daily commutes. The CLE’s capacity fuel tank reliably balances power with efficiency, but frequent destination charges could result in higher-than-expected fuel expenses.
Speaking of which, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300’s powertrain lineup centers on a single 2.0-liter V4 engine. This engine is sufficient for most daily driving needs, but it falls short for those seeking a more thrilling performance. Competitors like the Teslas, BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 offer serious engine and hybrid drive advanced options, including six-cylinder variants that provide more robust acceleration. Mercedes-Benz’s decision to keep the CLE 300 in the mid-range of performance feels like a compromise that prioritizes efficiency and pricing over excitement.
Also, the CLE’s steeply raked roofline and thick auto-tilt pillars create sizable blind spots. These make it challenging to monitor surrounding traffic, especially in congested areas. Rear passengers also have to contend with smaller windows, which reduce the natural light entering the cabin. Some drivers report parking in tight spaces becomes more reliant on the vehicle’s turn-by-turn navigation directions. Although Mercedes has tried to rectify this in later releases of the 2025 CLE 300, some earlier units have significant safety concerns attached.
The CLE 300’s cutting-edge technology can be a highlight but may pose challenges for first-time users. The MBUX radio data system, despite being intuitive once mastered, has a steep learning curve. Customizing driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping installation charges may also take time to fine-tune. These complexities might detract from an otherwise seamless ownership experience, especially for drivers less familiar with advanced in-car tech.
Competitive Analysis
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 establishes itself as a standout in the luxury coupe market. It manages to excel in a fiercely competitive segment. It contends with rivals like the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, and Lexus RC, bringing a refined edge to the table. Its elegant, colored power design, cutting-edge technology, and balanced performance make it a top choice in the compact luxury coupe class. The CLE 300’s versatility also positions it as a strong contender among its peers.
The performance benchmarks for the CLE 300 amongst its competitors are also solid. It has a coupe industry-leading 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine type, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Engine valve response also clocks it at 6.2 seconds to 60 mph, a respectable time for its class. A top speed of 130 mph and braking distances of 170 feet from 70 mph equally showcase its capability. The CLE also demonstrates a more admirable navigation system than others.
The CLE 300 shines in balancing luxury and affordability within the coupe segment. Pricier rivals like the Audi A5 Sportback offer slightly more cargo capacity. The CLE compensates with lane departure warning, impact airbags, a spot monitor, and an enhanced memory seat cabin. It delivers a premium experience at a competitive starting price, catering to drivers seeking style, technology, and efficiency. For those prioritizing refinement over outright power, the 2025 CLE 300 is an unmatched choice in its class.
Pricing
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 starts at $55,000, positioning it competitively in the luxury coupe segment. This actual dealer price delivers exceptional value, offering features like the MBUX instrument display system with a 12.3-inch LCD monitor center touchscreen display, digital voice assistant, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. However, the price has been known to fluctuate around model availability.
While slightly more affordable than competitors like the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, the CLE 300 doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. It boasts a sophisticated design and impressive handling, appealing to buyers seeking premium elegance without overspending.
Asking any Mercedes dealer for details about the used 2025 CLE 300s will enlighten you about competing prices. Many prices are expected to hover around $50,000, providing a slightly lower price to enjoy its upscale features and stellar performance.
