Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: $59,550Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewOne of the few remaining luxury two-door nameplates, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is the luxury coupe and cabriolet torchbearer for a breed of sports car that isn't seeing much uptake anymore. Both body styles pair 4Matic all-wheel drive with turbocharged mild-hybrid power across a three-trim lineup, with the inline-six CLE 450 sitting at the low end and the AMG CLE 53 rounding out the range for buyers who want a more hardcore AMG experience. The CLE sits between the C-Class and E-Class, which defines both its size and its pricing in the segment.2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 Cabriolet in Cirrus SilverWhat's New for 2026?The 2026 CLE-Class gets a new optional Engineering Package that adds 2.5-degree rear-axle steering and adaptive damping to the CLE Coupe. The Cabriolet gains the adaptive damping as a standalone option. A new Black Fine Structure center console joins the existing options on both body styles, while a surround-view camera system is now offered individually on the Coupe and the Cabriolet, removing the requirement to bundle it with another package.ExteriorThe CLE 450 4Matic sets itself apart visually with the AMG Line exterior styling that comes as standard, bringing sport bumpers, AMG-specific lower bodywork, and a twin-outlet exhaust. On the CLE 300 4Matic, that same AMG Line treatment is optional. Both the Coupe and Cabriolet share a low-slung hood and flat LED headlamps, with a chrome grille centered on the three-pointed star. Where the two body styles diverge is with the Coupe's fastback roofline, while the Cabriolet's three-layer acoustic soft top opens or closes in 20 seconds and remains operational at speeds up to 37 mph. Exclusive and Pinnacle trims both include 19-inch wheels, with the CLE 450 fitted with AMG multispoke wheels front and rear.2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 in Starling BlueMercedesView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorLeather and Nappa leather are optional upgrades above the standard MB-Tex synthetic leather that comes with the Exclusive trim, while the new Black Fine Structure center console joins three other console material choices for 2026. The CLE-Class-specific front seats integrate speakers in the headrests, part of the standard 17-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. Dual screens include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait-format touchscreen, with the Cabriolet's central display adjusting electrically from 15 to 40 degrees to cut sun glare when the top is down.AdvertisementAdvertisementWireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad are standard across the lineup. Stepping up to Pinnacle adds Digital Light projecting headlamps, a head-up display, MBUX Augmented Reality navigation, and Guard 360, while the rear cabin seats two in individual buckets with adult-adequate legroom.2025-2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE with Tonka Brown Nappa leather interiorMercedesView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimThe 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class' price range spans six configurations covering both body styles. The base CLE 300 4Matic Coupe Exclusive offers the strongest value, delivering all-wheel drive, the Burmester audio system, wireless charging, and MBUX.Trim LevelTrim NameMSRPBase/Best ValueCLE 300 4Matic Coupe Exclusive$59,550TopCLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet Pinnacle$80,000Key SpecsPowertrainModelEngineHPTorqueTransmissionDrivetrainCLE 300 4Matic2.0L Turbo I4 + 48V Mild Hybrid255 hp295 lb-ft9-speed automaticAWDCLE 450 4Matic3.0L Turbo I6 + 48V Mild Hybrid375 hp369 lb-ft9-speed automaticAWDFuel Economy (MPG)ModelCityHighwayCombinedFuel TypeCLE 300 4Matic Coupe243327Premium GasolineCLE 450 4Matic Coupe233326Premium GasolineCLE 300 4Matic Cabriolet233226Premium GasolineCLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet233226Premium GasolineDimensionsSpecificationCoupeCabrioletLength191.0 in191.0 inWidth (w/o mirrors)73.3 in73.3 inHeight56.2 in56.1 inWheelbase112.8 in112.8 inSeating44Cargo Volume11.2 cu-ft9.6 cu-ftFuel Tank Capacity17.4 gal17.4 galWarrantyCoverageDurationBasic Warranty4 years / 50,000 milesPowertrain Warranty4 years / 50,000 milesComplimentary MaintenanceNot offeredRoadside Assistance4 years / 50,000 milesCorrosion/Rust Perforation4 years / unlimited milesPros and ConsProsAdvertisementAdvertisementEngineering Package adds rear-axle steering for 2026Standard 17-speaker Burmester audio on all trimsCabriolet soft top operates in 20 secondsConsDigital Light and head-up display require the Pinnacle trimFuel economy trails comparable non-hybrid luxury coupesConsiderably more expensive than a C-ClassVerdictRear-axle steering, now accessible through the 2026 Engineering Package, enhances the CLE's dynamics, though it remains an added cost rather than a standard feature on any trim. The absence of complimentary maintenance continues to separate Mercedes from the likes of Lexus and others on the ownership cost front. Against the BMW 4 Series, the CLE's wider options of cabriolet and coupe body types is an advantage, but the 4 Series undercuts it on pricing.2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 Cabriolet in Cirrus SilverJohn Beltz SnyderCompetitorsBMW 8 SeriesBMW 4 SeriesLexus RCPorsche 718 Cayman/BoxsterAudi A5AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.