Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.
AMG® and 4MATIC® are registered trademarks of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
harman/kardon® and Logic 7 are registered marks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated
Burmester® is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Bluetooth® is a registered mark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 vs CLE 450
The 2026 CLE 450 produces 375 horsepower, when properly equipped, compared to 255 in the CLE 300. Both models feature standard 4MATIC® all-wheel drive for sure footing on wet Alabama roads. Explore the performance differences below to find your configuration in our CLE inventory.
Powertrain and Acceleration
The main difference between these two grand-touring coupes is the engine. The CLE 300 uses a 2.0L inline-4 turbo with a mild-hybrid drive and reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, when properly equipped. The CLE 450 steps up to a 3.0L inline-6 turbo and reaches 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, when properly equipped. In practice, the CLE 450 makes immediate, effortless merging onto I-20/59, while the smooth, predictable CLE 300 is well suited to city driving along McFarland Boulevard. You can verify the figures on the CLE 300 specifications at Mercedes-Benz USA.
Suspension and Handling
Both coupes balance grand-touring comfort with agile handling, but their suspensions differ. The CLE 300 uses a comfort-tuned setup that isolates the cabin and absorbs road imperfections, while the CLE 450 adds a standard sport suspension for tighter cornering and a firmer feel on winding back roads. To compare chassis details, see the CLE 450 specifications. For the full lineup, including the AMG model, review our 2026 CLE Coupe overview.
| Specification | CLE 300 4MATIC® Coupe | CLE 450 4MATIC® Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L inline-4 turbo | 3.0L inline-6 turbo |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| 0 to 60 mph | 6.2 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC® all-wheel drive | 4MATIC® all-wheel drive |
Which CLE Coupe Is Right for You?
If you want a refined, efficient luxury coupe for daily driving around Tuscaloosa, the CLE 300 delivers the same elegant cabin, 4MATIC® traction, and technology at a lower point of entry. If you regularly want stronger passing power, enjoy spirited drives, or simply want the inline-6, the CLE 450 is worth the step up. Because both share interior space, screens, and all-wheel drive, the choice comes down to how much performance you want. A short test drive of each is the quickest way to decide, and you can check current CLE Coupe availability before you visit our showroom.
AdChoices