2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs. 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: A Detailed Comparison

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE enters the market as a fresh, dynamic offering positioned between the C-Class and the larger E-Class sedans. Both the CLE and C-Class offer luxury, advanced technology, and refined driving experiences, but they cater to slightly different tastes and needs. This comparison will help you understand the key differences between these two models, focusing on powertrain, driving feel, luxury, refinement, and interior space.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe share the same 2.0L Inline-4 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive, producing 255 horsepower. Both models are equipped with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth shifts and efficient performance. However, the CLE Coupe distinguishes itself with a slightly more performance-oriented setup, achieving a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds, slightly quicker than the C-Class’s 6.0 seconds.

For those seeking more power, the AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ steps up with an AMG-enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 turbo engine, boasting 443 horsepower. This powertrain, combined with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic, propels the CLE from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The C-Class also offers an AMG variant, the AMG C 43, which provides 402 horsepower but falls short in acceleration compared to the CLE’s top AMG model.

Both models emphasize fuel efficiency, with the CLE offering slightly better highway fuel economy, especially with the base engine. The CLE’s efficiency at 8.5 L/100 km in the city and 5.6 L/100 km on the highway makes it a more economical option for long-distance drives compared to the C-Class’s figures of 10.1 L/100 km and 7.1 L/100 km, respectively.

Driving Feel and Refinement

Driving dynamics are a hallmark of both the CLE and C-Class, yet each provides a distinct experience tailored to its design. The CLE, particularly in AMG trim, offers a more engaging and sporty drive, thanks to its dynamic chassis tuning and additional hybrid assist, which enhances power delivery. The CLE’s coupe design also contributes to a lower centre of gravity, resulting in sharper handling and a more connected feel to the road.

The C-Class, in contrast, emphasizes a balance between performance and comfort. It provides a quieter and more refined ride, with suspension settings tuned to absorb road imperfections, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize ride comfort over sporty dynamics. Its steering feel is precise yet softer compared to the CLE, catering to daily commuting and long highway drives with ease.

Luxury and Interior Features

Both the CLE and C-Class are packed with advanced safety, connectivity, and luxury features. They share many of Mercedes-Benz's hallmark technologies, including the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen central multimedia display. Heated front seats, power front seats with memory, and climate comfort options ensure occupants enjoy a premium experience.

However, the CLE introduces features like ENERGIZING kinetics for front seats, offering additional adjustments that enhance seating comfort during longer drives. The CLE’s multimedia and interior design lean towards a sportier, more driver-focused layout, while the C-Class maintains a more traditional luxury sedan ambiance with options like heated rear seats and dual-zone climate control that cater to rear passengers' comfort.

Interior Space Comparison

The CLE and C-Class differ significantly in body styles, which directly affects interior space and functionality. The CLE is a coupe, offering a sleeker profile with a lower roofline, which enhances its sporty aesthetics but slightly compromises headroom and rear legroom. The C-Class, with its sedan configuration, provides more space for rear passengers, making it a better choice for those who frequently travel with passengers in the back.

While the CLE seats four passengers, offering a more exclusive and intimate cabin environment, the C-Class can accommodate up to five passengers, providing a more versatile option for families or those needing extra seating. The C-Class also offers a slightly larger trunk, emphasizing practicality, especially for daily use and longer trips.

Highlights of Interior Space Comparison:

1- Sportier Cabin Feel in the CLE: The CLE’s coupe design offers a more driver-focused interior, with sport seats and a slightly more intimate cabin experience.

2- C-Class Practicality: The C-Class provides better rear passenger space and a larger trunk, making it more suited for family use or those who need extra room.

3- Unexpected CLE Space Advantages: Despite its sporty coupe design, the CLE manages to offer slightly more front legroom than the C-Class, enhancing driver comfort on longer trips.

Conclusion

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and C-Class each bring unique strengths to the table, catering to different types of luxury sedan buyers. The CLE, with its coupe design and AMG options, is ideal for those seeking a more engaging, performance-oriented drive with a sportier cabin feel. On the other hand, the C-Class sedan offers a more traditional luxury experience, emphasizing passenger comfort and practicality, making it a versatile choice for everyday use. Ultimately, the decision between these two models will depend on whether you prioritize dynamic driving and design or need the added space and comfort of a sedan.