DecodedCars2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 13% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 CLE-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 CLE-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLE300 4matic (Coupe) Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +13% | $3,050 | 323 |
| CLE300 4matic (Convertible) Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +8% | $3,150 | 340 |
| CLE450 4matic (Convertible) Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +8% | $3,150 | 338 |
| CLE450 4matic (Coupe) Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | +8% | $3,150 | 339 |
| AMG CLE53 4matic Plus (coupe) Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 391 |
| AMG CLE53 4matic Plus (convertible) Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,750 | 408 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Audi A3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 4 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Maserati GranTurismo | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 8 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW M | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Audi S3 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other CLE-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 CLE-Class | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 CLE-Class | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 CLE-Class | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →