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2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE

By Autoblog Staff Autoblog

Updated May 25, 2026 1:21 PM

MSRP: $76,300

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Overview

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE is a luxury performance coupe and cabriolet in an increasingly sparsely populated market segment of sporty 2-doors. The difficulty justifying the development of such cars is reflected in the fact that the CLE replaces both the C-Class and E-Class 2-doors in one model, and the AMG 53 is the top performer in this line, with a 443-horsepower/413-lb-ft mild-hybrid 6-pot under the hood. AMG 4Matic+ AWD, rear-wheel steering, and a 9-speed AMG Speedshift auto get it to 60 mph in as little as four seconds dead with the Dynamic Plus package. The AMG CLE seats four and delivers a compelling blend of genuine AMG performance and grand touring comfort.

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What's New for 2026

The 2026 AMG CLE gets a new limited-run AMG CLE Manufaktur Edition trim with extra features and unique design elements in both body styles. The Coupe gets matte Graphite Grey Magno paintwork with yellow body-side AMG graphics, while the Cabriolet is painted Starling Blue Magno, and has black-and-blue AMG graphics.

AMG branding is added to the center console, and a new Black Fine Structure center console finish is available at no extra cost in the Coupe, and applied as standard in the Cabriolet.

Exterior

The AMG CLE has the long hood, flowing lines, sloping roofline, and short deck of other CLEs, but with a dollop of AMG aggression in the form of AMG body styling with sportier fascias, a road-hugging body kit, a vertically vaned AMG grille, and 19-inch AMG alloys (upgradable to 20s), giving it a planted, dynamic stance. Lighting is all-LED, with optional AMG Performance Studio, Carbon Fiber, and Night packages available to personalize the car. The rear has LED taillights, a diffuser, and quad exhausts. At 191 inches long, it's 3.1 inches longer than a 4 Series Coupe. The Cabriolet has a multi-layer canvas top that folds in 20 seconds at up to 37 mph; it's available in black, grey, and red.

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Interior

The MBUX in-car tech comprises a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen incorporating wireless smartphone integration, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, AMG-specific displays for power output, g-forces, and turbo boost, and a 17-speaker Burmester audio system. Heated power front seats with memory, MB-Tex leatherette upholstery, a Nappa leather-trimmed AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, 64-color adjustable ambient lighting, and dual-zone climate control are all standard.

You pay extra for Wi-Fi, AR navigation, a head-up display, a panorama roof, leather upholstery, and ventilated or massaging front seats. The rear quarters are snug but will accept medium-sized adults, and trunk volume is 9.6-9.8 cu-ft.

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Price Range and Best Value Trim

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE"s price list starts at just over $76K for the Coupe:


Trim Level	Trim Name	Price
Top trim (Coupe)	AMG CLE 53 Coupe	$76,300
Top trim (Cabriolet)	AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet	$84,600
Best value	AMG CLE 53 Coupe	$76,300

Key Specs

Powertrain


Engine	HP	Torque	Drive	0-60	Transmission
3.0L I-6 Turbo + Electric Compressor + 48V Hybrid	443 hp	413 lb-ft	AMG 4Matic+ AWD	4.0-4.4 sec	9-speed TCT

Fuel Economy (MPG)


Config	City	Highway	Combined	Range
AMG CLE 53 Coupe	20	27	23	400 mi
AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet	19	26	22	383 mi

Fuel tank: 17.2 gal

Cargo: 9.8 cu-ft (coupe); 9.6 cu-ft (cabriolet)

Curb weight: 4,420 lbs (coupe); 4,597 lbs (cabriolet)

Seating: 4

Fuel: Premium unleaded

Warranty


Coverage	Term
Basic Vehicle	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain	4 years / 50,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	Not included
Roadside Assistance	4 years / 50,000 miles

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Inline-six with electric compressor eliminates turbo lag and sounds natural and engaging
Standard rear-axle steering sharpens handling and improves low-speed maneuverability
Coupe and cabriolet body styles offer genuine choice within a single model
Frameless doors and long-hood proportions deliver stunning curb appeal
443 hp provides effortless acceleration without the weight of a plug-in hybrid system

Cons:

9.8-cu-ft trunk is small even by coupe standards
Rear seat space is tight, especially headroom under the sloping roofline
~$80K pricing places it near larger, more spacious alternatives
AMG Ride Control suspension rides firmly, particularly with optional larger wheels

Verdict

We're glad that Mercedes is still building a coupe in this niche between the compact and midsize classes, and the AMG CLE is a convincing sports option in this segment, offering stirring performance and a choice of svelte but aggressive body styles. It looks worth the money in terms of premium detailing and cabin ambience, but it's priced quite closely to even quicker rivals, so we'd stick to the Coupe.

It lives up to its AMG billing with its potent I6 engine, quick-acting 9-speed auto, rear-wheel steering, and AMG 4Matic+ AWD, giving it all the performance credentials expected of it. The rear seat is snug and the trunk is small, while the ride can be firm, but these are minor foibles, given its mission. Cross-shoppers should consider the BMW M440i and Audi S5 as 2-door and 4-door alternatives, but the AMG CLE still offers a unique blend of AMG heritage and a striking coupe design.