Mercedes-Benz CLE trim comparison
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 300 4MATIC vs CLE 450 4MATIC
The CLE CLE 300 4MATIC starts at $68,050 while the CLE 450 4MATIC is $77,400. That $9,350 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo to 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo every week, the CLE 450 4MATIC makes sense. If not, the CLE 300 4MATIC is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $165/month more over 60 months, or roughly $9,900 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The CLE 300 4MATIC and CLE 450 4MATIC are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,350 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,338 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 2 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | CLE 300 4MATIC | CLE 450 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $68,050 | $77,400 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo | 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 32 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.4 gal | 17.4 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,288 lbs | 4,486 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 112.8" |
| Length | 191.0" | 191.0" |
| Width | 73.3" | 73.3" |
| Height | 56.1" | 56.1" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 300 4MATIC vs CLE 450 4MATIC Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mercedes-Benz CLE lineup, the Mercedes-Benz brand hub, the Midsize Sedans, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 CLE CLE 450 4MATIC cost than the CLE 300 4MATIC?
The CLE 450 4MATIC starts at $77,400 compared to $68,050 for the CLE 300 4MATIC. That is a $9,350 difference, or approximately $165/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 300 4MATIC and CLE 450 4MATIC have the same engine?
No. The CLE 300 4MATIC uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo (255 hp, 295 lb-ft), while the CLE 450 4MATIC has the 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo (375 hp, 369 lb-ft). That is 120 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 9-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2026 CLE CLE 300 4MATIC and CLE 450 4MATIC have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE come with?
All 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE trims, including both the CLE 300 4MATIC and CLE 450 4MATIC, come with Mercedes-Benz's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 450 4MATIC worth $9,350 more than the CLE 300 4MATIC?
The $9,350 buys the 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the CLE 300 4MATIC does the same job for less.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the CLE CLE 450 4MATIC Worth $9,350 More?
Spending $9,350 more on the CLE CLE 450 4MATIC buys the 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo engine (+120 hp). These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the CLE 300 4MATIC has the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo, the CLE 450 4MATIC the 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo. That means 120 more horsepower and 74 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed.
Bottom Line
The CLE CLE 450 4MATIC costs $9,350 more than the CLE 300 4MATIC (about $165/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 4 meaningful changes at $2,338 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 300 4MATIC
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the CLE 300 4MATIC best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mercedes-Benz CLE CLE 450 4MATIC
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the CLE 450 4MATIC when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.