Standard on every CLE trim, including the 300: the full panorama roof. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300: Brooklyn Buyers Guide

The entry point that doesn't feel like one

Mercedes-Benz has a habit of loading its base trims with equipment that other brands charge extra for, and the CLE 300 is a clean example. The 2.0-liter turbo-four is helped along by a 48-volt Integrated Starter-Generator that can add up to 23 hp and 151 lb-ft on demand, allow fuel-free coasting, and recapture energy under braking, and the block itself picks up a more efficient turbocharger, CAMTRONIC variable valve lift, and friction-cutting NANOSLIDE cylinder walls. None of that shows up as a line item on the window sticker, but it's the reason a four-cylinder coupe still moves with real authority off a Belt Parkway on-ramp. 4MATIC all-wheel drive comes standard, not optional, which matters more here than it would on a rear-drive competitor once the first real Nor'easter hits Shore Parkway.

Inside, the CLE 300 carries the same dual-screen MBUX cockpit as its pricier siblings, three memory-station heated front seats with intuitive seat-shaped controls, 64-color ambient lighting, and a standard Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with 660 watts across 17 speakers, including a pair built into the front headrests. The 18-inch twin 5-spoke wheels are the one visual tell that separates it from an AMG Line car at a glance; everything a passenger actually touches or hears is the same.

Optioning one like an owner

The AMG Line appearance package is available on the 300 (it's standard on the 450 and AMG CLE 53), bringing AMG exterior styling, AMG wheels, sport suspension, sport brakes, and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel to the base engine for buyers who want the look without stepping up to the inline-six. Beyond that, the Driver Assistance Package layers on Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and the full active-safety suite, and Pinnacle Trim adds DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation, and a 360-degree Surround View camera. A reminder worth keeping straight while configuring: Pinnacle is a package here, not a trim level above the 300, 450, or AMG CLE 53.

What CLE 300 buyers say about the Shore Parkway team

Nadia A. leased through Jalik "Jalen" Nelson and kept it short and specific: "Great and easy experience leasing my new vehicle here, special shout out to Jalen for facilitating the process." Omar R., a first-time buyer working with Aiden Lin, wrote: "I have a amazing time as a first time buyer thank you to salesman Aiden Lin who made the deal clear and smooth." Both consultants are current on the dealership's team page; the store's overall record sits at 4.4 stars across more than 2,100 Google reviews, and first-time buyers in particular tend to write about clarity over pressure.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2026 CLE 300?

$59,550 MSRP plus $1,350 destination, before options and New York taxes. The pricing and leasing guide runs realistic builds, and current national offers refresh monthly.

Is the CLE 300 all-wheel drive?

Yes, standard. Every 2026 CLE Coupe trim, including the 300, ships with 4MATIC all-wheel drive; there is no cheaper rear-drive version to step down to.

What is the fuel economy of the CLE 300?

EPA-rated 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (27 combined), running on premium unleaded gasoline through a 17.4-gallon tank.

CLE 300 or CLE 450?

The 450 trades roughly $9,500 for an inline-six that nearly doubles the torque and standard AMG Line styling; the 300 delivers the identical cabin, tech, and safety suite for less. Buyers who want the CLE experience without chasing horsepower numbers tend to land on the 300 and never feel shortchanged.

Does the CLE 300 have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad — nothing here is gated behind a tech package.

Where can I buy a CLE 300 in Brooklyn?

At Mercedes-Benz of Brooklyn, 1800 Shore Parkway, the borough's only authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, whose 500-plus-vehicle inventory typically includes CLE stock.

The sensible CLE, without feeling sensible

The CLE 300 is the version for a buyer who wants the two-door Mercedes silhouette and the full tech suite without the inline-six's price premium, and the standard-equipment list makes that trade an easy one to live with. For more power, the CLE 450 guide is next; for the full family tree, start at the 2026 CLE overview.