► CLE Coupe gains plug-in hybrid powertrain
► Potential for big savings
► Is it the CLE you should choose?
Company car drivers are known to gravitate towards a premium badge, and they also love a plug-in hybrid for the tax benefits. Mercedes has really used this to its advantage with PHEV versions of cars like the C-Class and GLC offering some ultra-low benefit-in-kind (BiK) brackets and in the process becoming some of the best company cars around.
But so far what Mercedes, and everyone else for that matter, has avoided making is a plug-in hybrid coupe. Until now that is, as Mercedes has now introduced a PHEV version of its CLE coupe. Combining sleek looks with potentially low running costs, is it the answer to a question for a more glamorous company car?
At a glance
Pros: Well-resolved hybrid system, stunning design inside and out, usable rear seats
Cons: Doesn’t drive as well as a standard CLE, small boot, quite expensive
What’s new?
The CLE launched in 2024 as a a consolidated product to replace the previous C- and E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet versions. Given the decline in this market, Mercedes couldn’t justify two products, but the CLE fills the gap well, feeling more like an E than a C.
It launched with petrol and diesel (yes, really), but if you’re a company car driver, you won’t want one of those. So this new CLE300e is the answer to the reduced BiK question, bringing a long claimed electric range of up to 69 miles.
What are the specs?
It’s the same powertrain that is widely used by Mercedes in cars such as the C-Class and GLC, and combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 309bhp and 406lb ft of torque . Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
That’s quite a lot more than the regular 254bhp CLE300 petrol, though because this plug-in hybrid has to cart around a 25.7kWh battery in its boot, it’s ever so slightly slower. Getting to 62mph takes 6.3 seconds, and it would top out at 147mph.
As for the ‘electric’ elements, that claimed electric range seems slightly exaggerated so expect more like 45 miles in day-to-day driving. That should be enough for plenty of local miles to be completed without the need to wake the engine. An 11kW onboard charger is included as standard, with two hours needed to charge the battery. CO2 emissions of just 13g/km give it a BiK of just nine per cent for the 2025/26 tax year, compared to 37 per cent for the petrol, bringing a potential saving of around £250 a month.
As with any plug-in hybrid, the claimed fuel economy figure of 470.8mpg is a pipe dream unless you’ll complete 99 per cent of miles on electric. Over 450 miles with two full recharges we averaged just over 60mpg. A decent figure, but almost exactly what Mercedes claims from the CLE220d. With the battery out of juice it will still return around 40mpg, however.
How does it drive?
Mercedes’ hybrid systems are some of the most resolved, and largely it works well in the CLE. Leave the car in its standard ‘hybrid’ mode and it intelligently works out when is best to switch between the two power sources and the handover between them is smooth and often unnoticeable unless you’re watching the rev counter. The engine on its own accord isn’t the quietest, however, under harsh acceleration, and really relies on the electric motor for that extra performance boost.
But the extra weight that comes from that big battery (it’s 300kg heavier than a petrol CLE300 at almost 2.2 tonnes) doesn’t do this coupe many favours. Mercedes has prioritised comfort over sportiness in the CLE in general, but that extra heft can really be felt on the rear axle, and makes it feel quite wallowy through the corners.
The ride also isn’t up to Mercedes coupe standards – more concerningly at higher speeds as it’s quite unsettled on the motorway if you encounter a rougher stretch of tarmac. That said, the low-speed ride is far more impressive, almost being able to smother speedbumps with how well it deals with imperfections.
What’s the interior like?
Purely from an aesthetics point of view, the CLE’s interior is outstanding. A rich mix of leather, big screens and interesting styling elements combine to give the impression befitting of a high-end Mercedes. With a standard-fit panoramic glass roof and Burmester sound system, it really is a wonderful place to spend time. It’s a shame the quality can’t quite live up to the same levels as the wood-effect dashboard might look great but on closer inspection it feels quite cheap.
The seats also aren’t anywhere near as impressive as they look, with a metal bar across near the bottom of the seat digging directly into your lower back. It’s actually quite uncomfortable at first.
The CLE redeems itself by having some impressively spacious rear seats (at least by coupe standards) with plenty of legroom and headroom only an issue for taller adults – though you’d expect that on a car with such a sleek roofline. The more pressing concern is how much space the battery eats into boot space, reducing it from 420 to 290 litres, and making it quite shallow in the process.
Before you buy (trims and rivals)
The plug-in hybrid model skips the CLE’s standard AMG Line trim and goes straight in with the AMG Line Premium grade. Priced from £60,610, it’s around £5,000 more expensive than a regular petrol CLE, which is par for the course with a PHEV it must be said.
You get a lot for your money, too, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera and full leather electric and heated seats included. The AMG Premium Plus brings massaging and cooled front seats, a head-up display and Burmester sound experience for £64,610. For an extra £2,500 the Premier Plus serves as the ‘black edition’ of the CLE line-up with its black alloys and styling details, as well as getting a heated steering wheel and upgraded Nappa Leather upholstery.
As for rivals, well, there aren’t really any if you’re talking plug-in hybrid coupes at this price, putting it in a class of one – unless you can quadruple your budget and get a Bentley Continental GT, that is.
Verdict
The Mercedes CLE represents an interesting alternative to the usual German-badged plug-in hybrid company cars. If you feel a BMW 330e or even a Mercedes C300e are just a bit plain, there’s something about the CLE’s sleeker styling that really appeals. It’s an excellent coupe, too, with a stunning design, usable rear seats and an interior that really has the wow factor – at least at face value.
But unless you’re coming to the CLE300e purely for its nine per cent BiK company car tax and the potential savings, it doesn’t make sense for a private buyer, not being as good to drive, comfortable or practical as the petrol car – and it’s a lot more expensive. A standard Mercedes CLE makes a lot more sense.