2024 Mercedes CLE 450: 0 to 60 in 4.2 Seconds

Make no mistake, the 2024 Mercedes Benz CLEs are true performers. 

A brand-new vehicle for 2024, you can get the CLE (Charlie-Lima-Echo) as a regular ole coupe or as a convertible, or Cabriolet (pictured here, in grey).  Either way, it’s just a two-door – and there is an incredibly tight backseat, even though this car is considered a midsize vehicle.  

Know that upfront before the thrills (and hopefully no spills) begin. 

It sits low and long, as you would expect a sportscar with some station wagon length to operate. A host of standard safety features, like blind-spot monitoring and vehicle-exit warning, are necessary to drive and park this car safely. 

The new CLEs replace to C-Class and E-Class coupes in the Mercedes lineup. 

I tested the CLE 450 4Matic, which is the midrange performance trim in this C Class. 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo. 375 horses. 369 pound-feet of torque.  With the CLE, Mercedes includes a ‘mild hybrid’ drive that boosts performance and economy.  And the ease with which you can drive it.

Luxury abounds inside, as you would expect. 

Steering is superb. Just a light touch on the wheel and you are going where you want to go, no issues.  That’s a real joy when you are trying to park or out-maneuver another car.  

Prices start at $65,650; yes, this is not your budget car or your weekend shopping car. All-Wheel Drive is standard.

I think there are just two major questions. 1) Can you afford it, and 2) Will this be your only car (hopefully not).  This was a fun car to drive, but it will cost you.  Even getting a few days’ worth of groceries in the trunk is a little tricky. 

Also, for us big boys, please make sure you can get in and out of the CLE safely.  Remember, these cars sit low to the ground.  That means you will have to get in and out without a hoist (hey, I need a hoist).  Just sayin……

As we slide towards Halloween, now is the time to start planning for the big holiday. Many people think it’s all about really gory movies and trauma from beyond the grave. 

Not me.  My favorite Halloween movies are over-the-top campy classics, like Elvira, Mistress of the Dark or the 1962 B&W horror comedy The Brain That Wouldn’t Die.  

(Big Gay Footnote: the Elvira movie features actress Edie McClurg as town villain Chastity Pariah. She also portrayed Nurse DeFarge on the Golden Girls.)

No need to get scared for Halloween, unless the thought of men in costumes frightens you.

And no need to be scared of getting a sportscar like the 2024 CLE.  

Unless powers bigger than you, like your husband or the bank, tell you no.