The Mercedes-Benz CLE (C236 coupe and A236 cabriolet) was revealed in July 2023 as a single unified model series replacing both the C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets. Constructed on the MRA2 modular platform shared with the W206 C-Class and W214 E-Class, the CLE features long proportions, prominent bonnet powerdomes, and a shark-nose front fascia. A soft-top cabriolet version with electrically deployed wind deflector systems joined the lineup shortly after.

The interior inherits the technical layout from the C-Class, highlighted by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented MBUX touchscreen screen running third-generation software. The powertrain range includes 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinders (gasoline and diesel) and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the CLE 450 4MATIC. All standard engines feature 48-volt mild-hybrid ISG technology. Performance variants include the AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ featuring a 449 hp turbocharged inline-six engine with electrical auxiliary compressor.