This review focuses on the entry-level CLE 300 4Matic which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid system that adds up to 23 hp and 151 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends that power to all four wheels.

Stepping up to the CLE 450 gets you a 3.0-liter turbo inline six-cylinder that boosts output to 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. At the top of the lineup is the AMG CLE 53 Coupe. It takes that six-cylinder and squeezes out 443 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. A driver-actuated overboost function increases torque to 443 lb-ft for ten-second bursts.

There's no doubt that the base CLE 300 will easily satisfy the vast majority of drivers. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is plenty quick to merge onto a flowing highway with confidence. In most cases, you won't even know it's a four-cylinder under the hood, as it's unusually smooth and quiet. The CLE 450 will reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and while the power increase is noticeable, it doesn't fundamentally change the character of the CLE. It's still tuned with comfort in mind, but the engine is even smoother. There were points where we had to double-check that the engine was indeed running.

Both are effortless to drive, whether you're in city confines or out on the open road. The suspension ably erases bumps in the road while also remaining composed when cornering. It's not as sporty as alternatives from BMW or Audi, instead favoring the cosetting comfort that Mercedes is known for.

Not surprisingly, the AMG CLE 53 forces some sacrifices to ride quality and it's noticeably louder, too. It's an edgier interpretation of the coupe theme, but it doesn't go so far as to be harsh or nervous. In the progression from CLE 300 to AMG, all three models fill their intended niche perfectly.

The CLE's front seats provide adequate support and cushioning to make long road trips seem much shorter. In the Cabriolet, the leather upholstery is treated with a near-infrared reflective coating that claims to lower the surface temperature, and when things get cold, there's an Airscarf function that gently blows warm air on the back of your neck. Seat ventilation and massage features are also available. The convertible top is deployed or stowed with a single button, with no need to fuss with any latches. It transforms from coupe to convertible in 20 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 35 mph.

Mercedes has a definite advantage when it comes to top-down touring, thanks to its Aircap system of wind deflectors. A thin spoiler rises from the top of the windshield and a mesh screen emerges from behind the rear headrests, greatly reducing interior buffeting. Even at highway speeds, we found it easy to hold a conversation with our passenger. It's so calm that at one point, we disabled the Aircap just to feel the wind in our hair.

The rear seats are spacious enough to accommodate average-sized adults, though a five-foot-ten adult will feel their head bumping into the headliner. There is also enough legroom to easily survive a short trip across town, but on longer journeys, smaller passengers will be more comfortable back there.

Interior storage for your personal items is only adequate, with a rubberized phone tray and moderately sized cupholders, bins, and door pockets. Cargo capacity is also merely adequate, with 11.2 cubic feet available in the coupe and 9.6 cubic feet for the Cabriolet. That's enough for a couple's set of small rolling carry-on luggage, but not much else. For a coupe or convertible of this size, it seems appropriate, but not generous.

Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system is one of the top-performing options available, featuring intuitive menus, vibrant graphics, responsive speed, and advanced voice commands. To activate, simply say "Hey Mercedes," and speak naturally – the system can handle everything from navigation to adjusting climate and comfort settings. It even has a playful side, capable of sharing a joke upon request.

While most controls are touchscreen-based, which might initially feel overwhelming, Mercedes has thoughtfully anchored essential buttons and climate settings at the bottom of the screen for easier access. Besides the voice commands and touchscreen, steering wheel touchpads provide added control, although they may feel overly sensitive at first and require a bit of adjustment.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and pair seamlessly with a built-in charging pad. For navigating complex cityscapes, augmented reality overlays displayed on the head-up display and infotainment screen make route-finding simpler, with animated arrows guiding your every turn.

The standard Burmester audio system enhances the experience with deep bass and clear highs, especially noticeable in the serene cabin. In the Cabriolet model, headrest-mounted speakers surround you with sound and provide navigation prompts directly to the driver’s ear, offering a well-rounded and immersive experience.

Crash test results are not yet available from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but considering Mercedes' reputation for safety, we'd be surprised if it didn't achieve praiseworthy ratings.

Standard advanced safety features are comprehensive and include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, parking proximity sensors, a blind-spot monitor, a semi-automated parking system, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Options include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, cross-traffic collision alert, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, an integrated dashcam, and a low-level automated highway driving system.

In our time with the CLE, we never encountered any false alarms, and all systems operated just as they should. The adaptive cruise control deserves additional praise for its smooth actions that can take you all the way to a gentle stop in traffic.