2026 Mercedes-Benz® CLE 300 4MATIC vs. 2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD In Caldwell, NJ

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz® CLE 300 4MATIC and the 2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD are luxury coupes built for drivers who want distinctive styling, premium interiors, responsive performance, and all-wheel-drive capability. The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC uses a turbocharged mild-hybrid powertrain and modern MBUX technology, while the final Lexus RC 300 AWD delivers a naturally aspirated V6 and traditional Lexus coupe design. Mercedes-Benz of Caldwell serves luxury coupe shoppers throughout Caldwell, Montclair, Livingston, West Caldwell, Wayne, Fairfield, West Orange, Essex Fells, Roseland, Verona, Cedar Grove, and surrounding Northern New Jersey communities.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-four with mild-hybrid drive

Horsepower: 255 hp

Torque: 295 lb-ft

Transmission: 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic

Drivetrain: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

0-to-60 mph: 6.2 seconds

Seating Capacity: 4

Cargo Capacity: 11.2 cu. ft.


2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD

Engine: 3.5L naturally aspirated V6

Horsepower: 260 hp

Torque: 236 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive

0-to-60 mph: Not listed by Lexus USA

Seating Capacity: 4

Cargo Capacity: 10.4 cu. ft.

Whether you're commuting through Caldwell, traveling along Route 23, or driving toward Montclair, Livingston, and West Orange, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC provides a modern luxury coupe powertrain designed for everyday performance.

The 2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD offers slightly more peak horsepower, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC produces substantially more torque. The CLE 300 also uses a turbocharged mild-hybrid powertrain, while the Lexus relies on the traditional response of a naturally aspirated V6. The Mercedes-Benz combines this modern powertrain with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC and 2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD both seat four passengers, giving drivers a choice between luxury coupe styling and everyday usability.

For drivers in Caldwell, Montclair, Livingston, West Caldwell, and nearby Northern New Jersey communities, both models provide an alternative to a traditional sedan. The CLE 300 offers slightly more cargo space and a newer digital cabin environment.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC uses MBUX technology to connect digital personalization with everyday driving. User profiles, routines, and vehicle settings allow the cabin experience to adapt to individual drivers.

Mercedes-Benz of Caldwell helps drivers compare luxury coupes based on performance, drivetrain, technology, comfort, and everyday usability.

Ownership support includes:

•  New Mercedes-Benz vehicle inventory.
•  Financing and lease options for qualified buyers.
•  Trade-in assistance.
•  Mercedes-Benz service support.
•  Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and Accessories.
•  Personalized customer support.

Drivers throughout Caldwell, Montclair, Livingston, West Caldwell, West Orange, Fairfield, Wayne, Essex Fells, Roseland, Verona, Cedar Grove, and nearby communities generally within approximately 30 miles of Caldwell can visit Mercedes-Benz of Caldwell to explore the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC and schedule a test drive.

What 2026 Mercedes-Benz® CLE 300 4MATIC owners are saying:

"Upscale in looks and materials, comfortable on the road, and equipped with the latest tech."

Source: Car and Driver: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Review


Our Take

We believe this vehicle is a great pick and encourage shoppers to take a test drive and evaluate ride comfort, road noise, and overall driving character to find out why the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC stands out 

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC combines 255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, mild-hybrid technology, a 9-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive, four-passenger seating, and 11.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Lexus RC 300 AWD offers 260 horsepower from a 3.5L V6 and the traditional character of the final RC generation, but the CLE 300 provides a newer powertrain and technology experience.

Visit Mercedes-Benz of Caldwell to compare available 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC models, explore features, evaluate trade-in options, and schedule a test drive.