Sedan or Coupe? Comparing C 300, CLE 300, and E 350 for Laval Lifestyles

Choosing your next Mercedes-Benz in Laval means balancing everyday practicality with personal style. The C 300 4MATIC Sedan, CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe, and E 350 4MATIC Sedan each deliver 255 hp from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine with mild-hybrid technology and standard all-wheel drive. Yet their personalities differ in ways that matter for Quebec drivers—from cargo capacity and rear-seat space to coupe-inspired design and interior refinement.

This guide breaks down how these three models align with real priorities: year-round usability in Laval's varied climate, cargo flexibility for weekend trips or daily errands, and the CLE's sporty two-door silhouette. All three share Mercedes-Benz's signature technology and safety features, but understanding their differences helps you choose confidently.

At a Glance: C 300, CLE 300, and E 350 Key Specifications

Performance and Efficiency: Shared Power, Different Delivery

All three models use the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an Integrated Starter-Generator adding brief electric boosts for smoother acceleration and improved efficiency. The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive come standard across the lineup, ensuring confident traction on Laval's winter roads and responsive handling year-round.

The C 300 Sedan accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, making it the quickest of the three. The CLE 300 Coupe follows closely at 6.2 seconds—its slightly longer time reflecting its larger dimensions compared to the compact C-Class. While exact acceleration figures for the E 350 Sedan are not yet available, its larger dimensions and focus on refinement suggest a similar or slightly more relaxed pace.

Fuel economy reflects each model's purpose:

• C 300 Sedan: 10.0 L/100 km city, 7.1 L/100 km highway
• CLE 300 Coupe: 9.8 L/100 km city, 7.1 L/100 km highway

The CLE Coupe offers the strongest city efficiency among the two, while both models share identical highway consumption. The Coupe's aerodynamic profile and lighter construction (compared to convertible variants) contribute to its fuel efficiency advantage in urban driving.

Interior Space and Cargo: Practicality Across Three Personalities

Passenger Comfort

The C 300 Sedan seats five with 1,041 mm of front headroom and 955 mm in the rear. Rear legroom measures 914 mm, providing adequate space for adults on longer drives. Shoulder room reaches 1,430 mm up front and 1,411 mm in back, making it comfortable for families or carpooling.

The CLE 300 Coupe seats four, with 1,024 mm of front headroom and 915 mm in the rear. Rear legroom is tighter—best suited for occasional passengers or children. The Coupe's sweeping roofline prioritizes front-seat occupants, with generous shoulder room of 1,414 mm up front and 1,331 mm in the rear. Entry to the rear seats requires folding the front seatbacks forward, typical of two-door designs.

The E 350 Sedan offers the most spacious cabin, benefiting from a 96-mm-longer wheelbase (2,961 mm vs. 2,865 mm). Rear passengers gain an additional 10 mm of knee room and 17 mm of maximum legroom compared to earlier E-Class models. Elbow width in the rear reaches 1,519 mm—approaching S-Class levels of comfort—making it ideal for families or those who frequently carry adult passengers.

Cargo Capacity

Cargo space varies based on body style:

• C 300 Sedan: 455 L with 40/20/40-split folding rear seats for flexibility
• CLE 300 Coupe: 420 L with 40/20/40-split folding rear seats
• E 350 Sedan: 540 L with 40/20/40-split folding rear seats

The E 350 leads in outright cargo volume, accommodating larger items like luggage for extended trips or bulky winter gear. The C 300 balances everyday utility with a compact footprint, while the CLE Coupe's 420-litre trunk provides solid practicality despite its sporty two-door profile—adequate for weekend getaways and daily errands alike.

Year-Round Usability in Quebec

Winter Performance

All three models include 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which continuously adjusts torque distribution to maximize traction on snow, ice, or wet pavement. This system is lightweight and nimble, adding confidence during Laval winters without sacrificing agility in dry conditions. DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport, Individual) allow drivers to tailor throttle response, shifting, and steering feel to match road conditions.

All three models benefit from enclosed cabins that retain heat efficiently and protect occupants from winter weather. Standard features across the lineup include heated front seats, heated windshield washers, and rain-sensing wipers. The CLE Coupe adds a heated steering wheel as standard equipment, enhancing cold-weather comfort.

Seasonal Versatility

The CLE 300 Coupe features a panoramic sunroof that brings natural light into the cabin while maintaining the structural rigidity and thermal efficiency of a fixed roof. Its all-season runflat tires (245/45R18) handle Quebec roads capably, though some drivers may prefer dedicated winter tires for enhanced cold-weather grip.

The C 300 and E 350 sedans excel in year-round practicality. Their four-door designs, larger trunks, and five-passenger seating make them better suited for families, frequent travellers, or those who prioritize cargo flexibility and easy rear-seat access over the CLE's sporty coupe styling.

Technology and Safety: Shared Excellence

All three models feature Mercedes-Benz's third-generation MBUX infotainment system with "zero-layer" menu technology. The C 300 and CLE 300 include dual digital displays (11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster), while the E 350 offers an optional MBUX Superscreen for an expansive, panoramic glass cockpit experience.

Standard driver assistance features include:

• Active Brake Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST (monitors drowsiness)
• Blind Spot Assist with Vehicle Exit Warning
• Active Parking Assist
• Rearview camera
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Car-to-X Communication

The E 350 adds advanced options like ATTENTION ASSIST with distraction detection, which uses a camera to monitor driver focus and escalate warnings if attention drifts. All three models include the "Hey, Mercedes" voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging for compatible devices.

Which Model Fits Your Laval Lifestyle?

Choose the C 300 4MATIC Sedan if:

• You need five-passenger seating and strong cargo capacity (455 L)
• Daily commuting with four-door convenience matters
• You want the quickest acceleration (6.0 seconds 0–100 km/h)
• Your priorities lean toward practicality without sacrificing sporty handling

Choose the CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe if:

• Sporty two-door styling is a priority
• You typically carry two passengers or fewer
• You want strong cargo space in a coupe format (420 L)
• You value the distinctive presence of a pillarless coupe design with panoramic sunroof

Choose the E 350 4MATIC Sedan if:

• You need the most spacious rear seat and largest trunk (540 L)
• Refined comfort and advanced technology are top priorities
• You frequently carry adult passengers or extended luggage
• You want the prestige and presence of a larger sedan

Experience These Models at Mercedes-Benz Laval

The C 300, CLE 300, and E 350 share the same powerful, efficient engine and all-wheel-drive confidence, but their personalities suit different lifestyles. From compact agility to coupe styling to spacious refinement, Mercedes-Benz Laval's team can help you explore each model's strengths. Schedule a test drive in Laval to experience how these sedans and coupe perform on Quebec roads year-round.