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When three different drivers share the CLE, the memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Prelude doesn’t offer a memory system.
The CLE’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Prelude doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
The CLE offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Prelude doesn’t offer a heads-up display.
If the windows are left open on the CLE the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Prelude can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.
Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the CLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Prelude doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.
To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the CLE offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Prelude doesn’t offer cornering lights. The CLE also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.
When the CLE is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Prelude’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.
The CLE’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Prelude has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.
The CLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Prelude.
For greater rear passenger comfort, the CLE has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Prelude doesn’t offer rear vents.
Compared to the Honda Prelude, the Mercedes CLE eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its standard integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.
The CLE is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the Prelude, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the CLE offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the Prelude.
HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the CLE equipped with HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The Prelude, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the Mercedes CLE empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.
The CLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Prelude doesn’t offer an automated parking system.
