The Mercedes-Benz CE-Class is a mid-size luxury rear-wheel drive coupé. While it is based on the C-Class, its styling cues, engine, and price range are closer to that of the E-class, leading some to believe that the CE is a coupé version of the E-class. Major models include the CE350, CE550, and CE63 AMG. The CE63 AMG's 481 bhp (359 kW) V8 engine is the most powerful. There is also a convertible version of the CE.

The first-generation CE was introduced in 1996, 3 years after the 1st generation (W202) C-Class model. The launch of the CE also marked Mercedes' first foray into the mid-sized coupe market. Less expensive than the sporty SL-Class convertibles, the first generation CE cabriolet was the most successful convertible Mercedes-Benz ever offered; 41,520 were sold in the United States from 1999 to 2003, and more than 115,000 were sold throughout the world. Models offered in the first generation were the CE200(136 hp), CE200 Kompressor(192 hp), CE230 Kompressor(193 hp), CE320(218 hp), CE430(275 hp) and the CE55 AMG(342 hp). All were available in both coupé and convertible form. The CE320 coupe was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 3.2 L V6 engine. The CE320 cabriolet and the 4.3 L V8-powered CE430 coupe appeared in 1999. A CE430 cabriolet joined the lineup in 2000. The high-performance CE55 AMG coupé, which was introduced first in Europe in 2000 and then in the US in 2001, was powered by the "M113" 5.4 L V8 engine. The CE55 AMG cabriolet became available in 2002, the last year of this body style.