Published
on 27
Nov 2023
|
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
New
nameplate, same old formula.
|
|
Don’t know why Mercedes
changed the names of its smaller coupes so frequently. It was known as
“CE” coupe in the 1970s and 1980s with W123 and W124 series, then
renamed to CLK in the following W208 and C209, and most recently
C-class Coupe (C204 and C205). Meanwhile, running in parallel to the
latter is the larger E-class Coupe (C207 and C238). As seen, none of
these nameplates lived beyond 2 generations. The inconsistency might
reflect changing market conditions, especially in recent years sales of
4-seater coupes have been declining under the threat of crossovers.
That’s why Stuttgart decides to merge the C-class Coupe and E-class
Coupe into one car, the CLE.
While the K in CLK denotes Kompact (Compact), the E in CLE implies the
link with E-class, at least that is how Mercedes wants you believe.
However, although the CLE is just as large as the outgoing E-class
Coupe, it is considerably smaller than the new E-class sedan. Its
wheelbase is identical to the current C-class, and its interior is a
further proof that it is derived from the smaller Mercedes sedan,
because it shares the same dashboard. The rename to CLE is just a
polite way to terminate the E-class Coupe.
|
|
CLE
is just as large as E-class Coupe, but it is derived from the C-class
underpinnings.
|
|
Building the CLE on the C-class underpinnings is a logical
decision. On the one hand, it is suitably sized to compete with BMW
4-Series Coupe and Audi A5. On the other hand, it can keep costs under
control. Part of this come from the cabin, which might look just as
eye-catching and luxurious as the C-class, but employs some harder
plastics lower down that you won’t find in an E-class. Ditto the lack
of “Superscreen” infotainment interface. The CLE also lacks the larger
sedan’s air suspension, relying on steel springs and adaptive dampers.
Still, the CLE looks upmarket both inside and outside. Its teardrop
shape is beautiful, especially when viewing from behind. Its interior
is more desirable than its rivals. As for usability, it seats 4 average
size adults without much problem, although six-footers will have their
head pressed against the roof. With a wheelbase stretch, it offers 56
mm more rear legroom than the C-class Coupe, although still 43 mm short
of E-class Coupe. Thanks to extra width, more shoulder and elbow room
as well. Meanwhile, luggage space has grown by 60 liters to 420.
|
|
Flashy
interior with more room, especially for rear passengers.
|
|
The engine compartment is where it differs from the C-class. While the
latter is confined to 4-cylinder engines, the CLE can be equipped with
straight-six good for 381 horsepower. Moreover, as United States is its
core market, the coupe skips plug-in hybrid power, saving hundreds of
kilograms and putting stronger emphasis on driving pleasure. The engine
range consists of 4:
- CLE220d: 2.0 turbo diesel, 200hp, 324 lbft, 0-60 mph
in 7.1 sec, 148 mph.
- CLE200: 2.0 turbo, Miller cycle, 204hp, 221 lbft, 7.0
sec, 149 mph.
- CLE300 4matic: 2.0 turbo, Camtronic (2-stage variable
valve lift), 258 hp, 295 lbft, 5.9 sec, 155 mph.
- CLE450 4matic: 3.0 straight-6, twin-scroll turbo,
381hp, 369 lbft, 4.2 sec, 155 mph.
Curiously, even CLE300 is fitted with 4-wheel drive as standard, much
like Audi. This implies how Mercedes sees the priority of this car.
|
|
CLE
is more about comfort and refinement than outright thrills.
|
|
On the road, the CLE is more about comfort and refinement
than outright thrills. All engines are smooth and relatively quiet, but
only the six-cylinder has the power, response and sound quality to
impress. With adaptive dampers set to Sport mode, the car controls its
body movement nicely, especially at higher speed corners. The steering
is precise and nicely weighted, but without telling you much about the
road ahead. The compulsory 4-wheel drive means the car is tuned for
security rather than interactive handling. Meanwhile, the ride is
supple and controlled. Noise insulation is remarkable. Those admiring
the traditional qualities of Mercedes will appreciate how the CLE
drives. After all, the CLE is a luxury car dressed in a coupe body.
Will the upcoming CLE43 and CLE63 AMG models add more sparkles?
Probably, but unless AMG abandons the current formula of 4-cylinder
plug-in hybrid powertrain, we won’t expect too much.
|
Verdict: |
Published
on 7
May
2024 |
All rights reserved.
|
|
AMG CLE53
|
|
|
What
it does is to offer the looks and some taste of AMG at a more
accessible level...
|
|
The
“53” is not a full-fledged AMG model, of course. That has to be “63”.
The CLE53’s engine is built in Mercedes’ engine plant rather than
hand-built by Affalterbach’s technicians. It employs 9G Tronic
transmission like all mainstream Mercedes rather than AMG’s
Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT). Its suspension geometry is not as
overhauled as true AMG models either. What it does is to offer the
looks and some taste of AMG at a more accessible level, the same way as
BMW does to its M-Performance models. This means, its closest rival
should be BMW M440i instead of M4.
Having understood that, you should be happy with what the new coupe
brings. First of all, thanks God, it does not switch to 4-cylinder
plug-in hybrid powertrain like C43 with which it shares platform. Maybe
Mercedes finally understands that 4-cylinder engine sounds cheap and
uninspiring, or maybe simply because the higher performance CLE should
not offer fewer cylinders than the 6-pot CLE450, the 53 model employs a
beefed up version of M256 straight-six with 3 liters of
displacement. Called M256M, where the second M stands for Modified
obviously, it gets new intake and exhaust manifolds, new piston rings
and a larger turbocharger – the latter lifts maximum boost from 1.1 to
1.5 bar. Meanwhile, an electric supercharger takes care of low revs and
compensates for the increased turbo lag. Output is lifted to 449
horsepower and 413 lbft of torque, or 442 lbft on overboost for up to
10 seconds. This compares to 435 hp and 383 lbft on the previous turbo
and electric charger straight-six that serves the last generation E53
etc., or 381 hp and 369 lbft on the turbo-only CLE450. Besides, a 48V
ISG motor can provide another 23 hp and 151 lbft of boost at lower revs
while improving fuel economy a little.
Mating with the torque-converter auto, this powertrain is creamy
smooth. The 6-cylinder exhaust note is of course far more enticing than
the 4-cylinder unit of C43, although it lacks the induction noise and
the angry bark of AMG V8. Power delivery is suitably strong but mostly
linear, lacking the V8’s instantaneous punch and sensation. With Race
Start mode engaged, AMG claims 0-60 mph can be dispatched in under 4
seconds, which is truly believable, but a large part of that is down to
the standard 4matic+ system and traction control. The engine alone does
not feel that powerful, maybe because the car is close to 2 tons.
|
|
The
engine alone does not feel that powerful, maybe because the car is
close to 2 tons.
|
|
That kerb
weight is inevitable for all its AMG looks and high-quality /
sophisticated interior. It is also the outcome of chassis enhancement.
To accommodate the 20mm wider tires and achieve a meaner look, the 53
employs flared wheel arches. 19-inch alloys are standard, but it needs
the optional 20-inch items desperately to fill the wheel wells full. To
cope with its weight, 4-wheel steering is made standard. The
aforementioned 4matic+ system is rear-biased normally. The central
control system offers 5 modes (Slippery, Comfort,
Sport, Sport+ and Individual), plus another 2 modes (Race and Drift) if
you opt for AMG Dynamic pack. The brakes are larger, too, with 4-pot
calipers clamping 370mm discs up front, single-pot calipers and 360mm
discs at the rear.
The
brakes work brilliantly on the road, with strong stopping power and a
progressive pedal feel. The traction and grip offered by the 4matic+
and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires is very good. Body control is tight
enough for a luxury coupe like this. Rear-wheel steering makes it feel
more agile in slower corners and more stable at fast sweepers, although
you still feel the weight of the car if you push harder. Steering is
comparatively disappointing, as it is more about accuracy than feel.
The response just off center is a bit relaxed, lacking the alert you
would expect from an AMG model.
That might be deliberate though. As said, the CLE53 is not a
full-fledge AMG but a more accessible car for the majority of Mercedes
drivers who want AMG looks and some taste of it. That’s why its
suspension tuning is by no means hardcore. You can cruise happily all
day in Comfort mode. Sport and Sport+ tighten the adaptive dampers,
weigh up the steering, wake up the throttle response and loosen
electronic safety net, but the traction remains so strong that it is
hard to break the rear axle loose. The straight-six also lacks the
instant punch to push the CLE53 into sideway mid-corner, which is more
frustrating if you expect a true AMG character. However, recalibrate
your mind to go in line with the 53 moniker, there is nothing
disappointing.
The only question is whether a semi-AMG product worth £73,000
before options. A BMW M440i xDrive is £11,500 cheaper yet more
involving to drive. The Mercedes coupe is probably the better looking
of the two and has a more upmarket interior, but you can get nearly the
same from the lesser CLE models.
|
Verdict: |
|