CLE [Official] Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé (C236)

[Rolf]

Been reading the CLE53 reviews and they seem to be mixed. Most video reviews have been extremely positive about the inline 6 with its character and nice sound. Weird that Autoexpress has said its let down by its engine.

Autocar = 4 stars
Autoexpress = 3.5 stars
Evo = 3.5 stars

New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 review: held back by its downsized engine | Auto Express

While the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 looks the part, it's 3.0-litre straight-six engine is somewhat disappointing

www.autoexpress.co.uk

 

[Design FIRST]

The footage is breathtaking and presents the design in the best possible light. Perfect color, rims and trim.

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A mesmerizing eyefeast.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Been reading the CLE53 reviews and they seem to be mixed. Most video reviews have been extremely positive about the inline 6 with its character and nice sound. Weird that Autoexpress has said its let down by its engine.

Autocar = 4 stars
Autoexpress = 3.5 stars
Evo = 3.5 stars

What have been the negative points raised?

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

What have been the negative points raised?

Their complaints are that the engine feels unresponsive and slow to rev, which seems at total odds with other reviews saying that it has a lot of character. So I dunno.
The review also says that the M440i is better in every way, but doesn't really explain why.

 

[klier]

I enjoy these design analysis videos by Bembli:

What are your personal preferences as a design expert between the two?

The review also says that the M440i is better in every way, but doesn't really explain why.

Does BMW's midsize coupe still have to explain itself? It's the benchmark much like the S class is. You can come close but will never match let alone beat it.

 

[Design FIRST]

What are your personal preferences as a design expert between the two?

@klier: Having an affinity for automotive (and not only automotive) design hardly qualifies me as an expert. My musings and ramblings are subjective personal perceptions. And should they attract the interest of like-minded forum members and lead to entertaining,, enlightening, educational discourse in the spirit of what forums like these should be, that would be great IMHO. But back to your question: I appreciate the shallower greenhouse/sideglass architecture featured on the CLE. In general, I do not care for front fender vents, but the structure is a bit less convoluted on the CLE. I like the clean, precise creases on the rear haunches and front fenders of the CLE. I do not care for the M4 nostrils. I perceive the CLE to be the sleeker, more elegant car. I perceive the M4 to be far more "in your face". So...so much for my subjective musings.

 

[Merc1]

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[Merc1]

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[BMW3GT]

For your interest: The CLE 53 convertible will be revealed tomorrow morning (Monday) at 10:00 cet.

 

[Jonathan19]

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[Merc1]

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[Mr. Mercedes]

I got to inspect a CLE200 and CLE300 today.

My impressions:
1. It looks more like a large C Coupe than an E coupe.
2. It lacks the elegance of an E Coupe and the front end actually appears a little generic with the CLA lights.
3. The B Pillar is very disappointing
4. The price is approximately $20K more than a C-Coupe and $10K less than an E Coupe. It does not represent $20K better value than a C coupe despite it's growth in size.
5. The interior plastics of the donor C-class interior are even LESS acceptable on this vehicle.
6. Pathetically MB Australia only offer the 200 with Artico.
7. Wheel, trim and equipment options are poor in Australia other than a few 'packages'.

I remember when I first saw the second generation CLK in 1998/99 it was so unique and so pretty. The new CLE lacks the presence and prestige of the E Coupe and the car comes across as one conceived out of cost minimisation, market 'analysis' box ticking and component sharing considerations, not a car inspired by beauty.

I'm sure the ride and handling and NVH though are far improved as this seems to be a Mercedes forte at the moment.

I walked away very disappointed as this is essentially a C coupe successor in terms of design and nothing more. I hope seeing them on the road will allow me to appreciate the design more. The CLE53 will also certainly look like a knock out.

 

[Design FIRST]

While many may perceive the CLE as being inferior in terms of interior fit, finish and material quality, its exterior visual presents what is arguably "a GENUINE W214 E-Class coupe/convertible" IMHO. Despite some undeniable visual similarities with the C205. A gorgeous car viewed in the metal. Sadly, a swansong vehicle. Or IS IT ??

 

[Centurion]

Sadly, a swansong vehicle. Or IS IT ??

The car launched in 2024. Assuming a 7 year life cycle, it could be on the market until 2023-2035 depending on sales.

 

[Serpens]

I've seen a few CLEs at the dealer now. It does look less grand than the E-class coupe of yore, but it does look more youthful and sporty. I agree the b-pillar is sad to see but doesn't ruin the design. I have to wonder if they tested that in consumer clinics. It would've been a good bone to throw to enthusiasts but likely very expensive.

I'm looking forward to seeing the CLE53. I just may pick one of those up.

 

[AndreB]

1. It looks more like a large C Coupe than an E coupe.

Agree!
I saw it yesterday in a shopping center and a friend said it is the new C-coupe.
Other friend who had the E-coupe was interested in getting this new one but was disappointment that it looks like a CLA and its very expensive. In the end he got a slightly used BMW 8 series.

 

[leylandi]

The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 will receive a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine developing up to 585bhp, senior officials at the division’s Mercedes-Benz parent company have confirmed.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 switches four-pot PHEV for 585bhp V8 | Autocar

AMG lines up twin-turbo V8 power for upcoming super-coupé amid slow sales for four-cylinder hybrid C63

www.autocar.co.uk

 

[Jonathan19]

The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 will receive a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine developing up to 585bhp, senior officials at the division’s Mercedes-Benz parent company have confirmed.

News of the day!

 

[Serpens]

The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 will receive a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine developing up to 585bhp, senior officials at the division’s Mercedes-Benz parent company have confirmed.

I will buy one of these in convertible form. Can't wait!

 

[Design FIRST]

I find myself appreciating the structure and sculpturing of the flank sheetmetal more and more. Reduced to only the elements required to subtlely capture the eyes, such as the haunch, front fender and lower skirt creases. No vents. My dislike of vents on front fenders is obsessive, regardless of brand and regardless of whether they are functional or not. Eyesores IMHO.