I’m an unabashed fan of Mercedes-Benz coupes—an expensive two-door GT simply matches the traditional Mercedes ethos so properly. But I used to be greater than slightly skeptical of the brand new CLE coupe. The corporate has misplaced its means in recent times with the misfire of the EQ vary, a string of disappointments from AMG, and an emphasis on tech over actual substance. In numerous ways in which matter, the CLE450, fortunately, nonetheless appears like a Mercedes.
You’re in all probability questioning what a “CLE” is amongst MB’s bewilderingly huge lineup of vehicles. Primarily, it’s a substitute for each the outdated C- and E-Class coupes. It’s inside a half-inch of the outdated E-Class coupe in each dimension, however it ditches that automotive’s pillarless design and borrows the overwhelming majority of its inside from the brand new C-Class. But not like the brand new C-Class sedan, it’s not restricted to four-cylinder energy—this CLE450 4Matic has a 3.0-liter straight-six beneath the hood.
Reward be. This ‘six is undoubtedly the most effective factor concerning the CLE. You get clean, easy energy and torque—375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet—a subdued growl once you get on it, and close to silence in any other case. (Although you do have to enter a menu and switch the energetic sound enhancement characteristic off, in any other case the audio system play a particularly uncouth, gruff engine observe.)
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Professionals: Great Straight-Six Engine, Good-looking Design, Helpful Driver-Help Tech
Mercedes makes use of a 48-volt starter-generator motor hooked up to the crank, making the entire thing really feel splendidly responsive. Even in a excessive gear, get on the throttle and the e-motor delivers fast torque whereas the gasoline engine builds up steam. The phrase I hold coming again to is “cultured,” and for an engine in a automotive like this, I can consider no greater reward.
This engine additionally provides the automotive actual character, which helps tie it again to its forebears. Drive a W124-generation E-Class and its straight-six does related issues. Clearly, there’s nowhere close to as a lot energy, but that feeling of imperiousness is there as it’s right here. However the CLE450 feels rattling fast, too. Mercedes says 0-60 mph takes 4.2 seconds. Whereas which may not appear to be a lot in right now’s world of EVs, it’s fast for a luxurious coupe like this. And like every good outdated six-cylinder Mercedes, it feels even faster once you’re already at velocity.
The remainder of the CLE’s driving expertise is sweet, if not spectacular. It handles properly, although I wouldn’t name it sporty by any means. It may be slightly floaty and typically harsh surfaces unsettle the automotive. I additionally suspect it would really feel higher on its customary 19-inch wheels quite than these 20s, but because it sits, that is nonetheless a really comfy automotive. And an easy one too, which is what you need from this type of factor. A Mercedes coupe must be pretty much as good a day by day driver as it’s a long-distance cruiser, and it ought to deal with properly when referred to as upon. The CLE ticks all of those packing containers.
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Cons: Chintzy Inside, Massive display, Would not Really feel Like A Step Ahead
Sadly, the remaining evokes conflicting emotions. The large central display dominates the inside and whereas it really works properly—massive display means massive icons, which suggests straightforward to make use of—it seems to be chintzy. The haptic buttons on the steering wheel really feel low-cost and are tough to make use of, too, as is the one pad for mirror changes. The general look of the inside is good, for those who don’t thoughts the large display, but numerous the supplies all through really feel low-cost.
Then there’s the truth that issues like lumbar adjustment are buried menus deep within the infotainment system. Put one other means, a traditional Mercedes proprietor in all probability wouldn’t really feel very at house right here.
Not all of the tech is unhealthy, although. The $1,950 Driver Help Bundle has an incredible auto lane-change system that works particularly properly on longer interstate slogs. Plus, the infotainment system is responsive and intuitive. It’s additionally a handsome automotive, and fairly head-turning on this Patagonia Purple, a $1,750 choice, although.
My massive drawback, although, is that—apart from the up to date driver-assist system—the CLE simply doesn’t signify an enchancment over the outdated E-Class coupe. It’s not simply that the CLE ditches the E’s pillarless design, however that the outdated E450 used the identical fantastic engine, drove simply as properly, and had a nicer inside.
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With its $66,800 base worth, the CLE 450 is definitely cheaper than the outdated E450, which began at $70,800. But when I had been available in the market for an expensive, six-cylinder Mercedes coupe, I’d have a really exhausting time not simply in search of out a gently used E450 over the brand new CLE. This new automotive is, at finest, a step sideways.
That’s sort of the story with Mercedes today. One of the best we will hope for is a lateral transfer. Like each automaker on the market, the corporate has to commit extra improvement sources to electrification, which might result in the dilution of the core product. But others are managing the transition higher.
The CLE is an efficient reminder that Mercedes hasn’t forgotten easy methods to make vehicles that drive in a means that lives as much as the star on the grille. It’s simply exhausting to say that it is a higher automotive than the outdated E-Class coupe in any significant means. It does not make the CLE unworthy by itself, however it’s reflective of bigger issues on the world’s oldest, grandest automaker.
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