Mercedes CLE, review, convertible, interior, performance, price – Introduction

Mercedes-Benz is on an onslaught in India and needs to depart no phase empty. After EVs, coupe-SUVs, and even sedans, it’s now the flip of a convertible. And no, not like the earlier ones (E 53 cabriolet and SL 55), this one doesn’t carry an AMG badge. The CLE 300 is a cabriolet that’s removed from the standard gung-ho AMG fashions, and as a substitute, is a convertible for individuals who need to take it straightforward. It’s extra about type and the sensation of the wind in your hair than about lap instances and cornering.

Mercedes CLE: design

The CLE’s calling card is its prime down laid-back character. 

By way of design, there’s a faint resemblance to the C-Class, however that’s all it’s. Up shut, the CLE may be very completely different. The India-spec will get the AMG line remedy as customary, which provides a layer of sportiness to the design. Because of this, the one chrome bits on the face are the studded grille and the strip on the entrance lip. The digital LED headlamps are wider and sharper, the bonnet options two muscular energy strains, and the bumpers are sportier with piano black accents.

Over to the facet, you possibly can inform it’s nearer to a C-Class in dimension, because of the an identical wheelbase. Nonetheless, it trumps the C by way of size and width. There’s a outstanding strip of chrome on the window line, the A-pillars, and the door handles. What additionally look the half are the modern 19-inch wheels. A variety of the design will come all the way down to your selection of color mixture. The soft-top might be had in a refined black shade, however in order for you a bit extra pop, you possibly can select a shade of pink as properly for the roof.

On the rear, the LED tail-lamps get a connecting factor, and sporty bumpers incorporate the trapezoidal chrome exhaust ideas that, like on all trendy Mercs, aren’t really related to the exhaust system.

With the highest down, you must get used to the eye.

With the highest down, it’s onerous to overlook the CLE. The lengthy bonnet, raked windshield, sharp wheels and a shocking stance make it a looker. However even with the highest up, it’s not such as you’ll move it over as simply one other Merc. The strains and type issue are correctly distinctive and with the fitting color mixture, it would stand out.

Mercedes CLE: inside

Neck hotter acts as a shawl in chilly circumstances.

The inside of the CLE 300 is sort of near the C-Class in the case of the dashboard design and structure. The AC vents, 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 11.9-inch touchscreen are a straight carry, however on the CLE, the touchscreen will get a tilt perform to cut back glare, particularly when the highest is down. Additionally, like with the tender prime on the skin, you possibly can go for a daring upholstery selection for the inside so as to add a bit extra drama.

Wind deflector ensures your coiffure is unfazed after a drive.

There are extra unique bits within the type of a wind deflector that pops out excessive of the windshield and ensures the airflow isn’t ruining your hairdo. There are vents within the entrance headrests that channel heat air onto the entrance passengers’ necks, appearing as a digital scarf in chilly climate. Whereas that could be appreciated up north, the remainder of the nation is more likely to maintain it switched off. By way of consolation, the seats are wonderful with the correct amount of cushioning and help – lengthy distance drives will likely be easy. Additionally they get seat kinetics, together with heating and air flow, which provides to the general consolation. The CLE is a 2+2, however area within the again is greatest fitted to kids or brief drives for adults underneath six ft. The backrest is upright, underthigh help is close to absent and knee room is tight as properly. Getting out and in, although, is extraordinarily straightforward with the highest folded away.

Spare wheel eats into the already low boot area.

What may pose a problem for lengthy journeys is the dearth of boot area. With the tender prime down, there isn’t a lot room; there’s area just for tender baggage. Add a spare wheel, which in our circumstances is helpful, and also you’re left with little or no area. 

Mercedes CLE: efficiency

Relaxed is the one-word description for the way the CLE drives. It’s laid again, restrained, and ideal for a quiet cruise. With the highest up, cabin insulation is superb and does a fantastic job of muting loads of ambient chaos of the town. The tender prime has a number of layers of sound deadening, which helps maintain out the extreme street and wind noise. It may be opened in simply 20 seconds at speeds of as much as 60kph.

The 258hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is creamy easy and has dollops of torque that are available in steadily.

The 258hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is creamy easy and has dollops of torque that are available in steadily. As a substitute of lunging forward every time you flex your proper foot, the CLE glides and picks up tempo steadily. Although it will get extra keen if you change the mode from Consolation to Sport, it nonetheless stays near its character as a Mercedes-Benz somewhat than an AMG. What provides some zest to the efficiency is a 48V mild-hybrid system, which gives a bit over 20hp underneath onerous acceleration. Nonetheless, nothing about it makes you need to nook onerous or drive enthusiastically, and it urges you to cruise and benefit from the top-down expertise. At excessive revs, there’s a faint rasp of the exhaust, however nothing extra. 0-100kph takes 6.7 seconds and the 9-speed automated works very properly through the paddleshifters.

Mercedes CLE: journey, dealing with

Maneuvering the CLE is straightforward, and regardless of the heft gained in Sport mode, it stays mild on its ft. 

Being a long-distance cruiser, the suspension on the CLE is tuned for unhealthy roads. It’s tender and supple, and therefore, regardless of the 19-inch wheels, journey consolation is superb. There is no such thing as a adaptive suspension, so altering the modes received’t change the journey, however the inventory setup works very properly for our street circumstances. One miss can be a nose-lift perform as floor clearance is one thing to fret about, particularly with a full load. Dealing with is easy with a light-weight steering. Maneuvering the CLE is straightforward, and regardless of the heft gained in Sport mode, it stays mild on its ft. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides good grip and management in bends, ought to you find yourself driving it enthusiastically.  

Mercedes CLE: worth, verdict

At Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom, India), the CLE 300 is costly. Nonetheless, it has no direct rival as of now. The BMW Z4, at Rs 90.90 lakh, is cheaper and will get extra energy, nevertheless it’s a completely completely different expertise because of its sportier character. Whereas the Rs 1.3 crore Mercedes-AMG E 53 cabriolet is a full Rs 20 lakh extra – and superb – it isn’t as enjoyable because the CLE 300.

The CLE 300 is comfortable and splendid sufficient to make use of as a each day driver, however can change its character shortly.

What the CLE 300 provides is a automobile that’s comfortable and splendid sufficient to make use of as a each day driver, however can change its character in 20 seconds and provide a very completely different expertise. It sits in a candy spot with no direct competitors, and if a easy, enjoyable convertible is what you need, this will likely be a pleasant selection.

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