Merc CLE
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Slick greenhouse and roofline. But the chopped of tail looks... chopped off. I think it would have been a really nice design if it kicked up a bit in back.
I give MBZ credit for offering a two-door.
I give MBZ credit for offering a two-door.
#17
Lead Lap
It's significantly bigger than the previous C-Coupe and slightly longer than the E-Class, mainly because of all the growth in the front overhang. However, the wheelbase is the same as the C Class though, it's basically a C-Coupe to me with a bit more focus on the rear passenger seat space. Hmm.. almost like the C207 E-Class Coupe, which was coincidentally based on the W204 C-Class instead of the W212 E-Class.
The larger rear seats and dimensions is definitely a welcomed change.
I do agree it's nice that it has the i6, and looks better than the 4-Series coupe for sure. Still not impressed by the product though, just feels like a cash grab/easy way out for Benz :/ I wish they at least kept it pillarless like the E Coupes of yore and last-gen CLK.
CLE450 will be the sweet spot of the lineup, CLE53 might get incredibly heavy with hybrid tech.
The larger rear seats and dimensions is definitely a welcomed change.
I do agree it's nice that it has the i6, and looks better than the 4-Series coupe for sure. Still not impressed by the product though, just feels like a cash grab/easy way out for Benz :/ I wish they at least kept it pillarless like the E Coupes of yore and last-gen CLK.
CLE450 will be the sweet spot of the lineup, CLE53 might get incredibly heavy with hybrid tech.
Agree overall though, easy cash grab but then again the two door market in general has dwindled dramatically world wide. China in particular isn't fond of this type of car.
#18
Speaks French in Russian
Keeping the 6 cylinder is the only thing I like. This is wildly boring. And SUV design features on a traditional coupe?! Insane.
Not a hard pass, but a pass for sure.
Not a hard pass, but a pass for sure.
#20
Lexus Test Driver
#22
I like old E Class Coupe rear window more with its straight as opposed to rising waistline.
#23
These two will forever be special in their mission statement to the Mercedes-Benz lineup. As authentic, E-segment coupes.
1994 E 320 (C124) vs 2021 E 450 (C238)
As opposed to this CLE, which obviously (unfortunately) was devised under the famed Dr. Dieter Zetsche during his last days. Welcome back to 1996 (Jurgen Schrempp days)!!!!...
C208 CLK 320 Coupe (1996)
I'm sure that these two lovebirds from 1996, are her mommy and daddy . (Momma got the same hair too!)
1994 E 320 (C124) vs 2021 E 450 (C238)
As opposed to this CLE, which obviously (unfortunately) was devised under the famed Dr. Dieter Zetsche during his last days. Welcome back to 1996 (Jurgen Schrempp days)!!!!...
C208 CLK 320 Coupe (1996)
#24
#25
Lead Lap
#26
Intermediate
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: California
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lower price point? Definitely lower manufacturing costs, but I have no doubt they are going to be charging higher prices than the C-300 because of the name change to CLE.
#27
Super Moderator
#28
Intermediate
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: California
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well yes it "replaces both" because that's what MB marketing wants you to believe, but at the end of the day it is a C-Coupe, with a C-Class wheelbase and interior and optional i6. Like I said, they're renaming it to CLE to imply a relation to the E-Class and charge higher prices, when in reality it doesn't share visually with the E nor does it get the E-Class's interior or E-Coupe's pillarless greenhouse.
#29
Super Moderator
It's in between, but closer to the E-class. Wheelbase is one inch longer than the C-class, and less than a third of an inch shorter than the E class.