Finally got some considerable wheel time - city, highway, smooth roads, rough roads, relatively aggressive, relaxed driving.

Impressions:

Super smooth in comfort - AMG tuned it just right.

Transmission shifted both smoothly and precisely in comfort mode - I did not do sport/+ (the vehicle had 10 miles on it, and I am respectful).

The power/acceleration from the one time I stomped on it a ~35mph roll was very impressive - you will not be disappointed and I drove a GT63 yesterday. I think the stated 449hp is underrated by at least 20hp. A 63 might be overkill for most drivers.

The fit/finish in/out is excellent

The AC on a 100' day blew ice cold

The performance seats (these were MF) were quite comfortable but were not optioned with ventilation or massage, so I can't give an opinion on those options in the 53.

The brakes were good but could use more stiffness in the pedal feel - just a tad too soft if you can even call it that.

The steering/handling was laser like even in comfort -the new Michelin Pilot S5's are amazing, so all combined - well done MB.

The car idles in utter smoothness can barely tell the engine is running and I luv the 48v MHEV set up - no downside only upside to it - better epa, mpgs, and power.

The only real downside is the vehicle's size, I wish it was more of an E+ sized than C, especially since the S coupes are gone, MB has no true 2-dor large lux coupe, which is a shame. Paint was matte so I can't comment on any orange peel. The wheels will indeed be a real nightmare to clean, so glad the 25's have two fabulous new options ala the GT's!

My overall rating on a score of 0-10 is a very solid 8.5+.

I will post my review of the GT63 in that forum in the next day or so and we also tested the new '25 G550 G-Wagen which I'll also post in that respective forum. We are looking for a new sports coupe/large SUV, hence all the testing.

My dealer MB Rocklin CA, my awesome SA Andrew Rubio, and GM Darren Arnaud have been excellent.

I hope those in the market find this helpful.

 

Appreciate the impressions, sounds like you are enjoying it and that is good : )

 

Yes, thanks for your input....very helpful. Just as an FYI, I have not found a way to option the sport seats with ventilation and don't think this is possible. Someone will correct me if I'm mistaken, but I would like the sport seats....however, vented seats in TX is required for me!

 

I wish I could have tested the vented seats, but they have another one due in soon that has them and will do so then and report back. Unfortunately, thus far on the other MB models we've considered/tested they haven't been very good, hoping since the CLE is all new, they've improved them, and I look forward to getting one of the first 25's.

 

Please do let us know what your thoughts are on the vented seats. I was very happy with the vented seats in the 911, so hopefully the CLE will be on par!

 

Don't remember how Porsche does it but the way MB does it is just a fan circulating the a/c (when you have it on), it is very weak from experience. They are ventilated seats I guess hence the name and not cooled seats.

 

Same with vented seats in the 911 (992), but they seemed to work well in TX heat!

 

I see, I guess you could test drive one and find out : ) if CLE 53 isn't available yet you could probably try other MBs with ventilated seats. I just find them useless, maybe it isn't for you.

 

I had them in my W206 C43 and the fan was just circulating the air. Not necessarily "cooling" but they keep you dry lol

 

Better than nothing

I am, they have another coming in soon. Tested them in the G550 and other MBs - they were very weak.

Good to know. It's kinda weird, the vented seats in my m850 worked great, got very cold when climate control is switched the face/floor and set to low for temp (only way floor vents blow really cold). Those in my MB S Coupes set the same way also got quite cold. But now all the new 24 MBs and 25 BMW's I've recently tested (GT63, G550, GLS450) (X7M60 40iMSport) were terrible even when set as described. The seats in my 24 Grand Wagoneer Series lll Obsidian are some of the best (could be thermoelectric via a peltier device like Jag and RR use) and it also has the very best for massage, as they have lots of little air bag actuators vs the mechanical type the Germans seem to use. Why cant the thick headed German marques use some of the better tech/systems that actually work/work better

Will do see above.

 

Sounds good, hopefully it works well enough for your needs.