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Disclaimer: I am writing this from the perspective of a 5 year driver of a 2019 C 43. If you already own a CLE 53 you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re considering a CLE 53 this should be helpful.
Day 1: It looks freakin’ awesome in real life, it is PHAT! Pictures will not do it justice. All of the SA’s were drooling over it. I’ve driven the car for less than 10 miles. It is a bigger car than the C43 and I felt the extra weight right away (+400 lbs up from my C43), which is conveniently offset by the extra horsepower (+65-ish) and some snappy steering feel. With the hybrid assist the car just wants to GO! I tried hard to baby the throttle but I managed a sprint to 5000rpm just merging into traffic! The Performance Seats are Great! I can’t wait to turn the car loose in some twisties and find the limits of those beefy Michelin’s Pilots. The exhaust note is deeper yet quieter and less “barky” then the C43, but I haven’t really pushed the car yet. And yes, the rear spoiler lip is “small”, like “why bother putting it on at all” small…
The “features” that I don’t like are the damn touch sensors on the steering wheel. I swipe left it goes up. I’m a button pusher from way back so there’s going to be a learning curve here. I really liked my main Sport display on the C43; RPM and digital speed in the center, Trip data on the left and Engine, Transmission temps and, Tire pressure information on the right. What’s so hard about keeping all that info on the display. I’m the boss after all, and I need the info. Roads on LI, NY SUCK. I’ve ranted about this before and I need to keep an eye on my tire pressure because of all of the potholes and just plain ratty road surfaces (I did get the Wheel & Tire insurance). I get a workout on every commute just trying to avoid them. Thankfully I drive an AMG.
The car is longer than the C43 but still fits in my garage. And, my golf clubs fit neatly in the trunk; the C43 was a tight squeeze.
There’s so much more to learn about the new tech, Parktronic, sound settings, Ambient lighting, etc, etc… More to come as go about my daily drives.
Oh, btw, the first thing that I found that didn't work was the Hands-Free Trunk access. Apparently a software update will fix this. Really?
Congrtaz mate I`m picking my own here in Poland , tomorrow . I can`t sleep for 2 nights already ! Did you find a way to disable lane assist and speed beeps permanently ? I`m moving from BMW m340i , so this will be completely new world for me I hope for the better
Disclaimer: I am writing this from the perspective of a 5 year driver of a 2019 C 43. If you already own a CLE 53 you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re considering a CLE 53 this should be helpful.
Day 1: It looks freakin’ awesome in real life, it is PHAT! Pictures will not do it justice. All of the SA’s were drooling over it. I’ve driven the car for less than 10 miles. It is a bigger car than the C43 and I felt the extra weight right away (+400 lbs up from my C43), which is conveniently offset by the extra horsepower (+65-ish) and some snappy steering feel. With the hybrid assist the car just wants to GO! I tried hard to baby the throttle but I managed a sprint to 5000rpm just merging into traffic! The Performance Seats are Great! I can’t wait to turn the car loose in some twisties and find the limits of those beefy Michelin’s Pilots. The exhaust note is deeper yet quieter and less “barky” then the C43, but I haven’t really pushed the car yet. And yes, the rear spoiler lip is “small”, like “why bother putting it on at all” small…
The “features” that I don’t like are the damn touch sensors on the steering wheel. I swipe left it goes up. I’m a button pusher from way back so there’s going to be a learning curve here. I really liked my main Sport display on the C43; RPM and digital speed in the center, Trip data on the left and Engine, Transmission temps and, Tire pressure information on the right. What’s so hard about keeping all that info on the display. I’m the boss after all, and I need the info. Roads on LI, NY SUCK. I’ve ranted about this before and I need to keep an eye on my tire pressure because of all of the potholes and just plain ratty road surfaces (I did get the Wheel & Tire insurance). I get a workout on every commute just trying to avoid them. Thankfully I drive an AMG.
The car is longer than the C43 but still fits in my garage. And, my golf clubs fit neatly in the trunk; the C43 was a tight squeeze.
There’s so much more to learn about the new tech, Parktronic, sound settings, Ambient lighting, etc, etc… More to come as go about my daily drives.
Oh, btw, the first thing that I found that didn't work was the Hands-Free Trunk access. Apparently a software update will fix this. Really?
Ciao for now, Driver2
Enjoy and keep us posted !
Regarding the spoiler lip , do you have the Performance Studio Package with the " more dramatically shaped " spoiler ?
Disclaimer: I am writing this from the perspective of a 5 year driver of a 2019 C 43. If you already own a CLE 53 you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re considering a CLE 53 this should be helpful.
Day 1: It looks freakin’ awesome in real life, it is PHAT! Pictures will not do it justice. All of the SA’s were drooling over it. I’ve driven the car for less than 10 miles. It is a bigger car than the C43 and I felt the extra weight right away (+400 lbs up from my C43), which is conveniently offset by the extra horsepower (+65-ish) and some snappy steering feel. With the hybrid assist the car just wants to GO! I tried hard to baby the throttle but I managed a sprint to 5000rpm just merging into traffic! The Performance Seats are Great! I can’t wait to turn the car loose in some twisties and find the limits of those beefy Michelin’s Pilots. The exhaust note is deeper yet quieter and less “barky” then the C43, but I haven’t really pushed the car yet. And yes, the rear spoiler lip is “small”, like “why bother putting it on at all” small…
The “features” that I don’t like are the damn touch sensors on the steering wheel. I swipe left it goes up. I’m a button pusher from way back so there’s going to be a learning curve here. I really liked my main Sport display on the C43; RPM and digital speed in the center, Trip data on the left and Engine, Transmission temps and, Tire pressure information on the right. What’s so hard about keeping all that info on the display. I’m the boss after all, and I need the info. Roads on LI, NY SUCK. I’ve ranted about this before and I need to keep an eye on my tire pressure because of all of the potholes and just plain ratty road surfaces (I did get the Wheel & Tire insurance). I get a workout on every commute just trying to avoid them. Thankfully I drive an AMG.
The car is longer than the C43 but still fits in my garage. And, my golf clubs fit neatly in the trunk; the C43 was a tight squeeze.
There’s so much more to learn about the new tech, Parktronic, sound settings, Ambient lighting, etc, etc… More to come as go about my daily drives.
Oh, btw, the first thing that I found that didn't work was the Hands-Free Trunk access. Apparently a software update will fix this. Really?
Ciao for now, Driver2
My hands free trunk access works. I even have a sticker once I open up the trunk that shows how to use it. And I agree on the touch sensor specifically for the arrows to the left of the home button. I've changed sensitivity settings but it still has a mind of its own.
Congrtaz mate I`m picking my own here in Poland , tomorrow . I can`t sleep for 2 nights already ! Did you find a way to disable lane assist and speed beeps permanently ? I`m moving from BMW m340i , so this will be completely new world for me I hope for the better
Thanks. Yes, the "beeps" can be disabled but the tech who went over the car with me did it right off the bat. Imagine that! They just assumed that a driver of a powerful AMG was going to exceed the posted speed limits, LOL. So, I can't tell you how but ask for it when you pick up the car. As for the rest, there's a lot new for me too. Just enjoy learning the car - hours of fun.
Regarding the spoiler lip , do you have the Performance Studio Package with the " more dramatically shaped " spoiler ?
No Studio package. I thought it was just too pricey for too little; a couple of extra plastic flicks, a different diffuser and a slightly bigger spoiler. As I said before the spoiler is just for looks, it's not effective aerodynamically at all. I'm not going to fixate on it. Besides the only people who will see it will be the one's I'm blowing by.
My hands free trunk access works. I even have a sticker once I open up the trunk that shows how to use it. And I agree on the touch sensor specifically for the arrows to the left of the home button. I've changed sensitivity settings but it still has a mind of its own.
Disclaimer: I am writing this from the perspective of a 5 year driver of a 2019 C 43. If you already own a CLE 53 you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re considering a CLE 53 this should be helpful.
Day 1: It looks freakin’ awesome in real life, it is PHAT! Pictures will not do it justice. All of the SA’s were drooling over it. I’ve driven the car for less than 10 miles. It is a bigger car than the C43 and I felt the extra weight right away (+400 lbs up from my C43), which is conveniently offset by the extra horsepower (+65-ish) and some snappy steering feel. With the hybrid assist the car just wants to GO! I tried hard to baby the throttle but I managed a sprint to 5000rpm just merging into traffic! The Performance Seats are Great! I can’t wait to turn the car loose in some twisties and find the limits of those beefy Michelin’s Pilots. The exhaust note is deeper yet quieter and less “barky” then the C43, but I haven’t really pushed the car yet. And yes, the rear spoiler lip is “small”, like “why bother putting it on at all” small…
The “features” that I don’t like are the damn touch sensors on the steering wheel. I swipe left it goes up. I’m a button pusher from way back so there’s going to be a learning curve here. I really liked my main Sport display on the C43; RPM and digital speed in the center, Trip data on the left and Engine, Transmission temps and, Tire pressure information on the right. What’s so hard about keeping all that info on the display. I’m the boss after all, and I need the info. Roads on LI, NY SUCK. I’ve ranted about this before and I need to keep an eye on my tire pressure because of all of the potholes and just plain ratty road surfaces (I did get the Wheel & Tire insurance). I get a workout on every commute just trying to avoid them. Thankfully I drive an AMG.
The car is longer than the C43 but still fits in my garage. And, my golf clubs fit neatly in the trunk; the C43 was a tight squeeze.
There’s so much more to learn about the new tech, Parktronic, sound settings, Ambient lighting, etc, etc… More to come as go about my daily drives.
Oh, btw, the first thing that I found that didn't work was the Hands-Free Trunk access. Apparently a software update will fix this. Really?
Disclaimer: I am writing this from the perspective of a 5 year driver of a 2019 C 43. If you already own a CLE 53 you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re considering a CLE 53 this should be helpful.
Day 1: It looks freakin’ awesome in real life, it is PHAT! Pictures will not do it justice. All of the SA’s were drooling over it. I’ve driven the car for less than 10 miles. It is a bigger car than the C43 and I felt the extra weight right away (+400 lbs up from my C43), which is conveniently offset by the extra horsepower (+65-ish) and some snappy steering feel. With the hybrid assist the car just wants to GO! I tried hard to baby the throttle but I managed a sprint to 5000rpm just merging into traffic! The Performance Seats are Great! I can’t wait to turn the car loose in some twisties and find the limits of those beefy Michelin’s Pilots. The exhaust note is deeper yet quieter and less “barky” then the C43, but I haven’t really pushed the car yet. And yes, the rear spoiler lip is “small”, like “why bother putting it on at all” small…
The “features” that I don’t like are the damn touch sensors on the steering wheel. I swipe left it goes up. I’m a button pusher from way back so there’s going to be a learning curve here. I really liked my main Sport display on the C43; RPM and digital speed in the center, Trip data on the left and Engine, Transmission temps and, Tire pressure information on the right. What’s so hard about keeping all that info on the display. I’m the boss after all, and I need the info. Roads on LI, NY SUCK. I’ve ranted about this before and I need to keep an eye on my tire pressure because of all of the potholes and just plain ratty road surfaces (I did get the Wheel & Tire insurance). I get a workout on every commute just trying to avoid them. Thankfully I drive an AMG.
The car is longer than the C43 but still fits in my garage. And, my golf clubs fit neatly in the trunk; the C43 was a tight squeeze.
There’s so much more to learn about the new tech, Parktronic, sound settings, Ambient lighting, etc, etc… More to come as go about my daily drives.
Oh, btw, the first thing that I found that didn't work was the Hands-Free Trunk access. Apparently a software update will fix this. Really?
Ciao for now, Driver2
Thanks for the comments. Please keep them coming!!
Day 2: Power, power, power! It’s not in-your-face power it’s just there, smooth and seemingly effortless. It reminds me of what it was like going from my CLA250 to the C43. When passing slower traffic in the C43 you had to be careful not to get to triple digit speeds. Just tickle the throttle in the CLE53 and you’re exceeding the speed limit even faster, oops! There seems to be a linear progression of Power-to-weight in each case. The main thing is on-demand torque. I’m sure that there is Boost Controller as part of this engine drive system. That, plus the electric “supercharger”, provides instant throttle response, better than a naturally aspirated motor of double the displacement. Gotta love boost. If you have an older turbo car you will sense the turbo lag, the CLE has NONE. I won’t be trying Launch Control until I have more miles on it but I have a feeling that the car will flatten your eyeballs! I’d love to get the car to a drag strip to get real-world performance numbers but they are closing left and right. Funny thing though, it’s easy to drive this car slowly, it just effortlessly putters along at slow speed at just above idle. That’s an indication of power too.
Now for handling, the Michelin Pilot Sports = GRIP. Not only are they 4x the size of the C43 tires but they are sticky. I’ve already exceeded the speed on on/off ramps that I could achieve with the C43 and the steering response is quick. Under “normal” driving conditions I don’t think that I’ll ever find the handling limits of this car. Oh, and I did immediately set the Individual Mode to Sport+ suspension setting. If you have it, flaunt it. And it doesn’t seem to degrade the ride quality, which is nice.
If you have the sense that I am impressed with is car, you are correct. I’ve driven a GT-R at the AMG Driving Academy at Limerock and I feel that this car would hold it’s own in that scenario.
Now for the ride. It is sooo much smoother than the C43. I think that giant non-run-flat tires is the main reason here. The AMG AWD, suspension and active motor mounts are also certainly contributors too.
If Big, Powerful, Mercedes-Benz AMG was the goal, they succeeded.
Now for the “nits”. Nothing is perfect. Aside from the Hands-Free Access to the trunk not working, which is baffling, I have two.
1: Why can’t I get the info I need on the Main Display??? The Super Sport main display setting on my C43 was just about perfect. Dial RPM and digital speed in the center, along with gas gage and time, etc; Trip options on the left and vehicle data on the right. The Trip Info; miles driven, MPG, range, etc. The right display was vehicle info, Tire pressures, engine and transmission temps and other stuff. I loved it! Why change it??? Change for changes sake is NOT progress. Whoever designed the CLE displays is not a car guy. End of report.
If you’ve ever been on an airplane and seen the instrument cluster it is daunting. Everything, everywhere all at once (sounds like a movie title…). The reason it is that way is that the pilot, who knows where to look for the data he needs, can find it without fiddling around with some impractical controls.
Hey Mercedes, bring back the 2019 C43 Super Sport Display!
2: Hey Mercedes, I know what you can do with your Touch Sensitive controls but decorum prohibits me from telling you here.
I’m taking some longer drives in the next few days and will report on MPG. Future updates will be shorter, I promise.
Day 2: Power, power, power! It’s not in-your-face power it’s just there, smooth and seemingly effortless. It reminds me of what it was like going from my CLA250 to the C43. When passing slower traffic in the C43 you had to be careful not to get to triple digit speeds. Just tickle the throttle in the CLE53 and you’re exceeding the speed limit even faster, oops! There seems to be a linear progression of Power-to-weight in each case. The main thing is on-demand torque. I’m sure that there is Boost Controller as part of this engine drive system. That, plus the electric “supercharger”, provides instant throttle response, better than a naturally aspirated motor of double the displacement. Gotta love boost. If you have an older turbo car you will sense the turbo lag, the CLE has NONE. I won’t be trying Launch Control until I have more miles on it but I have a feeling that the car will flatten your eyeballs! I’d love to get the car to a drag strip to get real-world performance numbers but they are closing left and right. Funny thing though, it’s easy to drive this car slowly, it just effortlessly putters along at slow speed at just above idle. That’s an indication of power too.
Now for handling, the Michelin Pilot Sports = GRIP. Not only are they 4x the size of the C43 tires but they are sticky. I’ve already exceeded the speed on on/off ramps that I could achieve with the C43 and the steering response is quick. Under “normal” driving conditions I don’t think that I’ll ever find the handling limits of this car. Oh, and I did immediately set the Individual Mode to Sport+ suspension setting. If you have it, flaunt it. And it doesn’t seem to degrade the ride quality, which is nice.
If you have the sense that I am impressed with is car, you are correct. I’ve driven a GT-R at the AMG Driving Academy at Limerock and I feel that this car would hold it’s own in that scenario.
Now for the ride. It is sooo much smoother than the C43. I think that giant non-run-flat tires is the main reason here. The AMG AWD, suspension and active motor mounts are also certainly contributors too.
If Big, Powerful, Mercedes-Benz AMG was the goal, they succeeded.
Now for the “nits”. Nothing is perfect. Aside from the Hands-Free Access to the trunk not working, which is baffling, I have two.
1: Why can’t I get the info I need on the Main Display??? The Super Sport main display setting on my C43 was just about perfect. Dial RPM and digital speed in the center, along with gas gage and time, etc; Trip options on the left and vehicle data on the right. The Trip Info; miles driven, MPG, range, etc. The right display was vehicle info, Tire pressures, engine and transmission temps and other stuff. I loved it! Why change it??? Change for changes sake is NOT progress. Whoever designed the CLE displays is not a car guy. End of report.
If you’ve ever been on an airplane and seen the instrument cluster it is daunting. Everything, everywhere all at once (sounds like a movie title…). The reason it is that way is that the pilot, who knows where to look for the data he needs, can find it without fiddling around with some impractical controls.
Hey Mercedes, bring back the 2019 C43 Super Sport Display!
2: Hey Mercedes, I know what you can do with your Touch Sensitive controls but decorum prohibits me from telling you here.
I’m taking some longer drives in the next few days and will report on MPG. Future updates will be shorter, I promise.
Driver2
Happy to hear you are enjoying the power increase : )
Congrats.
Re the power, I was able to test one extensively (respectfully due to it only having less than 20 miles on it from what I remember) didn't do any full throttle starts but I did do one from a roll around 30 mph - you, like I, will be VERY impressed, and I tested it back-to-back with a new GT63...the CLE53's power is highly underrated imo and I'd bet the first stock dyno tests will reveal as such.
Disclaimer: I am writing this from the perspective of a 5 year driver of a 2019 C 43. If you already own a CLE 53 you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re considering a CLE 53 this should be helpful.
Day 1: It looks freakin’ awesome in real life, it is PHAT! Pictures will not do it justice. All of the SA’s were drooling over it. I’ve driven the car for less than 10 miles. It is a bigger car than the C43 and I felt the extra weight right away (+400 lbs up from my C43), which is conveniently offset by the extra horsepower (+65-ish) and some snappy steering feel. With the hybrid assist the car just wants to GO! I tried hard to baby the throttle but I managed a sprint to 5000rpm just merging into traffic! The Performance Seats are Great! I can’t wait to turn the car loose in some twisties and find the limits of those beefy Michelin’s Pilots. The exhaust note is deeper yet quieter and less “barky” then the C43, but I haven’t really pushed the car yet. And yes, the rear spoiler lip is “small”, like “why bother putting it on at all” small…
The “features” that I don’t like are the damn touch sensors on the steering wheel. I swipe left it goes up. I’m a button pusher from way back so there’s going to be a learning curve here. I really liked my main Sport display on the C43; RPM and digital speed in the center, Trip data on the left and Engine, Transmission temps and, Tire pressure information on the right. What’s so hard about keeping all that info on the display. I’m the boss after all, and I need the info. Roads on LI, NY SUCK. I’ve ranted about this before and I need to keep an eye on my tire pressure because of all of the potholes and just plain ratty road surfaces (I did get the Wheel & Tire insurance). I get a workout on every commute just trying to avoid them. Thankfully I drive an AMG.
The car is longer than the C43 but still fits in my garage. And, my golf clubs fit neatly in the trunk; the C43 was a tight squeeze.
There’s so much more to learn about the new tech, Parktronic, sound settings, Ambient lighting, etc, etc… More to come as go about my daily drives.
Oh, btw, the first thing that I found that didn't work was the Hands-Free Trunk access. Apparently a software update will fix this. Really?
Ciao for now, Driver2
I got mine a week ago and promptly sent it to the detailer to get a front PPF and ceramic coat applied for protection. It’s moonlight white with the Tonka brown kappa leather interior. I previously drove a 2019 E53 so I’m familiar with the 53 platform but the CLE53 is something else. I am so in love with it!
I also can’t get the hands free trunk release thingy to work, even with the instructions from the trunk sticker lol.
I can’t wait to get past the break-in period so I can truly appreciate its power.
I got mine a week ago and promptly sent it to the detailer to get a front PPF and ceramic coat applied for protection. It’s moonlight white with the Tonka brown kappa leather interior. I previously drove a 2019 E53 so I’m familiar with the 53 platform but the CLE53 is something else. I am so in love with it!
I also can’t get the hands free trunk release thingy to work, even with the instructions from the trunk sticker lol.
I can’t wait to get past the break-in period so I can truly appreciate its power.
I got mine a week ago and promptly sent it to the detailer to get a front PPF and ceramic coat applied for protection. It’s moonlight white with the Tonka brown kappa leather interior. I previously drove a 2019 E53 so I’m familiar with the 53 platform but the CLE53 is something else. I am so in love with it!
I also can’t get the hands free trunk release thingy to work, even with the instructions from the trunk sticker lol.
I can’t wait to get past the break-in period so I can truly appreciate its power.
Ach du Lieber! The software on our cars seems to be somehow incompatible with the onboard for systems.. Good old (deceased) Carl Benz is in fact spinning on his grave... it ain't the "Best or Nothing" any more.
But in Mercedes defense, I found out that some of the features, like the Digital Light Projection on the road ahead, are apparently awaiting US approval. So I'm guessing that this is a factor, plus not having control of integrating the new MBUX system software in all cars. Yet some CLE's seem to be working fine. Hmmm???
My positive take-away is that, when it's updated, we should have the latest and most up-to-date s/w.
Day 5: After my 144 mile round trip this weekend I can report that the MPG is just a tick lower than the C43; 32 vs. 34mpg. But, I was doing 75-80 on the highway because I was a little late. I know that's no excuse but the car just loves to go 80. IMO, MB's are designed to run on the autobahn and cruise soother the faster you go. At your own risk of course since you have to go out west to legally drive the car the way it was meant to be driven.
Still, being 400lbs heavier and with 65 more hp that's pretty impressive. I expect the MPG to improve over time and when one uses the most economical drive settings.
Just passed 1300 miles and the power surge in brutal when necessary, on ramps, passing, etc.
My challenge will be to learn the touch sensitive areas in the steering wheel (or stay clear of the areas) and still personalize the information I need.
Oh yes, the bigger challenge will be keeping my drivers license, the power and handling is very habit forming.
Cary on,
David
How To Use Mercedes-Benz Emotion Start
To start the Emotion Start, you simply pull and hold one of the paddle shifters before pushing the start button. Your Mercedes-Benz will then burst with a ferocious roar from all four exhaust tips. The Emotion Start can be found in most AMG® models including the 2019 and newer Mercedes-Benz AMG® C-Class and the Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLA. Once you get behind one of these Mercedes-Benz AMG® vehicles you will be amazed at the power and impression your AMG® will make on the road! The Emotion Start system will be sure to provide you with a thrilling AMG® experience.
How To Use Mercedes-Benz Emotion Start
To start the Emotion Start, you simply pull and hold one of the paddle shifters before pushing the start button. Your Mercedes-Benz will then burst with a ferocious roar from all four exhaust tips. The Emotion Start can be found in most AMG® models including the 2019 and newer Mercedes-Benz AMG® C-Class and the Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLA. Once you get behind one of these Mercedes-Benz AMG® vehicles you will be amazed at the power and impression your AMG® will make on the road! The Emotion Start system will be sure to provide you with a thrilling AMG® experience.
Have not , my car is still being built, but others have said it does not have this function.
In that case just put the vehicle in sport+ and then start the engine, it has the same effect.
Does your car get louder when you put in S+? Mine doesn't and I started a new thread about the lack of what I would consider and proper AMG sounding car.
Does your car get louder when you put in S+? Mine doesn't and I started a new thread about the lack of what I would consider and proper AMG sounding car.
Sorry about that, my post was in experience with the emotion start vs regular sport+ then start from other MBs (GLE 53, E 53, C 43 facelift, E 63 S facelift) than the CLE 53, I do not have a CLE 53 yet.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
My car is here and I’m driving it!
