Brief Thoughts on the CLE 450 / CLE 53 AMG after 1 visit to the Dealer
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 681
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From: SWFL
2023 BMW M340i, 2025 MB CLE53 AMG
Brief Thoughts on the CLE 450 / CLE 53 AMG after 1 visit to the Dealer
Currently have a 2018 E400 coupe which was purchased new (for the wife) in Dec 2017 and replaced a 2013 E350 Cabriolet.
Thought about going back to a convertible and went to look at the new model. The 53 AMG (coupe) was also enticing me.
Since they got rid of the E Class Coupe/Cabriolet and according to them, combined it with the C class to create
the CLE model.
While it's a nice car, this new model is way more C class than an E.
The tech is obviously much better in the new model but the quality of the materials are much cheaper.
I walked out of there thinking "do I really want to spend $85k (if I go for the CLE 450 Cab) or $90k (for the AMG Coupe)"
with that level of quality?
The reliability of these cars is also an issue. Not exactly good in CR.
I really liked the looks of the cars but unfortunately, leaning way more to the no side.
Thought about going back to a convertible and went to look at the new model. The 53 AMG (coupe) was also enticing me.
Since they got rid of the E Class Coupe/Cabriolet and according to them, combined it with the C class to create
the CLE model.
While it's a nice car, this new model is way more C class than an E.
The tech is obviously much better in the new model but the quality of the materials are much cheaper.
I walked out of there thinking "do I really want to spend $85k (if I go for the CLE 450 Cab) or $90k (for the AMG Coupe)"
with that level of quality?
The reliability of these cars is also an issue. Not exactly good in CR.
I really liked the looks of the cars but unfortunately, leaning way more to the no side.
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,331
Likes: 6,312
Currently have a 2018 E400 coupe which was purchased new (for the wife) in Dec 2017 and replaced a 2013 E350 Cabriolet.
Thought about going back to a convertible and went to look at the new model. The 53 AMG (coupe) was also enticing me.
Since they got rid of the E Class Coupe/Cabriolet and according to them, combined it with the C class to create
the CLE model.
While it's a nice car, this new model is way more C class than an E.
The tech is obviously much better in the new model but the quality of the materials are much cheaper.
I walked out of there thinking "do I really want to spend $85k (if I go for the CLE 450 Cab) or $90k (for the AMG Coupe)"
with that level of quality?
The reliability of these cars is also an issue. Not exactly good in CR.
I really liked the looks of the cars but unfortunately, leaning way more to the no side.
Thought about going back to a convertible and went to look at the new model. The 53 AMG (coupe) was also enticing me.
Since they got rid of the E Class Coupe/Cabriolet and according to them, combined it with the C class to create
the CLE model.
While it's a nice car, this new model is way more C class than an E.
The tech is obviously much better in the new model but the quality of the materials are much cheaper.
I walked out of there thinking "do I really want to spend $85k (if I go for the CLE 450 Cab) or $90k (for the AMG Coupe)"
with that level of quality?
The reliability of these cars is also an issue. Not exactly good in CR.
I really liked the looks of the cars but unfortunately, leaning way more to the no side.
Well, given that the competitors are discontinuing coupe and convertibles, it is good that MB are still making these things. bmw had a 6 series now they only have an 8 to upsell 6, the 4 series competes with c class, audi is also slowly discontinuing all these body styles.
The CLE has massage seats and the seats are better than a c-class coupe or 4 series, a4/a5. The comfort is better in general.
I understand you are coming from an e coupe, I mean you like that car then keep it, no point paying new car prices to dislike it or having buyer's remorse.
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From: Atlanta
CLE53AMG
I see what you’re saying, but 1) relative to the AMG lineup it’s a steal 2) driving dynamics are a big step up - active engine mounts, race mode, rear axle steering, 295 rear tire width, etc. 3) massaging seats and other bits of luxury are a step up for this class.
Your initial impression was the same as mine, but after driving the car for a few months I’m of the opinion that this is a step up and worth the $90k.
There isn’t much competition in this price range for a coupe - the BMW is fast and sporty but lacks luxury, and the Audi is similar to the BMW and is being eliminated.
Mercedes have always been overpriced, so I’d put the value lower than the price but I’m ok spending it for the package.
Your initial impression was the same as mine, but after driving the car for a few months I’m of the opinion that this is a step up and worth the $90k.
There isn’t much competition in this price range for a coupe - the BMW is fast and sporty but lacks luxury, and the Audi is similar to the BMW and is being eliminated.
Mercedes have always been overpriced, so I’d put the value lower than the price but I’m ok spending it for the package.
MBWorld God!
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Posts: 32,331
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I see what you’re saying, but 1) relative to the AMG lineup it’s a steal 2) driving dynamics are a big step up - active engine mounts, race mode, rear axle steering, 295 rear tire width, etc. 3) massaging seats and other bits of luxury are a step up for this class.
Your initial impression was the same as mine, but after driving the car for a few months I’m of the opinion that this is a step up and worth the $90k.
There isn’t much competition in this price range for a coupe - the BMW is fast and sporty but lacks luxury, and the Audi is similar to the BMW and is being eliminated.
Mercedes have always been overpriced, so I’d put the value lower than the price but I’m ok spending it for the package.
Your initial impression was the same as mine, but after driving the car for a few months I’m of the opinion that this is a step up and worth the $90k.
There isn’t much competition in this price range for a coupe - the BMW is fast and sporty but lacks luxury, and the Audi is similar to the BMW and is being eliminated.
Mercedes have always been overpriced, so I’d put the value lower than the price but I’m ok spending it for the package.
MBWorld God!
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Posts: 32,331
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Sadly, cost cutting is something that is practiced by the competition as well. The C238 wasn't during the cost cutting era, and like you said, it is an E-Class.
I guess except for the facelift with the capacitive touch, honestly after what started happening in 2019 along with the chip shortage, cost cutting was very apparent.
For what it is worth, I am considering this vehicle to replace my W205 C 43 or to keep it alongside of it. This vehicle actually intrigues me after all that went on in the world.
I guess except for the facelift with the capacitive touch, honestly after what started happening in 2019 along with the chip shortage, cost cutting was very apparent.
For what it is worth, I am considering this vehicle to replace my W205 C 43 or to keep it alongside of it. This vehicle actually intrigues me after all that went on in the world.
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Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography
Not sure where this belief that the car is cheap is coming from. It seems better than a BMW M. My CLE 53 is great looking and all materials feel quality. Except for the drivers air bag cover on steering wheel. That’s the one piece that seems like cheap plastic. Also I got no rattles and car feels solid on inside.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 67
Likes: 18
From: Southeast US
2025 CLE AMG 53
I have owned a lot of new vehicles, but this is going to be my first Mercedes and I started learning about the Cabriolet options over the summer. My first drive was in an E 450 and all I can say is wow. The design, materials and craftsmanship were incredible. Next was a CLE 450 which felt much sportier, but did not have the wow factor of the last generation E class interior. I decided the CLE was the right path for me in order to have the newer more modern option and not a car in the last year of its life cycle.
Next decision was the CLE 450 or AMG 53. I really like the wide body looks of the 2025 AMG cabriolet I drove last week, but I tend to keep my cars for a long time and am concerned about the long term reliability of things like the electric supercharger, four wheel steering, decoupling of the front wheels in the transfer case, etc. In my personal opinion, even though I really like the looks of the AMG 53, it adds a lot of complexity for not a lot of payback over the CLE 450. I have other quicker sports cars and this is going to be more of a fun luxury cruiser for us. For me, the sweet spot is the CLE 450. I was also surprised how much lower the fuel economy is on the AMG. I can see where it would be a compelling choice for people who want a single vehicle to be both a luxury cruiser and a serious canyon carver.
Next decision was the CLE 450 or AMG 53. I really like the wide body looks of the 2025 AMG cabriolet I drove last week, but I tend to keep my cars for a long time and am concerned about the long term reliability of things like the electric supercharger, four wheel steering, decoupling of the front wheels in the transfer case, etc. In my personal opinion, even though I really like the looks of the AMG 53, it adds a lot of complexity for not a lot of payback over the CLE 450. I have other quicker sports cars and this is going to be more of a fun luxury cruiser for us. For me, the sweet spot is the CLE 450. I was also surprised how much lower the fuel economy is on the AMG. I can see where it would be a compelling choice for people who want a single vehicle to be both a luxury cruiser and a serious canyon carver.
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: SWFL
2023 BMW M340i, 2025 MB CLE53 AMG
Next decision was the CLE 450 or AMG 53. I really like the wide body looks of the 2025 AMG cabriolet I drove last week, but I tend to keep my cars for a long time and am concerned about the long term reliability of things like the electric supercharger, four wheel steering, decoupling of the front wheels in the transfer case, etc. In my personal opinion, even though I really like the looks of the AMG 53, it adds a lot of complexity for not a lot of payback over the CLE 450. I have other quicker sports cars and this is going to be more of a fun luxury cruiser for us. For me, the sweet spot is the CLE 450. I was also surprised how much lower the fuel economy is on the AMG. I can see where it would be a compelling choice for people who want a single vehicle to be both a luxury cruiser and a serious canyon carver.
It was due to it being in the shop for repair. She got so fed up that she got rid of it for an Audi Q3. And it was not older than 2 years.
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If you're concerned about reliability, you're probably picking the wrong car. The C class (and this is a C class no matter what they say) has been quite unreliable. Terrible rating in CR. My neighbor had a recent one and I noticed that it was not parked in her driveway quite often.
It was due to it being in the shop for repair. She got so fed up that she got rid of it for an Audi Q3. And it was not older than 2 years.
It was due to it being in the shop for repair. She got so fed up that she got rid of it for an Audi Q3. And it was not older than 2 years.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: SWFL
2023 BMW M340i, 2025 MB CLE53 AMG
According to them, I should receive back about $1200.
MBWorld God!
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Her son had a A4 and had good luck with it. I guess she decided to try Audi and an SUV. No one says she has to stick with a sedan. I wasn’t thrilled with Audi. I purchased a brand new A6 in 2016 and by the time I got rid of it in Dec 22, I went through 3 water pumps ( incl orig), and an electronic parking brake mechanism ( which I never used). In 30,000 miles! Least reliable car I have ever owned since 1979. Shame as they are great looking cars and the fit and finish was great. Mechanically, crap. Early this year I received a notice to join an Audi class action lawsuit. What for you ask? For water pumps!
According to them, I should receive back about $1200.
According to them, I should receive back about $1200.
I see, I wonder why your neighbour didn't get a Q5 instead coming from a c-class, but I understand the want of a smaller size.
That said, since you are looking at a CLE, I guess you would want an E-Class competitor so back to an A6 instead.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 681
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From: SWFL
2023 BMW M340i, 2025 MB CLE53 AMG
I see, I wonder if the A4 will not have the water pump issue? I guess A6 might be the affected model? As well as since it is more advanced than an A4? I too am not an audi fan, the brand and the car doesn't work for me but if the audi works for you and for your needs then I definitely wouldn't tell you to not get one.
I see, I wonder why your neighbour didn't get a Q5 instead coming from a c-class, but I understand the want of a smaller size.
That said, since you are looking at a CLE, I guess you would want an E-Class competitor so back to an A6 instead.
I see, I wonder why your neighbour didn't get a Q5 instead coming from a c-class, but I understand the want of a smaller size.
That said, since you are looking at a CLE, I guess you would want an E-Class competitor so back to an A6 instead.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 67
Likes: 18
From: Southeast US
2025 CLE AMG 53
I have owned a lot of new vehicles, but this is going to be my first Mercedes and I started learning about the Cabriolet options over the summer. My first drive was in an E 450 and all I can say is wow. The design, materials and craftsmanship were incredible. Next was a CLE 450 which felt much sportier, but did not have the wow factor of the last generation E class interior. I decided the CLE was the right path for me in order to have the newer more modern option and not a car in the last year of its life cycle.
Next decision was the CLE 450 or AMG 53. I really like the wide body looks of the 2025 AMG cabriolet I drove last week, but I tend to keep my cars for a long time and am concerned about the long term reliability of things like the electric supercharger, four wheel steering, decoupling of the front wheels in the transfer case, etc. In my personal opinion, even though I really like the looks of the AMG 53, it adds a lot of complexity for not a lot of payback over the CLE 450. I have other quicker sports cars and this is going to be more of a fun luxury cruiser for us. For me, the sweet spot is the CLE 450. I was also surprised how much lower the fuel economy is on the AMG. I can see where it would be a compelling choice for people who want a single vehicle to be both a luxury cruiser and a serious canyon carver.
Next decision was the CLE 450 or AMG 53. I really like the wide body looks of the 2025 AMG cabriolet I drove last week, but I tend to keep my cars for a long time and am concerned about the long term reliability of things like the electric supercharger, four wheel steering, decoupling of the front wheels in the transfer case, etc. In my personal opinion, even though I really like the looks of the AMG 53, it adds a lot of complexity for not a lot of payback over the CLE 450. I have other quicker sports cars and this is going to be more of a fun luxury cruiser for us. For me, the sweet spot is the CLE 450. I was also surprised how much lower the fuel economy is on the AMG. I can see where it would be a compelling choice for people who want a single vehicle to be both a luxury cruiser and a serious canyon carver.
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Currently have a 2018 E400 coupe which was purchased new (for the wife) in Dec 2017 and replaced a 2013 E350 Cabriolet.
Thought about going back to a convertible and went to look at the new model. The 53 AMG (coupe) was also enticing me.
Since they got rid of the E Class Coupe/Cabriolet and according to them, combined it with the C class to create the CLE model.
While it's a nice car, this new model is way more C class than an E.
Thought about going back to a convertible and went to look at the new model. The 53 AMG (coupe) was also enticing me.
Since they got rid of the E Class Coupe/Cabriolet and according to them, combined it with the C class to create the CLE model.
While it's a nice car, this new model is way more C class than an E.
Note that I was not comparing the Mercedes to a previous Mercedes, just to the contemporary competition.
- Interiors
- Audi still does the nicest feeling interiors. Nobody touches Audi for the feel of interior, although Porsche comes close, largely by using Audi stuff.
- Alfa Romeo reminded me of a brief American brand, Saturn. Or perhaps Fisher Price.
- Mercedes is much nicer than BMW. Not even close.
- The M4 line feels like they welded a 4-series from the dashboard forward, to a 1-series from the seats back.
- Mercedes removed all center-console controls. It looks a lot cleaner, but is odd when you're accustommed to having a shifter, brake control and buttons there.
- And that transmission? Back to the 1950s and Three-on-the-Tree? WTF? It actually is really easy to use/drive, but initially I did not like it.
- Instrumentation
- I do miss physical buttons and dials. At least Audi and BMW still have a volume knob. BMWs doesn't feel good though.
- But the current BMW displays can't even simulate analog gauges. No mode.
- The CLE controls/gauges take some serious learning. Especially for things like lane-hold, which I didn't care about - I simply couldn't figure out what the car was telling me.
- (Side note: The CLE gives you status of things you don't care about. e.g. parking assist. If you turn it off, there's a warning that it's off, on the dash. If you leave it on, that too is there.)
- But once you learn them, the touch-controls become pretty easy to use.
- Perhaps because I've been driving almost entirely Audi for 28 years, BMW and Audi controls seem intuitive.
- Driving
- Audi really gave up on fun. They brought all the excitement and road feel of their largest SUV to their fastest coupe. (And they're discontinuiing it.)
- I prefer manual transmissions. The BMW linkage (not available on the Comp) is terrible. Very rubbery. But since sticks simply aren't available in the others, I wound up not having one anyhow.
- The M4 Comp handles much better (nimbler) than the CLE 53, but the CLE 53 (AMG) feels a lot better. The CLE in general feels much heavier than the M4 line when cornering, but somehow it doesn't harm acceleration much.
- But both are very nervous jittery cars. They feel more like classic Lotus than luxury cars.
- The CLE 53 is more comfortable than the M4 Comp, and the CLE 450 is more comfortable than either of those and the M440.
- Exterior
- The M440 grill is much better looking than the M4 Comp grill. The car is nice looking.
- Audi S4 not as nice looking, but classy.
- BMW M2 felt like a cross between the M4 and the Audi S4. Weird.
- I liked the grill of the CLE 450 over the CLE 300 and the CLE 53 AMG. The 53 has large verticle chrome bars, like a baleen whale. The 450 has small emblem sparkles. But the 53 does have a far more aggressive look, at the cost of a sophisticated look.
- The lines of the CLE 53 are really great. The CLE 450 is very good, very classy, but they did something slightly different to the AMG that exudes power.
- Quality
- I only mention because you did. Most of the Mercedes and others issues have been related to the EV craze, and some to their software. We've had BMWs in the house for a long time - SO drives a 335xi coupe or something like that. Sexy car, great feel. But the thing is, when something does go wrong, at least in my area, you want to have a dealership that is...
- Mercedes. You'll get in quickly, they'll fix it, they'll follow up. You'll feel like they cared.
- Audi. They do prioritize/triage, so you'll probably get in quickly. Service is good. You'll be surprised how often you get charged for stuff though.
- Almost anyone else. Standard wait, they'll fix it.
- BMW. Can't get in. They deny everything. Have to go back at least once on average. And they charge a lot, for things that nobody else charges for.
- It almost doesn't matter how many times you have to deal with service, if they make it that bad. BMW, at least where I live, is that bad.
- I only mention because you did. Most of the Mercedes and others issues have been related to the EV craze, and some to their software. We've had BMWs in the house for a long time - SO drives a 335xi coupe or something like that. Sexy car, great feel. But the thing is, when something does go wrong, at least in my area, you want to have a dealership that is...
You might be correct that this isn't an E-Class ride, but it is the best available in the category right now.
Last edited by NWCat; Oct 31, 2024 at 10:55 AM. Reason: Typo - does > doesn't
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,331
Likes: 6,312
I came at the CLE from being a serial-Audi fan. The repair bills got too high, and the S5/RS5 just don't do it anymore. So I looked at the M4 Competizion, M440 iXdrive, CLE 450, CLE 53, Alfa Guilia, quite a few others.
Note that I was not comparing the Mercedes to a previous Mercedes, just to the contemporary competition.
You might be correct that this isn't an E-Class ride, but it is the best available in the category right now.
Note that I was not comparing the Mercedes to a previous Mercedes, just to the contemporary competition.
- Interiors
- Audi still does the nicest feeling interiors. Nobody touches Audi for the feel of interior, although Porsche comes close, largely by using Audi stuff.
- Alfa Romeo reminded me of a brief American brand, Saturn. Or perhaps Fisher Price.
- Mercedes is much nicer than BMW. Not even close.
- The M4 line feels like they welded a 4-series from the dashboard forward, to a 1-series from the seats back.
- Mercedes removed all center-console controls. It looks a lot cleaner, but is odd when you're accustommed to having a shifter, brake control and buttons there.
- And that transmission? Back to the 1950s and Three-on-the-Tree? WTF? It actually is really easy to use/drive, but initially I did not like it.
- Instrumentation
- I do miss physical buttons and dials. At least Audi and BMW still have a volume knob. BMWs doesn't feel good though.
- But the current BMW displays can't even simulate analog gauges. No mode.
- The CLE controls/gauges take some serious learning. Especially for things like lane-hold, which I didn't care about - I simply couldn't figure out what the car was telling me.
- (Side note: The CLE gives you status of things you don't care about. e.g. parking assist. If you turn it off, there's a warning that it's off, on the dash. If you leave it on, that too is there.)
- But once you learn them, the touch-controls become pretty easy to use.
- Perhaps because I've been driving almost entirely Audi for 28 years, BMW and Audi controls seem intuitive.
- Driving
- Audi really gave up on fun. They brought all the excitement and road feel of their largest SUV to their fastest coupe. (And they're discontinuiing it.)
- I prefer manual transmissions. The BMW linkage (not available on the Comp) is terrible. Very rubbery. But since sticks simply aren't available in the others, I wound up not having one anyhow.
- The M4 Comp handles much better (nimbler) than the CLE 53, but the CLE 53 (AMG) feels a lot better. The CLE in general feels much heavier than the M4 line when cornering, but somehow it does harm acceleration much.
- But both are very nervous jittery cars. They feel more like classic Lotus than luxury cars.
- The CLE 53 is more comfortable than the M4 Comp, and the CLE 450 is more comfortable than either of those and the M440.
- Exterior
- The M440 grill is much better looking than the M4 Comp grill. The car is nice looking.
- Audi S4 not as nice looking, but classy.
- BMW M2 felt like a cross between the M4 and the Audi S4. Weird.
- I liked the grill of the CLE 450 over the CLE 300 and the CLE 53 AMG. The 53 has large verticle chrome bars, like a baleen whale. The 450 has small emblem sparkles. But the 53 does have a far more aggressive look, at the cost of a sophisticated look.
- The lines of the CLE 53 are really great. The CLE 450 is very good, very classy, but they did something slightly different to the AMG that exudes power.
- Quality
- I only mention because you did. Most of the Mercedes and others issues have been related to the EV craze, and some to their software. We've had BMWs in the house for a long time - SO drives a 335xi coupe or something like that. Sexy car, great feel. But the thing is, when something does go wrong, at least in my area, you want to have a dealership that is...
- Mercedes. You'll get in quickly, they'll fix it, they'll follow up. You'll feel like they cared.
- Audi. They do prioritize/triage, so you'll probably get in quickly. Service is good. You'll be surprised how often you get charged for stuff though.
- Almost anyone else. Standard wait, they'll fix it.
- BMW. Can't get in. They deny everything. Have to go back at least once on average. And they charge a lot, for things that nobody else charges for.
- It almost doesn't matter how many times you have to deal with service, if they make it that bad. BMW, at least where I live, is that bad.
- I only mention because you did. Most of the Mercedes and others issues have been related to the EV craze, and some to their software. We've had BMWs in the house for a long time - SO drives a 335xi coupe or something like that. Sexy car, great feel. But the thing is, when something does go wrong, at least in my area, you want to have a dealership that is...
You might be correct that this isn't an E-Class ride, but it is the best available in the category right now.
Congrats again to the CLE 450. Appreciate the thought process.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 20
From: Atlanta
CLE53AMG
I came at the CLE from being a serial-Audi fan. The repair bills got too high, and the S5/RS5 just don't do it anymore. So I looked at the M4 Competizion, M440 iXdrive, CLE 450, CLE 53, Alfa Guilia, quite a few others.
Note that I was not comparing the Mercedes to a previous Mercedes, just to the contemporary competition.
You might be correct that this isn't an E-Class ride, but it is the best available in the category right now.
Note that I was not comparing the Mercedes to a previous Mercedes, just to the contemporary competition.
- Interiors
- Audi still does the nicest feeling interiors. Nobody touches Audi for the feel of interior, although Porsche comes close, largely by using Audi stuff.
- Alfa Romeo reminded me of a brief American brand, Saturn. Or perhaps Fisher Price.
- Mercedes is much nicer than BMW. Not even close.
- The M4 line feels like they welded a 4-series from the dashboard forward, to a 1-series from the seats back.
- Mercedes removed all center-console controls. It looks a lot cleaner, but is odd when you're accustommed to having a shifter, brake control and buttons there.
- And that transmission? Back to the 1950s and Three-on-the-Tree? WTF? It actually is really easy to use/drive, but initially I did not like it.
- Instrumentation
- I do miss physical buttons and dials. At least Audi and BMW still have a volume knob. BMWs doesn't feel good though.
- But the current BMW displays can't even simulate analog gauges. No mode.
- The CLE controls/gauges take some serious learning. Especially for things like lane-hold, which I didn't care about - I simply couldn't figure out what the car was telling me.
- (Side note: The CLE gives you status of things you don't care about. e.g. parking assist. If you turn it off, there's a warning that it's off, on the dash. If you leave it on, that too is there.)
- But once you learn them, the touch-controls become pretty easy to use.
- Perhaps because I've been driving almost entirely Audi for 28 years, BMW and Audi controls seem intuitive.
- Driving
- Audi really gave up on fun. They brought all the excitement and road feel of their largest SUV to their fastest coupe. (And they're discontinuiing it.)
- I prefer manual transmissions. The BMW linkage (not available on the Comp) is terrible. Very rubbery. But since sticks simply aren't available in the others, I wound up not having one anyhow.
- The M4 Comp handles much better (nimbler) than the CLE 53, but the CLE 53 (AMG) feels a lot better. The CLE in general feels much heavier than the M4 line when cornering, but somehow it doesn't harm acceleration much.
- But both are very nervous jittery cars. They feel more like classic Lotus than luxury cars.
- The CLE 53 is more comfortable than the M4 Comp, and the CLE 450 is more comfortable than either of those and the M440.
- Exterior
- The M440 grill is much better looking than the M4 Comp grill. The car is nice looking.
- Audi S4 not as nice looking, but classy.
- BMW M2 felt like a cross between the M4 and the Audi S4. Weird.
- I liked the grill of the CLE 450 over the CLE 300 and the CLE 53 AMG. The 53 has large verticle chrome bars, like a baleen whale. The 450 has small emblem sparkles. But the 53 does have a far more aggressive look, at the cost of a sophisticated look.
- The lines of the CLE 53 are really great. The CLE 450 is very good, very classy, but they did something slightly different to the AMG that exudes power.
- Quality
- I only mention because you did. Most of the Mercedes and others issues have been related to the EV craze, and some to their software. We've had BMWs in the house for a long time - SO drives a 335xi coupe or something like that. Sexy car, great feel. But the thing is, when something does go wrong, at least in my area, you want to have a dealership that is...
- Mercedes. You'll get in quickly, they'll fix it, they'll follow up. You'll feel like they cared.
- Audi. They do prioritize/triage, so you'll probably get in quickly. Service is good. You'll be surprised how often you get charged for stuff though.
- Almost anyone else. Standard wait, they'll fix it.
- BMW. Can't get in. They deny everything. Have to go back at least once on average. And they charge a lot, for things that nobody else charges for.
- It almost doesn't matter how many times you have to deal with service, if they make it that bad. BMW, at least where I live, is that bad.
- I only mention because you did. Most of the Mercedes and others issues have been related to the EV craze, and some to their software. We've had BMWs in the house for a long time - SO drives a 335xi coupe or something like that. Sexy car, great feel. But the thing is, when something does go wrong, at least in my area, you want to have a dealership that is...
You might be correct that this isn't an E-Class ride, but it is the best available in the category right now.
1) the M4 grill looks better than the M440i grill - although both are hideous.
2) the CLE53 feels more nimble than the M4 which doesn't have RAS
3) Audi interiors are superior on very high end trims like the RS lines and the SQ SUV's in prestige. But lower models like the S5 are just "OK" - lack premium feel imho.
4) Merc lost the shifter a long time ago, and it was a welcome change as it just took up space
5) Your claim that both the M4 and the CLE are nervous and jittery - to elaborate or clarify, the M4 chassis is very taut and can be nervous and jittery over uneven pavement like the CLE, but both cars are absolutely planted on smooth surfaces and the CLE is less taut and thus less nervous and more supple most of the time.
6) The M shifter has always been a bit rubbery, this is nothing new - but it's not that bad and in fact feels a bit more luxury these days than other brands. I have no issue with it.
7) On the topic of handling, the M4 is completely numb and the thick steering wheel and sport mode makes it even worse. The CLE's thinner rim helps but for whatever reason the CLE feels more alive and better in my hands than the M.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 553
Likes: 221
19 X3, 24 Tacoma Trailhunter, 25 CLE53
Appreciate the impressions, very detailed. Sadly all 3 Germans are doing the capacitive touch nonsense, just look at the latest A5. That said, I was surprised when you mentioned Mercedes' service is consumer friendly, most of the times and I been to many dealerships, they all either say do not duplicate, wash the car when I specifically told them to not to (even put a note in the car) or break something when I get the vehicle back.
Congrats again to the CLE 450. Appreciate the thought process.
Congrats again to the CLE 450. Appreciate the thought process.
I will add that the first car that I looked at to replace my G550 was the Audi SQ7. I liked the car, loved the engine, but hated the dealership. I kind felt like I was at a Chevy dealer, They gave me every bs car sales line there was, had tons of add-on accessories/fees, and tried talking me into buying a Q5 hybrid.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,331
Likes: 6,312
My MB service experience has quite good with a sample size of 3. With the same sample size of BMW dealers, only 1 out 3 provided a decent service experience. I only had one Audi and their service was middle of the road.
I will add that the first car that I looked at to replace my G550 was the Audi SQ7. I liked the car, loved the engine, but hated the dealership. I kind felt like I was at a Chevy dealer, They gave me every bs car sales line there was, had tons of add-on accessories/fees, and tried talking me into buying a Q5 hybrid.
I will add that the first car that I looked at to replace my G550 was the Audi SQ7. I liked the car, loved the engine, but hated the dealership. I kind felt like I was at a Chevy dealer, They gave me every bs car sales line there was, had tons of add-on accessories/fees, and tried talking me into buying a Q5 hybrid.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 6
I will add that the first car that I looked at to replace my G550 was the Audi SQ7. I liked the car, loved the engine, but hated the dealership. I kind felt like I was at a Chevy dealer, They gave me every bs car sales line there was, had tons of add-on accessories/fees, and tried talking me into buying a Q5 hybrid.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,331
Likes: 6,312
Last month when I was suddenly car shopping (resulting in this CLE), my long-time Audi dealer had a very strange salesman dealing with me. Some of his not-car-related statements were weird enough that I later did a search on him and found his recent assault arrest record. Good going, Audi dealership!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 6
He pushed many topics into how great his music production and DJ company were, talked about his huge financial success while wearing something C&R Clothiers would put in the discount bin, and, from the back seat, demonstrated road rage at another car during the test drive.
You did ask.
You did ask.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,331
Likes: 6,312
He pushed many topics into how great his music production and DJ company were, talked about his huge financial success while wearing something C&R Clothiers would put in the discount bin, and, from the back seat, demonstrated road rage at another car during the test drive.
You did ask.
You did ask.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 553
Likes: 221
19 X3, 24 Tacoma Trailhunter, 25 CLE53
He pushed many topics into how great his music production and DJ company were, talked about his huge financial success while wearing something C&R Clothiers would put in the discount bin, and, from the back seat, demonstrated road rage at another car during the test drive.
You did ask.
You did ask.
