If you want a rag top, 3.3 seconds 0-60 and rear seats that are actually useable, get the new CLE63 roadster instead of an SL. You'll save more than $100K. Long live the retractable hardtop R231 SL!

Benzinsider says, "The top-trim variant, the AMG CLE 63, is rumored to have a mild-hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine partnered with an electric motor. This should let the convertible deliver up to 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque."

Here's what CarScoops says:

https://www.carscoops.com/2023/03/th...r-you-plug-in/

https://www.carscoops.com/2023/02/20...g-winter-test/

 

Still good to see that there is more than a single MB convertible model. Rest assured, there will be no $100k savings over the SL. If they will have a 63 model, it will be above $100k, even with a 4 banger. Maybe $60k...

 

Since the W214 E-Class is being announced near the end of this month on April 25th, my eyes are definitely on the CLE reveal whenever that is.

 

Except the SL has a V8, a much more desirable powertrain than the upcoming CLE.

 

Exactly, the V8 was one of the key reasons for my interest in the new SL. If it was a hybrid 4 cylinder, I would have stayed with another EV.

 

Not so sure the CLE63 roadster will be 73k.

 

This is like saying save 100k on S-Class by buying a C-C;***.

Sure, they're both convertibles, but they're not the same vehicle at all. Let's talk about a few differences

Chassis, platform and overall vehicule
- CLE shares platform with the new C class. SL shares platform chassis with the new GT. The SL chassis is lighter (less steel, more aluminum) more dynamic and etc
- SL has things like dynamic engine mounts and a different weight distribution
- SL is a convertible purpose build chassis and it shows through things like the impression of wind noise and etc. It outperformance any non dedicated chassis like the CLE, Turbo 911, M8 convertible, when it comes to convertible action
- SL weights 1.9k kg, while the CLe will not be under 2.3k kg (due to hybrid system + drop top)

Interior
- This is probably the most similar point, but the SL has a better quality material, more comfortable seats, an air scarf, a better audio system, mobile screen, massaging seats, etc.

Exterior
- SL is wider and longer.
- SL has a more aggressive design, with more flared wheel arches and bigger wheels (both diameter and width)
- SL sits lower

Powertrain:
- SL has a V8 dyno'ed at 620 HP. The I4 E performance powertrain is set at 670HP at Boost, 479 HP in other circumstances. This is important. Boost is not present at all times, which particularly affects city driving.
- Your day-to-day power-to-weight ratio is much better in the SL than the unboosted hybrid powertrain. Slugging around over two tons with an I4 is no joke.
- 0-60s. C63SE is marketed at 3.4 (CLE convertible will be the same due to similar weight), SL63 at 3.6. Reputable car testers have achieve 3.05 in the C63e and 3.1 in the SL63. The C63 is quicker in a launch, but not by anything noteworthy.
- Sound. This is pretty easy to compare. The new I4 hybrid powertrain has worst sound than even the I4 powertrain in the A45, CLA45 and etc. Although it's not officially said why (regulations?) it could be because of the electrically assisted turbo.

Handling & dynamics
- SL has better weight distribution & lighter weight
- The SL63 has a hydraulic suspension, while the I4 hybrid platform has the classic steel springs with adaptive dampers.
- The extra power at all times from the SL allows the 4matic+ system to more drastically have an effect on driving
- SL63 is more dynamic under all forms of driving, An example is seeing reviews of the SL vs the c63 on the track. The SL keeps it in there, threading the line between GT and Sports car. The C63e is seen understeering and losing grip, with your tires screaming at you in turns. As reviewers say, it's not doing it in a good way at all. It's a boat.

Pricing.
- SL starts at 180k in the USD, and the C63se is expected to start at around 95K. So you can bet the CLE will start at above 100k. Let's say 105k. You're actually looking at a 75k difference

So overall, you'll be paying 75k less for a car that doesn't look, perform, execute on the convertible job, ride, provides emotion and more as well. To me, the argument doesn't exist. The gap is too big.

 

Ya I mean MB calls the C a mini S-Class and especially empathized that on the W206, the only similarities are the designs and that is when everything ended like you mentioned.

 

Yep, a $100,000 V8 like the one I love in my SL550 which also includes a retractable hardtop. Could'a had a V8 in a classy R231 for a lot less $$$.

 

Not my cup of tea. I have never been a fan of the hardtop SL's and the R231 in particular is not very pretty to my eyes, and I prefer the AMG engine, handling, and most importantly style of the new one. Will likely look at the SL55 or 63 next year after I return to the states and trade in the S580.

 

you could have bought a mustang V8 convertible and saved even more $$$$. Lol

 

Personally, I am OK with a hardtop or a softtop. I have no personal preference. The spy photos and renderings of the CLE look nice.

In fact, SL and CLE should be both fine vehicles. They are not to compete with but to compliment each other. They serve two market segments (the price difference certainly makes this obvious) which might have a small overlap though.

Just do not fall into the trap of 'praising-one-by-bashing-the-other'. There is really no such need. It is OK to accept both into the MB family.

 

"SL is a convertible purpose build chassis and it shows through things like the impression of wind noise and etc. It outperformance any non dedicated chassis like the CLE, Turbo 911, M8 convertible, when it comes to convertible action"


and why and how it 'outperforms' ?

 

Yeah, just another ugly R231. Style? Does the new SL have style? I guess so -- in a Mazda sort of way.

I admit that I have not driven the new SL but I've had the privilege of owning several Mercedes AMG sweet V8s including an SLK55, CLS63S and a GTS. They all are too heavy on the front axle for really good "handling", including the GTS, even with the transmission in the rear. The best "handling" cars I've owned and raced are BMWs with their 3-liter straight 6. It will be interesting to see a side-by-side comparison of the new SL and CLE like the photo below of my CLSs. I doubt if many people will see a really significant difference. And then there's the distraction of the Tesla tablet in the middle of the console which, unfortunately, it seems the CLE will also have.

Pricing? The CLE63 will probably be between $75K and $80K. The base SL63 is $178 and will rise to at least $185K when some options are added. Then there's the additional $7K sales tax on the extra $100K plus a dealer mark-up, taking the cost to around $200K. I know the CLE will be inferior to the SL in many ways, but I maintain that the difference between a CLE63 and an SL63 will be at least $100K.

I promise -- this is my last post on this forum and I'm sure you will be glad. Give me some "Likes." I just can't see why anyone would spend $200K on this new SL.

 

So you're guessing that the CLE63 will cost as much as... an E450 Cab? Or $10k-15K less than a C63 cab? Not so sure about that.

 

The R230 and R231 just doesn't do it for me, and its been well known that the R231 in particular was not a beauty queen. Your CLS on the other hand looks great, I miss my CLS 53, was a fantastic car.

One does not need to spend $200k to get an excellent R232 SL. The 55 starts at $137k and features the excellent AMG V8 under the hood. As for driving dynamics, it does drive very well, I've driven the new SL55 and it handles much better than the prior two AMG SL's in my opinion, as well as the BMW M8.

As for the CLE63 Cab, the current C63 cab started above $80k towards the beginning of its life cycle, now its $91k, A CLE featuring hybrid technology, as well as moving its position above C and below E-Class' will push its price even higher.

Also how did you find your GTS to be too front-heavy? The car is front-mid engined behind the front-axle and has a heavier weight balance to the rear. The AMG GT's are a lot of fun, and out handle pretty much any new BMW on sale.

 

Am surprised at all this super heated rhetoric and bickering.
We have had 3 brand new R231 SL’s; likely more than others here and I can recognize pros/cons of each platform.

I loved the practicality of the folding hardtop. This allowed us to drive the car throughout the year with snow tires. The Magic Sky was cool too. Both pluses for the design where we live.
Our GTC roadster on the other hand has been sitting in the garage for six months; we just drove it for the first time last week.

Yet that car puts a smile on my face that the old SL never did. So we take the cons with the overwhelming pros. I see the new SL in a similar fashion, lots to like with a couple compromises.

Not everyone feels that way and that is cool. I just suggest to keep the complaints in the R231 forum. No need to come over only to vent and trying to aggravate.

Now for the CLE63 being priced well below $100k is highly improbable if the car uses the ePerformance trim. The car sits above the C class and the new C63s starts at $85k and with options will be $100k as a sedan.

Am also surprised at the handling comments about the GTS. AMG improved the suspension for MY17 and the handling is superb IMO, partially due to its great steering and not having the engine on top of the front axle.
The longer wheel base does take some getting used to perhaps.

 

At least your dad still has your CLS 53, you could ask him to let you drive it again occasionally : ) ?

 

The R231 is not very attractive and the interior has been so outdated for a very long time. But I do like the hard top, much easier to maintain. The AMG GT on the other hand still looks fresh and the interior is still very nice. Just my humble opinion.

 

Yes! Although I’ve been in Italy on business these last few months and won’t be back until Summer. The last Merc I drove wasn’t even my own but a B180d rental! There is some sweet forbidden fruit over here, such as A45 hatchbacks, C-Wagons, and the new GLC is already very popular.

 

Oh nice any chance you can drive the new GLC there and give us one of those delicious review threads on it : )

 

Its actually much tougher here to test drive a car as unlike the US and Canada, customers will order cars and simply wait, something we had to learn due to covid and supply constraints. I have only been to one MB dealer outside of Milan, but they didn’t have too much inventory. In addition not too familiar with the roads here unlike my old dealer so I can’t get as detailed/in-depth as I’d like to.

I was in Budapest the other week though and passed by this very cool in-person advertisement of the GLC.

I had a brief stint in my friend’s SL55 before I left (although not in-depth enough for a review), but I plan on driving one when I get back as its on short-list of next vehicles to replace the S-Class.

 

Interesting marketing strategy from MB, I see, if you can't get one to test drive if you still can do an initial impression if you can get a hands on one that will be absolutely awesome, especially you can see it in EU spec (for example, I am sure you miss not having European Delivery anymore) and then when you are back and hopefully arrives to US dealerships in May or June you can then compare your experiencing again and share it with us, looking forward to them all Your experience and impressions were in depth and also really help potential buyers out.

 

I’ll definitely try! Right now I’m staying in Firenze and don’t know where the nearest MB dealer is, and don’t have a car so I’m limited to where I can go.

 

I’m just astounded at any talk about a C Class anything, in comparison to ANY year SL. You can stuff a C Class with any amount of gigantic horsepower and it will go like hell, but who cares? It’s still a crummy, WAY down market vehicle. Reminds me of Lexus stuffing their big V8 into their little IS. These are for people who want nothing more than to go ridiculously fast, without much of anything in the way of refinement and luxury that most upper end MB vehicles are known for. To me, the REAL MB line starts with the E Class and goes up from there. Anything below, should have been branded Daimler from the start. A,B & C Class vehicles are MB’s in name & emblems only. Of course, this is just my humble opinion.