Mercedes-Benz introduces two new variants to the CLE lineup

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Photos: Augustine Lai

SINGAPORE

Not long after Mercedes-Benz launched the CLE Coupe earlier this year, they bolstered the range with two more CLE variants – the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe, and the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet.

Like with its bigger sibling – the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53, the CLE53 AMG Coupe sports a sleek long bonnet, signature AMG ‘shark-like’ front grille and bumpers, and wider front and rear wheel arches (58mm on the front, 75mm at the rear), signifying a muscular silhouette, that is befitting of the AMG model. Apart from defining itself with sporty, circular-quad exhaust pipes, the CLE 53 is also equipped with 20-inch matte black light-alloy wheels, filling those arches, for a powerful appearance.

Underneath the bonnet, a three-litre turbocharged inline-six engine puts out 449hp and 560Nm, propelling it to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds. While it may not carry the thunderous note of the V8 found in this C 63 S, it is important to note that this is the 53 variant (we are hoping that if a 63 variant does come along, it will be a V8). The updated M256 engine has the ability to eliminate turbo lag, thanks to an upgraded exhaust gas turbocharger, together with the help of an additional electric compressor. The engine also features a 12-second overboost function that kicks-in automatically upon throttling, which increases peak torque to 600Nm.

The CLE 53 Coupe also has active rear-axle steering as standard, offering improved manoeuvrability at lower speeds and parking, while providing high-speed stability, when changing lanes. The 53 also further benefits from ‘AMG 4MATIC+’ AWD and ‘AMG RIDE CONTROL’. The 53 provides drivers with three drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport+,  to adapt to different driving situations. Thrill-seekers who want more out of the car can opt for the optional ‘AMG DYNAMIC PLUS’ package which includes the ‘RACE’ drive program, which includes ‘Drift Mode’.

For those who like top-down motoring, the CLE 200 Cabriolet, like its sister car, the Coupe, offer owners a sporty-yet-comfortable driving experience.

The CLE Cabriolet is available solely with the AMG Line trim, which affords it a sportier appearance. The Cabriolet comes specced with the ‘Comfort Package, which consists of the AIRCAP and AIRSCARF features – the AIRCAP system, (which we already saw in the previous C-Class Cabriolet), minimises in-cabin turbulence when driving with the top down, by deploying a mesh screen that rises from behind the rear seats and the windshield header. The AIRSCARF system blows hot air out of the vents behind the seat headrests to keep the driver and front passenger warm during cooler nights.

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The other thoughtful feature in the CLE Cabriolet, is the tilting function of the 11.9-inch central infotainment display, which helps to reduce sun glare while you’re driving. The car is equipped with an impressive Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, and to make the drive more enjoyable, its soft-top fabric includes acoustic damping for superior cabin insulation and reduced external noise. Like its Coupe sibling, the CLE Cabriolet is powered by a 2-litre in-line four-that produces 204hp and 320Nm. It clocks 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

Prices for the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet and Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 begin at S$393,888 and S$456,888 respectively, with COE.

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