New daily - interesting test drives CLE53 & AMG GT43
Discussion
As per title.
I’ve never had a Merc and quite like what they are doing at the moment. Looks wise if nothing else - miles ahead of the way BMW have decided to take things.
Took the CLE 53 for an extended run on Saturday. I think they look pretty good and I thought it would be a nice daily and fairly practical- family is 3 (me / Mrs / 2 year old son). I thought the car was a nice car for people who quite like cars, but it just seemed so quiet and I felt the power came in quite late in the rev range - which isn’t an issue per se, but you really had to boot it to get any noise. Came away thinking nice car but not quite fruity enough for me - I’d rather have something more interesting (even if a few flaws) rather than something that’s 7/8 out of 10 across the board and tbh the lack of sound killed it for me.
I’d also been toying with the AMG GT43 coupe and assumed that upon trying to get the child seat in, and then the child in the seat with the Mrs in front (!!) this option would not get past go. Surprise surprise, no such drama - happy wife and son and we have always liked the aesthetics of these - great looking cars. I cannot overestimate how much easier / better these are than 911s which I ruled out and tbh I don’t really want a 911 for work duties.
Very comfortable and nicely appointed cabin. Feels premium.
To the drive, in summary, short gearings, boosty engine - very enjoyable for a blast a sensible speeds. Very refined when knock back into comfort.
Chassis - also really nice - did not feel its weight and liked the playful rear wheel drive / simple ethos compared to 4WD performance saloons I’ve had recently. Nice dry day up here so did give it a bit of welly.
I hasten to add we are looking around 12 months old c mid £80s - wouldn’t consider full list and can’t afford (well justify) the v8s either to buy or run. I don’t want anything any older either.
So if the deal’s right I might go for it…
On here for a sense check - decent option at the price if I like it or have I lost the plot!!
I’ve never had a Merc and quite like what they are doing at the moment. Looks wise if nothing else - miles ahead of the way BMW have decided to take things.
Took the CLE 53 for an extended run on Saturday. I think they look pretty good and I thought it would be a nice daily and fairly practical- family is 3 (me / Mrs / 2 year old son). I thought the car was a nice car for people who quite like cars, but it just seemed so quiet and I felt the power came in quite late in the rev range - which isn’t an issue per se, but you really had to boot it to get any noise. Came away thinking nice car but not quite fruity enough for me - I’d rather have something more interesting (even if a few flaws) rather than something that’s 7/8 out of 10 across the board and tbh the lack of sound killed it for me.
I’d also been toying with the AMG GT43 coupe and assumed that upon trying to get the child seat in, and then the child in the seat with the Mrs in front (!!) this option would not get past go. Surprise surprise, no such drama - happy wife and son and we have always liked the aesthetics of these - great looking cars. I cannot overestimate how much easier / better these are than 911s which I ruled out and tbh I don’t really want a 911 for work duties.
Very comfortable and nicely appointed cabin. Feels premium.
To the drive, in summary, short gearings, boosty engine - very enjoyable for a blast a sensible speeds. Very refined when knock back into comfort.
Chassis - also really nice - did not feel its weight and liked the playful rear wheel drive / simple ethos compared to 4WD performance saloons I’ve had recently. Nice dry day up here so did give it a bit of welly.
I hasten to add we are looking around 12 months old c mid £80s - wouldn’t consider full list and can’t afford (well justify) the v8s either to buy or run. I don’t want anything any older either.
So if the deal’s right I might go for it…
On here for a sense check - decent option at the price if I like it or have I lost the plot!!
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