Latest news with #C-Class
South Wales Argus
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Motoring review: Is the Mercedes CLE is a great cabriolet?
Until fairly recently, the Mercedes range had no fewer than five cabrios to choose from. Now that's been whittled down to just two: the range-topping SL sports grand tourer, which falls under the ageis of AMG, and the car you see here: the CLE. Essentially a distillation of all the best bits of the C and E-Class cabrios that went before it, the CLE straddles the compact and medium sized premium soft-top class, but that doesn't mean compromises have been made. Indeed, Mercedes argues that the new CLE answers demands from C Class owners for a car with more passenger space, while also being sportier to drive than the old E-Class (which was something of a boulevard cruiser). It's slightly shorter than the old E-Class cabrio but has a longer wheelbase and thus more room inside the beautifully trimmed cabin. It also has a bigger boot. In fact, it's almost as long as the much more expensive BMW 8-Series cabriolet and actually has a longer wheelbase. So drivers of the older car need not fear they are getting an inferior car. Built in Bremen alongside the AMG SL, the CLE is very much a premium mid-size segment challenger. The C-Class and E-Class models all share a common platform anyway. Merceds offers up the CLE with a range of different engines, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that musters 201bhp, a 2.0-litre diesel and the car sent for testing, the CLE 450 4Matic which packs a 381 bhp 3.0-litre six beneath its shapely bonnet. The latter marks this model out as different to the C-Class, which was always built with four-cylinders in mind. Not that you'd guess on first acquaintance. Slip into the inviting interior and, as Mercedes connoisseur, you'll immediately realise that the CLE's cabin borrows liberally from the C-Class and not its larger cousin. That said, the C-Class cabin is one of the best in its respective class and the CLE Cabrio's interior certainly doesn't lack drama. The fascia tapers down towards the sizeable central transmission tunnel and the three high-level ovoid fresh air vents look classy. It's possible to adjust the angle of the massive 11.9-inch touchscreen to avoid the worst effects of glare when the hood is down. There's a lot of glossy plastic, though, so you'll need to invest in a decent car interior cleaning spray to keep them looking good and free of fingerprints. (Image: Justin Leighton) The fabric hood folds smoothly into the bodywork in 20 seconds and can perform that trick whilst moving at up to 37mph (trust the Germans to have worked out the optimal speed at which the hood can't be stowed away while moving; presumably, at 38mph it would be ripped from the bodywork and soar away into the sky like an out of control paraglider). The CLE has the latest iteration of Mercedes' clever ''airscarf'' tech which works by blowing warm air through vents in the headrest to create a virtual scarf around your neck and keep you warm during a typical British summer's day (ie. cold). The system has three different levels of intensity, depending on whether the outside temperature is perishing or just chilly. On the few days of the year when it is hot you'll be glad of the special coating on the leather seats which stops them getting too warm. But, as this is dreary old Britain, you're more likely to be glad of the 'aircap'- a small wind deflector hidden in the windscreen pillar that works with a wind blocker behind the rear headrests to create a negative pressure area above the car's interior. This has the twin benefit of reducing wind roar and not messing up your hair when the hood's down. It works well, but claims that your barnet will remain untouched even at the legal limit are optimistic. The CLE is a very safe car, too. There are a dozen airbags to protect you in the event of a crash, including head bags for rear passengers. The view most people will get of the CLE 450. (Image: The CLE - a refined cruiser. Image: Justin Leighton) On the road, the six-cylinder engine's relaxed torquey nature perfectly suits the CLE. It can get a move on if you wish, but I suspect most owners will be happy wafting around with the roof down and the automatic gearbox in 'drive' mode. In topless mode, you can hear the engine's pleasing exhaust note which turns into a meaty growl when you mean business. Even on hefty 20-inch alloys, the CLE feels comfortable and the massive tyres ensure there's no shortage of outright mechanical grip. As the rationalisation of the line-up shows, cabriolets are becoming something of an endangered species these days. Only MG has demonstrated a convincing electrified soft top roadster to date, although more will surely come along at some point. With that in mind, the CLE may well represent the zenith of Mercedes' internally combusted soft-top range. If it is the swan song for these cars, then the CLE can at least go out with its head held high. SPEC CHECK: CLE 450 4MATIC Premier Edition RRP/as-tested: £76,820 / £77,535 3.0-litre/six-cyl mild-hybrid Max power: 382 hp Torque: 500 NM Top speed: 155 mph 0-62 mph: 4.6 seconds Equipment: MBUX multimedia system with 11.9-inch media display and 5G communications module, parking package with reversing camera.
AU Financial Review
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- AU Financial Review
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 is a classy but slightly impractical drive
What is it? The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé, to use its slightly comical full name, is the first 'hot-rodded' version of the attractive new CLE, a mid-size coupe that replaces the former C-Class and E-Class two-doors. The AMG has distinct bodywork, gaining wider front and rear fenders (for a wider track), louvres in the front guards, body-coloured spoiler, a different grille and a sportier interior. A Cabriolet version has now joined the fixed roof model. What does it cost? It's $158,900 plus on-road costs, with the usual opportunities to add more 'fruit'. The Carbon Package gives various carbon-fibre panels and veneers for $8900. The AMG Performance Seat Package is $5400. Many will prefer the excellent standard seats, but some buyers just can't help ticking those boxes.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mercedes Benz hikes prices in India over rising forex rates
1 2 3 Kolkata: Mercedes-Benz has announced a price hike of up to 3% on models ranging from the C 200 to the Maybach S 680, citing the steep hike in forex rates since Jan that impacted the cost structure of imported cars and price hike will be effective in two phases, first from June 1 and again from Sept 1. The company hopes the staggered hike will allow customers the flexibility to plan their purchases to match their financial India managing director & CEO Santosh Iyer pointed out that forex rates increased by around 10% over the last four months, hiking the prices of components and CBU products. "MBI has continued to absorb this steep cost increase so far, it is now compelled to pass on minimal cost onto the market to offset the impact on operational expenses and maintain business sustainability. The company is passing only a marginal portion of the steep price increase to customers, as it continues to deepen localisation initiatives," Iyer the first phase, the price corrections will range from Rs 90,000 for a C-Class to Rs 12.2 lakh for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680. In the second phase, the price correction will be around 1.5%.The official further pointed out that services from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, like reduced EMI and partial ownership via Star Agility, will ensure that the monthly EMI outflow for customers will remain largely unchanged despite the minimal price revision, thereby minimising the impact on their expenses. For models like the GLA and GLC, the EMI difference will be less than Rs 2, Mercedes-Benz has announced a price hike of up to 3% on models ranging from the C 200 to the Maybach S 680, citing the steep hike in forex rates since Jan that impacted the cost structure of imported cars and price hike will be effective in two phases, first from June 1 and again from Sept 1. The company hopes the staggered hike will allow customers the flexibility to plan their purchases to match their financial India managing director & CEO Santosh Iyer pointed out that forex rates increased by around 10% over the last four months, hiking the prices of components and CBU products. "MBI has continued to absorb this steep cost increase so far, it is now compelled to pass on minimal cost onto the market to offset the impact on operational expenses and maintain business sustainability. The company is passing only a marginal portion of the steep price increase to customers, as it continues to deepen localisation initiatives," Iyer the first phase, the price corrections will range from Rs 90,000 for a C-Class to Rs 12.2 lakh for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680. In the second phase, the price correction will be around 1.5%.The official further pointed out that services from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, like reduced EMI and partial ownership via Star Agility, will ensure that the monthly EMI outflow for customers will remain largely unchanged despite the minimal price revision, thereby minimising the impact on their expenses. For models like the GLA and GLC, the EMI difference will be less than Rs 2,000.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mercedes cars in India to get costlier by up to Rs 12.2 lakh from this date: Here's why
Mercedes cars in India to get costlier. Mercedes-Benz India is set to introduce a two-stage price hike across its model lineup, citing a steep 10% rise in forex rates over the past four months. The German luxury carmaker announced that the first phase of the price adjustment would take effect from June 1, 2025, with hikes ranging from Rs 90,000 for the C-Class to a significant Rs 12.2 lakh for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680. A second phase, scheduled for September 1, 2025, will bring an additional 1.5% increase across all models. Mercedes-Benz price hike: Here's why it is being implemented The company stated that while it has been absorbing much of the cost pressures triggered by currency fluctuations, a partial pass-through to customers has become necessary. The company, however, said that it continues to deepen its localization initiatives to minimize the impact of rising component and CBU import costs. Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Long-term Review: Things to know before Buying | TOI Auto by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo To ease the financial burden, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is introducing schemes designed to keep monthly EMI payments largely unchanged, even with the price hike. In addition to price adjustments, the carmaker is aiming to offer minimal EMI differences: as low as Rs 2,000 for models like the GLA and GLC, post price revision. The revised ex-showroom prices will reflect the increase from June 1, 2025, and further adjustments are scheduled for September 1, 2025. Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Mercedes-Benz India focuses on deep localisation as forex hit push costs up
Luxury carmaker to raise prices in two phases in 2025 due to forex pressures while expanding localisation to protect margins and banking on India's economic resilience Sohini Das Mumbai Listen to This Article Amid geopolitical tensions and escalations between India and Pakistan, Mercedes Benz India sees 2025 to be a relatively 'tough year' but bets on the resilience of the Indian economy to drive demand for luxury cars. The German luxury carmaker, which leads India's 50,000-odd units annual luxury car market, announced a price increase in the range of ₹90,000 (for a C-Class) to ₹12.2 lakh (for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680) in two stages (June and September) as forex rates increased. According to data from Bloomberg, the rupee has depreciated by 7.19 per cent year-to-date (YTD) vis-a-vis the Euro. Speaking to Business Standard, Mercedes
