MERCEDES-BENZ CLE FAMILY GETS A MAKEOVER

Prepare to be stunned with the gorgeous design and impressive features of these two new Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

- ROBERT STEDMAN

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé and the Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Cabriolet are the two newest T vehicles to join the CLE lineup at Mercedes-Benz Singapore. While the latter carries on the German automotive brand's long tradition of building four-seater open-top luxury automobiles, the former aims to streamline its product portfolio and redefine the entry-level performance coupé segment.

The sporty, elegant two-door models combine the best of two worlds: The agility, luxury, and sportiness of the C-Class with the space, good looks, and practicality of the E-Class models. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder inline engine, with an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric additional compressor, have been modified to produce 330 kW (449 hp) and a maximum torque of 560 Nm (with over-boost 600 Nm for 12 seconds). Mercedes has dropped using alternators in favor of the greener integrated starter generator that supplies, albeit briefly, an additional 17 kW (23 hp) of power and 205 Nm of torque and feeds the 48-volt on-board electrical system.

The new, second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) also contributes to the car's efficiency. As a central component of the 48-volt electrical system, it not only functions as an electrical generator, but also takes on hybrid functions. These include short-term electric boosting with 17 kW (23 hp) of power and 205 Nm of torque, recuperation, load point shifting, sailing, and the starting of the engine.

The 3.0-litre in-line engine is coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which has adjustable shift times, a double-declutching function, and multiple downshifts, whereby an upshift or downshift is implemented immediately. The transmission acts spontaneously, especially in the "Sport+" driving program and in manual mode. If you're a fan of manual shifting, the 9G transmission can move through its gears electronically using the shift paddles located behind the rim of the steering wheel.