[Jobe10]

Hey guys. I drive an IOMG G80 M3 comp from 2023 that I ordered new. I’ve always driven M cars but I work at Mercedes. Please don’t ask 🤣

Now I’m actually really interested in the new CLE 53 AMG so I will be having the car a full day on Friday next week for a test drive. The third of may.

If anyone has any question about the car, want me to check something, show something, try something. Please ask me and I will try to do everything.

Kind regards.

[mickliq]

Raz (RBR) just drove/reviewed the CLE53. I mean he's Mr AMG but he's also driven (and might even own) a G81.

He had good things to say about it. Said it's miles better than the M440i but...not at the level of sportiness of the G80/G82 (technically the G82 as it's a coupe). I think the CLE53 is gorgeous (especially the super wide fenders which BMW cheap'd out on for the G82) but the Gxx is more unique than the CLE53.

There's still hope for a non-neutered CLE63 (e.g. anything other than the 4 cylinder hybrid disaster that is the C63).

[Burrcold]

A 63 version will be WAY more expensive than any G8x car, probably even more than a CS/CSL. So what will it compete against?

[mickliq]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

A 63 version will be WAY more expensive than any G8x car, probably even more than a CS/CSL. So what will it compete against?

I guess the only other car in the BMW range to compare to is the M8C Coupe...if we can even say that still exists?!

[Jobe10]

Well guys I have to say Mercedes have outdone themselves. It’s an amazing car. If you track, the G8x is just a different beast. But I prefer the cle on twisted roads thanks to the rear wheels steering. It’s plenty quick until 100mph. After that big difference with the G8x. All and all an amazing car. But I do a lot of track days so not for me.

[unseen orko]

Originally Posted by Jobe10

Well guys I have to say Mercedes have outdone themselves. It’s an amazing car. If you track, the G8x is just a different beast. But I prefer the cle on twisted roads thanks to the rear wheels steering. It’s plenty quick until 100mph. After that big difference with the G8x. All and all an amazing car. But I do a lot of track days so not for me.

Thanks a lot for making time to share your view. This is such a rare comparison. Would love to hear more.

Surprised many haven’t jumped on you with Qs yet😃

[Bimmerfun82]

Jobe10 thanks for posting this. I’m test driving one tomorrow- just rolled off the delivery truck today. Hoping to be as blown away as you were. I ordered the first original E550 coupe (C207) and loved it. Then wasn’t enthralled with the e coupe AMG…. This one seems to have hit the right notes for me, so we’ll see. I don’t track and my back is having some issues, so this might be a fun change of pace.

[Bimmerfun82]

I pulled the trigger.

[Jobe10]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

I pulled the trigger.

Completely understand brother.

[Jobe10]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

I pulled the trigger.

Just realized I never posted any pictures.

[wtwo3]

How does the interior fit and finish compare to the g80? In my experience most of mercedes recent lineup has been a huge let down in terms of interior quality - poor build quality and cheap materials. But I haven't had a chance to check out the new CLE yet.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

How does the interior fit and finish compare to the g80? In my experience most of mercedes recent lineup has been a huge let down in terms of interior quality - poor build quality and cheap materials. But I haven't had a chance to check out the new CLE yet.

It’s a mixed bag. I’ll answer by quality and features. Overall the G80 with full merino feels a bit nicer in terms of materials while the Mercedes has more going on - more material types with pieces of chrome and metal. The nappa leather is a bit softer and the perforated seats front and back and top of door panels and upper dash is quite nice. Underneath the dash and door cards have hard plastic pieces. I’ve already noticed after 3 weeks that a couple panels have some give to them, so I don’t think the build quality is g80 level. The Merc has a lot of lighting elements going on with apparently infinite color choices and the option of monochrome or dual color lighting. The touch sensitive controls to open moonroof is shnazzy (swipe motion). The doors sound solid when you shut them. The paint and clear coat is better on the Merc. The headlights are incredibly bright and have various automatic settings based on driving conditions and some cool seat up graphics, so those are better. The A/C is colder and vents are better placed. Seats have massage (optional) and various active movements - huge plus for me. Headrests are forward adjustable so that’s a plus. Back seats headrests and seats are more comfortable for the kiddos. The buttons and screens are easy to use and I like the iPad central screen and HUD and gauges much better than the g80. Half the interior feels nicer than the g80, but half feels like it could be improved as they get through the first year of production. Hope that makes some sense. Overall the build quality is not g80 level, but the Merc sort of compensates with features and elements. I like both interiors. Do I miss the g80 interior - yes and no. The fit and finish is better, but the Merc has better ergonomics imo.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

It’s a mixed bag. I’ll answer by quality and features. Overall the G80 with full merino feels a bit nicer in terms of materials while the Mercedes has more going on - more material types with pieces of chrome and metal. The nappa leather is a bit softer and the perforated seats front and back and top of door panels and upper dash is quite nice. Underneath the dash and door cards have hard plastic pieces. I’ve already noticed after 3 weeks that a couple panels have some give to them, so I don’t think the build quality is g80 level. The Merc has a lot of lighting elements going on with apparently infinite color choices and the option of monochrome or dual color lighting. The touch sensitive controls to open moonroof is shnazzy (swipe motion). The doors sound solid when you shut them. The paint and clear coat is better on the Merc. The headlights are incredibly bright and have various automatic settings based on driving conditions and some cool seat up graphics, so those are better. The A/C is colder and vents are better placed. Seats have massage (optional) and various active movements - huge plus for me. Headrests are forward adjustable so that’s a plus. Back seats headrests and seats are more comfortable for the kiddos. The buttons and screens are easy to use and I like the iPad central screen and HUD and gauges much better than the g80. Half the interior feels nicer than the g80, but half feels like it could be improved as they get through the first year of production. Hope that makes some sense. Overall the build quality is not g80 level, but the Merc sort of compensates with features and elements. I like both interiors. Do I miss the g80 interior - yes and no. The fit and finish is better, but the Merc has better ergonomics imo.

Thanks, makes sense. Sounds like mercedes quality is improving from your description. I'll have to go check one out one of these days.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Thanks, makes sense. Sounds like mercedes quality is improving from your description. I'll have to go check one out one of these days.

Here are some pics of the interior

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Here are some pics of the interior

Thanks - is there an option for "full leather" like on the g8x? I noticed certain areas like the lower dash and the steering wheel airbag cover don't have leather on them whereas other areas like the door sills do.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Thanks - is there an option for "full leather" like on the g8x? I noticed certain areas like the lower dash and the steering wheel airbag cover don't have leather on them whereas other areas like the door sills do.

No, not that I know of

[josephx66]

😇

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by josephx66

😇

🤣

[hellcat2m4]

Bimmerfun82

Gorgeous car, man!

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by hellcat2m4

Bimmerfun82

Gorgeous car, man!

Thanks!

[BimmerFix]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Here are some pics of the interior

Is the piano black on driver side controls, a nightmare to keep clean ?

Everything else does look quite snazzy I must sat

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by BimmerFix

Is the piano black on driver side controls, a nightmare to keep clean ?

Everything else does look quite snazzy I must sat

Yeah for sure. Anything piano black will be a mess. I have a micro fiber towel at the ready.