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2024 Mercedes CLE Coupe vs Audi RS5 Detailed Comparison
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe arrives as a notable addition, filling the gap left by the outgoing C- and E-class coupes. With the C- and E-class sedans, which served as the foundation for their previous coupe counterparts, dating back to 2017 and lacking new coupe variants in their redesigns (including the 2022 C-class and the 2024 E-class), the introduction of the 2024 CLE Coupe signals Mercedes-Benz’s strategic reshuffling in its lineup. The 2024 Audi RS5 offers an exhilarating driving experience, despite falling slightly short of the BMW M4 coupe’s specs. These choices cater to drivers seeking a balance between performance and practicality in their stylish, luxury coupes.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe
Interior and Features
Inside 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is impressive, with its design, luxury materials, and dual-screen configuration. It closely resembles the 2022 C300, delivering a sophisticated interior with one drawback: the lack of tactile controls and knobs. Control modifications, from climate settings to driving modes, rely mainly on the center touchscreen. Instead of typical buttons, the steering wheel has touch-sensitive zones. The CLE has an 11.9-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Both are powered by the current MBUX infotainment system, which runs the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
Engine and Performance
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe 2024 comes with two engine choices. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, first introduced in the 2022 C300, powers the basic CLE300, producing 255 horsepower and an increased 295 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the previous C300 by 22 pound-feet. The CLE450 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both engines include an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that may supply an additional 23 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque when needed. While the ISG does not increase total output, it helps reduce turbo lag and makes start-stop transitions more fluid.
Pricing
Mercedes has yet to provide pricing information for the 2024 CLE Coupe, but early estimates predict that the CLE300 will cost approximately $60,000, with the CLE450 costing around $75,000. Due to the shrinking coupe market and the expanding size of the E-Class sedan, the choice to combine two coupes into one appears justifiable. The CLE Coupe’s success, however, is dependent on how well it does in the US market, which will ultimately define its appeal and worth.
2024 Audi RS5
Interior and Features
The Audi RS5’s interior marries opulent materials with cutting-edge tech. Its standard front sport seats, boasting power side bolsters and intricate honeycomb stitching, ensure comfort and support whether tackling corners or embarking on long journeys, even treating occupants to massage functions. The cabin boasts an Audi virtual cockpit, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. Opting for the RS Design package swaps Nappa leather for Alcantara and striking red accents. While it lacks the dual touchscreens seen in some Audi models, the RS5’s high-mounted 10.1-inch touchscreen serves its purpose well. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (with wireless CarPlay), a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and wireless phone charging. Navigation, however, remains an optional extra.
Engine and Performance
Beneath the RS5’s sleek hood resides a potent twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6, churning out a robust 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This formidable power is expertly harnessed by Audi’s rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system, efficiently managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is brisk, as the RS5 sprints to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, thanks to its adept all-wheel drive. Audi’s sports coupe combines ease of control with thrilling performance, displaying predictable and composed handling, regardless of road conditions. What truly sets it apart is its comfort, making it an enticing choice for both short jaunts and long journeys.
Pricing
The 2024 Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback share a single specification, with a slight price difference. The Coupe starts at $78,600 plus a $1,095 destination fee, while the Sportback comes in at $78,900. Both variants boast a twin-turbo V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, ventilated disc brakes, all-wheel drive, and a suite of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic parking assistance.