What's the difference?
Freedom of choice has been the focus for the luxury car industry for more than a decade. Buyers were free to choose from a seemingly endless amount of variations and bodystyles to suit their taste and lifestyle.
It gave birth to the ‘four-door coupe’ then the ‘SUV coupe’ and so many more. But now it seems car makers have reached their limit, as evidenced by Mercedes-Benz’s newest offering - the CLE Coupe and Cabriolet.
While technically a new addition to the range, the CLE actually replaces not one existing model, but two. The CLE will fill the gap left by both the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, allowing the German brand to simplify its line-up (ever so slightly).
So, what is the CLE Coupe and how will it live up to expectations of two different car buyers? Read on to find out…
If you want something large, fast and comfortable, no one does it better than the Germans, and the latest entrant to the market is Audi’s all-new S7 Sportback.
Using the uber-stylish second-generation A7 as a basis, the new S7 Sportback scores cutting-edge technology and premium appointments befitting a large luxury sedan, but it’s often what’s under the bonnet that will draw buyers in.
This new S7 replaces the old version’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 but, don’t fear, as having fewer cylinders has not dulled its performance or appeal.
As a whole though, does the new Audi S7 Sportback deliver a winning blow?
The CLE Coupe really feels like a car of the times. As the electric vehicle market continues to suck in resources, the days of endless variants and body styles is going to wane. But the truth is the CLE does a nice job of filling the demands that both previous C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe buyers are looking for.
It’s a stylish model with plenty of technology on the inside, so it should appeal to those who want something refined and elegant for their lifestyle. It has a hint of sportiness on road, without being overtly dynamic or uncomfortable; although Mercedes-AMG will cater to those buyers soon enough. And it offers the kind of space inside that buyers of both models will find acceptable (as long as they don’t have to climb into the back regularly).
The biggest challenge will be convincing C-Class customers to take the big jump up in price over the model it replaces, while at the same time convincing E-Class buyers that this is still something special and different given its similarities to the old model.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Audi’s S7 Sportback wraps style, comfort and sportiness in an appealing package that is sure to please onlookers and occupants alike.
The great engine/transmission aside, the S7 Sportback also has cutting-edge technology at a more affordable pricetag, though less-than-comfortable rear-seat space lets it down a little.
We wish the car we sampled didn’t have the all-wheel steering, as we much preferred the more neutral feel of the S6 sedan we also drove but, overall, the S7 Sportback puts forward a strong case for its existence.