Mercedes-Benz is preparing to replace its two doors C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible with a new model that is expected to launch under CLE nameplate.
Set to offer higher performance Mercedes-AMG variants, the CLE will allow Mercedes-Benz to remain a rival to Mercedes-Benz. BMW 4 Series and M4 and Audi A5, S5 and RS5.
We’ve seen some before Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe and convertible models and most recently the leading range AMG 63 plug-in hybrid variant, but this time our spy photographers captured what is believed to be an AMG 53 tamer.
The prototype is still covered in camouflage but appears to be production ready, which suggests a possible reveal next year.
It has a set of four circular exhaust outlets – a design feature of AMG tamer models for many years – instead of the square units on the top AMG 63 models.
It is not yet clear what will power the Mercedes-AMG CLE, but a version of the SL 43 and C43It is expected to have a mild-hybrid four-cylinder turbo engine.
An evolution of the engine debuted in AMG A45 WILL BE hot hatch, the 2.0 liter unit in the C43 pumps out 300kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
The turbocharger is still controlled by the engine’s exhaust, but it can be driven electrically by a 48V mild-hybrid system to unleash an extra 10kW when drivers bury their right roof.
It is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed clutch transmission. The 100km/h sprint in the AMG C43 takes just 4.6 seconds and you’ll hit 265 km/h.
It is expected that the Mercedes-Benz CLE will be based on the C-Class’ MRA2 architecture, which it also shares with GLC and S-Class.
Previous reports have indicated that Mercedes-Benz does not want to leave the luxury coupe and convertible market, but is consolidating its offerings. For example, the latest S-Class will not be offered in two-door guise and the SLC has been dropped.
Mercedes-Benz’s head of research and development, Marcus Schafer, recently told Auto Express it actually has three convertibles – the SLCand C-Class and E-Class Cabinets – occupy a particularly unprofitable part of the market.
However, he admits, it is important for a luxury car brand to continue to offer coupes and convertibles.
As Mercedes-Benz expands its electric vehicle (EV) range to include models such as EQE and EQS Built on a dedicated EV architecture, it knows its model lineup can’t be too large and unwieldy.
The merging of the two-door C-Class and E-Class lines is reminiscent of the CLK days.
Sold for two generations from 1997 to 2010, the CLK uses the C-Class platform but with E-Class styling cues, and is available with a range of engines from four- to eight-cylinder configurations.
In 2017, Mercedes-Benz finally returned a coupe and convertible to the E-Class line. These were sold simultaneously with the C-Class coupe and convertible.
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THAN: 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 spy
THAN: 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE spy coupe
