Mercedes-Benz is merging the two-door C-Class and E-Class models into one CLEand it looks like an AMG version is coming.
This early stage test mule was very well camouflaged, but our spy photographers pointed to sharp brakes and a wider track as proof that it came from Affalterbach.
What will power the hottest CLE remains unclear.
There’s no obvious charging port on this prototype, suggesting it’s not a fully-featured CLE 63. After all, the next C63 will get a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain, instead of the turbocharged V8 found in the current model.
Maybe this is an AMG CLE 43 mule, with power from the same four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine found on the Mercedes-AMG SL 43.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine manufacturing 280kW power and 480Nm torque in the SL, combined with a 48V mild hybrid system powering an electrically controlled exhaust turbocharger, small electric motor and belt-started alternator capable of generating an additional 10kW in a short time.
For what is CLE? Reports suggest that Mercedes-Benz is cutting back on some of its lower displacement models, including the C-Class and E-Class convertible.
Instead of giving it up BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 Outright rivals, reports say the differential conversion lines will be replaced by the CLE pictured here.
According to the report, it will initially be available only as a two-door convertible, followed by a two-door coupe.
The car is still heavily camouflaged, but it looks like the CLE will have a slightly different lighting signature than the latest C-Class – perhaps borrowed from Mercedes-AMG SLor CLS four-door coupe.
As is becoming popular in the luxury convertible class, and following in the footsteps of the current C-Class and E-Class convertible, the car seems to use a soft convertible instead of the once popular hard top.
Mercedes-Benz head of research and development, Marcus Schafer, told Auto Express it actually has three convertibles – the SLC and C-Class and E-Class Cabinets – occupy a particularly unprofitable part of the market.
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C-Class -
E-Class
Still, he admits, it’s important for a luxury car brand to continue to offer coupes and convertibles.
As Mercedes-Benz expands its electric vehicle range to include models such as the EQE and EQS built on a dedicated EV architecture, it becomes apparent that its model range cannot be too large and difficult to use.
Low volume SLC malfunctioned and no coupe or convertible versions have been redesigned Mercedes-Benz S-Class was announced.
The merging of the two-door C-Class and E-Class lines is reminiscent of the CLK days (below).
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 four to eight-cylinder engines.
It was replaced by the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, continuing to use the mechanics of the C-Class but was quickly joined by the C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet.
In 2017, Mercedes-Benz finally returned an E-Class-based coupe and convertible to the E-Class line, while the C-Class line continued to offer two-door variants.
