Mercedes-Benz preparing to replace it C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible with a new model possibly bearing the CLE name.
Our spy photographers have captured the convertible version of the upcoming model a number of times and have now captured the coupe.
The new CLE will compete with BMW 4 Series and Audi A5.
Previous reports have indicated that Mercedes-Benz does not want to leave the luxury coupe and convertible market, but is consolidating its offerings. Latest S-Classe.g. will not be offered in the guise of two doors and SLC was expelled.
Although it appears to be wearing a thinner form of camouflage than previous convertible prototypes, many design details remain hidden. However, the front design is almost identical to the latest C-Class.
At this stage, it’s still unclear what will power the Mercedes-Benz CLE but a range of electrified four-cylinder powertrains is expected, just like the current C-Class.
For context, the Mercedes-Benz C300 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 48V mild hybrid system that produces 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
At least one AMG version of the CLE is expected, and it could also get an electrified four-cylinder powertrain, similar to Mercedes-AMG SL43 and C43 mild hybrid or the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 plug-in hybrid.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is said to be available only in convertible form at first, followed by a two-door coupe version.
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 cylinders.
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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