A product that appears to be production-ready – if disguised – Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 convertible was spy tested.
Mercedes-Benz is said to be replacing the two-door versions of the C-Class and E-Class with a new model called the CLE, and this appears to be the flagship AMG 63 plug-in hybrid variant.
The CLE 63 convertible will serve as the brand’s rival for the convertible BMW M4.
The company’s research and development director Markus Schäfer says the brand is looking to unify its convertible and coupe offerings. The two-door S-Class models as well as the SLC have been discontinued.
The AMG 63 models seem to have a wider track and stronger front bumper than the smaller CLE models, as well as larger brakes.
The convertible version will bring four square exhaust pipes like the coupe version follow last year.
While the charging port is located on the left rear fender for the C63 SE Performance plug-in hybrid, it is located on the right side of the rear bumper on the CLE as well as other two-door Mercedes PHEVs.
It is possible that the upcoming CLE 63 will share the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the new C63 SE Performance sedan.
The PHEV system of the four-wheel drive sedan features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can deliver 350 kW of power and 545 Nm of torque, a 6.1 kWh battery pack and a 150 kW/electric motor. 320 Nm.
The total output power of the system is 500kW and 1020Nm, and has a range of 13km.
The turbocharger is mated to a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission, while the electric motor has a two-speed transmission.
Mercedes-AMG claims the C63 AMG’s 0-100km/h time is 3.4 seconds.
