With the market for convertibles shrinking, Mercedes-Benz is reportedly preparing for a bold move in the soft-top four-seater segment. A new model, allegedly called the CLE, was spied testing on the Nürburgring and is expected to arrive in 2022, eventually replacing the C-Class and E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models.

Camouflaged prototypes of the model were thought to be the C-Class Cabrio previously but our spy photographers came up with new information revealing the CLE name. The model was benchmarked against the current E-Class Cabrio which indicates that Mercedes wants it to be an indirect successor.

This time, a camouflaged CLE was spotted in cabriolet form, but it is also expected with a proper two-door coupe bodystyle.

See Also: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe And Cabriolet To Be Dropped To Save Costs

The CLE will reportedly share its underpinnings with the upcoming C-Class, including the powertrain options. However, the body will be completely redesigned with unique lighting units and body panels, two doors, and a sloping roofline leading to a sexier tail.

The model will compete with the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5, both of which are offered as coupes and soft-top convertibles. A four-door coupe variant similar to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A5 Sportback is also likely to follow in the future, slotting between the CLA and the CLS with similar styling.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is expected to launch in Europe, sometime in 2022. Unfortunately, as confirmed by Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Nicholas Speeks, the successor of the C-Class and E-Class convertible and coupe models won’t be offered in the US market.

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE To Replace Both C- And E-Class Coupe And Cabriolet Models

Picture credits: CarPix for CarScoops