The Mercedes CLE has a big job on its hands. It’s been tasked with replacing not just one car but two, because it will succeed two-door versions of both the C-Class and E-Class later this year.
Our spy photographers have captured the CLE convertible undergoing winter testing, but there’ll also be a coupe version, with both body styles sure to inherit the powertrain lineup from the new C-Class sedan and wagon. If that’s the case V6 power will be off the menu, but AMG models will have plenty of power despite offering just four cylinders.
Electric turbo tech derived from F1 should give the AMG 43 versions around 400 hp (406 PS), and flagship 63 models are likely to inherit the 671 hp (680 PS) PHEV drivetrain from the C63 S sedan. But judging by its star-motif grille and smaller wheels this is a more prosaic non-AMG example and probably powered by the C300 sedan’s 255 hp (258 PS) 2.0-liter turbo four.
The CLE300 will almost certainly be the entry-level engine for North America, perhaps with a choice of rear-wheel and 4Matic all-wheel drive, but European buyers stung by high fuel prices will be able to sacrifice a few ponies and go for a petrol-powered 1.5-liter C200 or 2.0-liter C220d diesel with less than 200 hp (203 PS).
Related: Everything We Know About The “One Size Fits All” Mercedes CLE Coupe And Cabriolet
Visually, the CLE will share a strong resemblance to the C-Class sedan, but it appears that Mercedes might also be drawing a connection to the new SL roadster. Even though this prototype is wearing a full camo wrap you can see similarities to the SL in the front end treatment (though only AMG models will get the toothy Panamericana grille) and the way both the nose and tail taper toward the ground.
The sloping console-mounted infotainment screen borrowed from the C-Class will also ensure the interior looks a little like the SL’s, which features the same layout. The SL will always be more opulent of course, but there’s one area where the CLE should actually come out on top of the Merc flagship. The SL switched from a two-seat to two-plus-two format for its 2022 rebirth, but the roadster’s back seats are tiny. The rear of the CLE on the other hand, should actually offer something approaching proper four-seat accommodation.
