Mercedes introduced the CLE Coupe and Convertible earlier this month, and now we’re getting a glimpse at the high-performance variants courtesy of a loyal CarScoops reader.
While traveling in Arizona, Nick came across a couple of Mercedes-AMG CLE Convertibles, which can be easily identified by their Panamericana grilles and four-tailpipe exhaust systems.
Despite the similar appearance, the prototypes have different powertrains as the blue convertible sports a four-tailpipe exhaust system with circular tips. This means it’s the mild AMG variant, which appeared in EPA documents earlier this year as the CLE 53.
More: 2024 Mercedes CLE Convertible Shows Its Topless Silhouette, Techy Interior
The filing implied the model will have a familiar turbocharged 3.0-liter (M256) engine, which means we can expect an output of around 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque. While the final numbers remain to be seen, that would be a healthy increase over the CLE 450 4MATIC, which has an inline-six developing 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
The other prototype is more interesting as it sports squared off exhaust tips and a rear charging port. These are telltale signs of it being the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S E-Performance. Initial speculation suggested the high-performance variant would follow in the footsteps of the C 63 S E-Performance and have a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 6.1 kWh battery pack.
This setup gives the sedan an impressive combined output of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 752 lb-ft (1,018 Nm) of torque. That’s enough to enable the model to rocket from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 3.3 seconds, before hitting a top speed of up to 174 mph (280 km/h).
Those numbers are nothing to sneeze at, but the range-topping CLE is now expected to echo the upcoming E63 S E-Performance and have a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, a rear-mounted electric motor, and a relatively small battery pack. This could give the car a combined output in excess of 700 hp (522 kW / 710 PS).
Thanks to Nick for sharing the pictures!
