- Work continues on the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 as spy photographers have caught a lightly camouflaged prototype.
- This particular model eschews a charging port, suggesting it has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8.
- If that’s the case it could have around 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
The Mercedes CLE lineup continues to grow and spy photographers have snapped new pictures of the 63 variant. It’s wearing minimal disguise, which suggests an unveiling could be right around the corner.
Regardless of when it will be introduced, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 follows in the footsteps of the 53 and has a Panamericana grille as well as a wide central intake with vertical bars. However, the 63 goes one step further as it features unique fins in the air intakes.
More: This Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Prototype Appears To Eschew PHEV Power
The déjà vu design continues further back as we can see sporty side skirts, front fender vents, and lightweight wheels that are backed up by a beefy braking system. Bigger changes occur at the rear as the model has a four-tailpipe exhaust system with squared off tips as well as a unique diffuser.
It’s also worth noting this prototype lacks a rear charging port and electrification warning stickers. While some reports have claimed Mercedes has decided to drop the plug-in hybrid powertrain and go V8-only, we’ve already seen hybrid prototypes and the company has a history of offering traditional V8s alongside S E Performance variants.
As a result, we could get two powertrains. One could echo the C63 S E Performance, which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a rear-mounted electric motor, a 6.1 kWh battery pack, and a fully variable all-wheel drive system. This gives the car a combined output of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 752 lb-ft (1,018 Nm) of torque.
However, this prototype, likely has a more traditional twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. There’s no word on what it’s rated at, but the SL 63 boasts 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.
