The first Mercedes-Benz CLE debuted in coupe and convertible form earlier this month. The duo replaces the outgoing C-Class (coupe and cabrio) and E-Class (coupe and cabrio) in the company’s lineup and will receive new additions to the range in the coming months and years. The AMG branded models are undeniably the most interesting and we now have a pretty good idea of what the top of the range will look like.
Our friend from Motor. es made an exclusive preview of the upcoming CLE 63 AMG by giving the coupe a Panamericana grille, wider air intakes in the bumper, AMG badge, larger wheels, and a gorgeous matte black exterior color. Our colleagues believe that the two-door Merc performance will not look so aggressive and will maintain the standard CLE’s sleek and stylish overall design language. This isn’t too surprising given that no V8 engine is planned for the model.
Yes, you read that right. Although the CLE has an inline six-cylinder engine, this model has a lot in common with the new C-Class. The latter only has a factory four-cylinder in its lineup, including the AMG 63 variant with an electrified 2.0-liter four-pot. That powertrain will almost certainly power the CLE 63 AMG.
This is not necessarily bad news. In the C63, a plug-in hybrid setup with a peak output of 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque propels the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just about 3.3 seconds. Very similar performance can be expected for the two-door CLE coupe, although the convertible may be slightly slower given its higher weight due to the retractable roof and body reinforcements. The same engine is also planned for the new GLC / GLC Coupe in AMG 63 trim.
Photographs and spy videos have shown the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 in development and we’re sure it won’t be long until we see the final product. A debut sometime in the second half of next year seems possible but is unconfirmed at this point.
