It could replace many C- and E Class variants.

Are you looking at the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and wishing for a rear-wheel drive car that fits between the E-Class and C–Class ? According to Italy’s , the automaker considers this a viable market. It reportedly plans to introduce the CLE/a> in 2023.

Mercedes uses the CL prefix for its coupe-inspired sedan models. The CLE would feature the arched roofs of vehicles such as CLA or CLS. The new model would be available in coupe, convertible, or wagon versions. These models will replace the C-Class Coupe and C-Class Cabriolet and E-Class Coupe (image and gallery below) and E-Class Cabriolet according to Autoblog.it.

It is interesting to develop the CLE-Class because company executives have indicated that Mercedes wants to simplify its line-up.In an interview with Autocar , Markus Schafer, Mercedes R&D boss said that they are currently reviewing their product portfolio. We are reviewing our current lineup because we know how complex it is after all the growth over the past couple of years. The goal is to simplify – not only taking out car variants but also platforms and powertrains as well as components.

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The CLE-Class rumor is also interesting because spy shots show Mercedes building the next-gen C-Class wagon. It doesn’t fit the plan of the automaker to simplify its lineup by having estate versions for these two very similar-sized vehicles.

It is possible, however, that the camouflaged vehicle seen in spy photos could be the CLE-Class wagon. It is possible to confuse the vehicles due to their design similarities, especially when camouflage conceals the body.