It is expected to replace the C-Class, E-Class cabrio models and their AMG counterparts.
Do you remember the rumors that the Mercedes CLS would be renamed CLE in its current generation, six years ago? The swoopy sedan is still known by the same name as it was at its birth in 2004. CLE is making headlines again as reports claim it will be used for simplifying the C-Class or E-Class lineups. How? You combine the two-door models to create a single coupe/cabrio.
While we have been watching the alleged CLE for a while, this is our first glimpse at a more powerful derivative. The prototype was seen being tested in Sweden’s snowy conditions. It appears to be of the AMG type, with larger wheels and bigger brakes. Because it appears to be riding closer towards the road, the sporty convertible must have a stiffer suspension. But the most obvious sign is at the rear.
In the past, test cars had their exhaust hidden under the bumper. This one doesn’t mind showing it off. The bumper has two circular tips. However, the cutouts are much larger. This could indicate that the AMG CLE potential did not have the final setup, which would be a quad arrangement.
The car is clearly a diamond in rough, missing its final taillights and riding on mismatched wheels. We are also unsure why the protruding edges on the fabric roof look like air vents. The design is simple, as Mercedes took great care to disguise the new convertible.
The time will tell if the three-pointed star will use CLK to combine the E-Class design with the C-Class underpinnings. The convertible has not been seen yet, but it is likely that our spy will soon spot the coupe. This prototype suggests that an official reveal will not occur before early 2023.
It will be based on C-Class. If so, the AMG versions will use four-cylinder engines and all-wheel drives. The V8 RWD formula was dropped with the W205.