The Mercedes-Benz CLE may have broken cover a few months ago as the successor to the old C- and E-Class with two doors, but the AMG variants are still in the making. That said, the upcoming CLE 53 Coupe and CLE 63 Convertible were recently spied on the roads around the Nurburgring.
Featuring a rag top, a grille with vertical slats, more aggressive bumpers, and four squared-off tips, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Convertible was the one leading the pack. It also sports high-end brakes with cross-drilled discs at both axles and red brake calipers, and we also expect a stiffer ride that will allow it to corner faster.
The three-pointed star brand has managed to keep the powertrain details of the first-ever CLE 63 (Coupe and Convertible) a secret so far. There are, however, contradicting reports. Some speak about the electrified four-pot assembly from the new C 63 making its way to the 63 series, whereas others believe it might actually pack an inline-six.
Do you know what other model from the Mercedes-AMG stable uses an ultra-punchy inline-six? That would be the E 63 S E Performance, which is said to have over 700 ps (690 hp/515 kW) on tap. The C 63 S E Performance, on the other hand, mixes a rear-mounted electric motor with a 2.0-liter four-banger for a combined 680 ps (670 hp/500 kW). To us, at least, the latter seems more plausible, but we wouldn't bet on it yet.
Photo: Baldauf
Following the CLE 63 Convertible prototype was the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. The lesser model separates itself from the open-top tester by featuring a pair of bumpers with a less aggressive design. It also has different brakes and suspension setup and round exhaust tips instead of the squared ones that are a signature trait of the 63 series. You should also expect different upholstery and trim on the inside and the usual 53 logo decorating the trunk lid.
But what exactly powers the upcoming CLE 53 series, regardless of the body style? The latest reports indicate a turbocharged 3.0-liter mill with mild hybrid tech. The assembly supposedly makes in the region of 435 ps (429 hp/320 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque.
If the output is correct, then it will be 54 ps (53 hp/40 kW) punchier than the 450 4Matic version of the Mercedes-Benz CLE, which has a 250 kph (155 mph) top speed and the ability to hit 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds. The AMG CLE 53 should bring the sprint time to just under four seconds and increase the top speed as an option.
As for when we will see the CLE 53 and CLE 63 part of the story, that would be sometime next year, with the first cars rolling into US showrooms as 2025 models.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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