The hottest version of the new Mercedes CLE will use a turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder engine

Mercedes has taken its time in testing AMG derivatives of the new CLE but we can expect the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 and range-topping CLE 63 to be revealed soon ahead of an on-sale date in 2024. 

We first saw the AMG-fettled CLE at the beginning of 2022 and now that the standard CLE has launched, the sporty versions should arrive soon to provide fresh competition for the likes of the BMW M4 and Audi RS 5. 

Taking the place of the two-door C-Class and E-Class coupe models, the CLE has a big task on its hands. It’s designed to bridge the gap between those two cars in terms of size, pricing and technology. 

We’ve already got a good idea as to how the CLE will look in its hottest '63' form. Compared to the standard car we’ll see wider wheel haunches housing a larger, bespoke set of wheels with a beefier brake setup behind. To the front there will be the same ‘Panamerica’ grille but with a special AMG insert. The lower part of the front bumper will be revised to add extra cooling to the engine bay and give the AMG model a more aggressive look. 

A core design trait of full-fat AMG models is the quad-tip exhaust layout, visible on this test car we’ve spotted. There could also be a new rear light signature and on the bootlid we can see a small lip spoiler has been formed. 

The CLE sits on the same MRA2 platform as the C-Class and E-Class and while Mercedes has said its larger models (like the E 63) will still get V8 power in future, smaller models (like the new C 63) have gone down the route of hybridisation with a four-cylinder. Given the CLE’s engine layout thus far consists of the same choice as in the C-Class, we expect the CLE 63 to gain the C 63’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder which is mated to a 6.1kWh battery for a total output of 670bhp and 1,020Nm of torque.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-Performance can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds but we suspect the CLE coupe could be even faster with less weight to haul around. 

Rather than go down the route of the new E-Class’ interior with the optional ‘Superscreen’ dash layout, the CLE borrows plenty of elements from the C-Class. Inside the CLE 63, we expect the same overall cabin at the standard CLE, but with the typical AMG garnish of sportier bucket seats, an AMG steering wheel and of course some extra performance-focused driving modes.  

Now read our review of the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance…>>

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