2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE Black Series teased

Mercedes-AMG has shown-off an exclusive, limited-edition new coupe based on the CLE undergoing the final stages of its development in the Arctic Circle, with the brand promising the model to be “exceptionally extreme”.

Details of the hot new coupe are few and far between at the time of writing, but it’s clear from the imagery that it will be considerably hotter than the existing CLE 53 it’s expected to usurp, sitting lower on wider tracks with more aggressive bumpers, enlarged intakes, a fixed rear wing, a roll cage, lightweight wheels, trapezoid exhausts and swollen arches.

“While bearing a clear resemblance to the popular CLE, the extreme new model takes the concept several steps further, promising an even more uncompromising appearance and positioning itself as a genuine statement on the road – backed by a correspondingly powerful drivetrain and performance to match,” AMG said.

“It will be the second model in the highly exclusive Mercedes-Benz Mythos series, which stands for a range of exclusive, limited-edition collector vehicles.”

If that doesn’t scream Black Series – or equivalent – we’re not sure what does.

Previous Black Series products were all limited-run specials and sat atop their respective ranges, offering the most uncompromising, involving and intense performance of their model lines.

The CLE launched as an amalgamated replacement for the old C-Class and E-Class coupes, the former of which was offered with a Black Series halo two generations ago.

Going by AMG’s claim that the model is “ready to take centre stage”, the hot CLE is expected to debut later this year, but not arrive Down Under until at least 2027 – undoubtedly priced quite a bit higher than the current CLE 53 4Matic+, which starts from $158,900 plus on-road costs.

Whether or not it carries the Black Series logo is also predictably yet to be seen.

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