SPY PICS: Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 hits the Nurburgring

Less than a month after the reveal of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance sedan and wagon duo, our spy photographers have spotted a camouflaged Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 prototype lingering around the Nurburgring.

Some readers might be asking why the timing of this new sighting is relevant to the new hero C-Class, and the answer is because the CLE 63 coupe is the slightly bigger successor for the lauded Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe.

For those still scratching their heads, the CLE coupe will replace both the previous-generation C-Class and E-Class coupes (and cabriolets) due to slowing sales of the mid-size and large two-door models.

We’ve seen CLE prototypes before, but this is the first time we’ve seen an AMG-fettled version – let alone the eventual 63 flagship, which judging by the rear charging port cover will feature the same 500kW/1060Nm four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain as the monstrous new C63 S E Performance.

The prototype’s identity as a hero AMG model is clear for all to see despite the efforts to camouflage the obviously red car.

For starters, this particular vehicle is wider and has a more aggressive stance than previously spotted CLEs, a point hammered home by its black 10-spoke AMG-brand wheels and semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S rubber.

Lurking behind the aggro hoops is a set of huge high-performance brakes finished with camouflaged red callipers.

The front-end also sports the usual AMG cosmetic upgrades including an angrier lighting signature, enlarged intakes and exclusive front bumper design, as well as the signature ‘power dome’ bonnet ridging.

It’s a similar story at the back, where we find an AMG-specific rear apron housing the tell-tale rhombus quad exhaust outlets and the aforementioned charge port cover.

A more aggressive lip spoiler rounds out the menacing package, which should be able to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in less than 3.5 seconds and nudge 300km/h depending on the speed-limiter.

Sources out of Europe say the standard CLE range could be revealed in the closing stages of this year, meaning AMG’s rabid new 63 halo coupe and its less powerful 43 sibling are probably still around a year away from their own debuts, which in turn suggests an Australian release as late as mid-2024.

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