SPY PICS: Mercedes-Benz CLE spied for the first time
All-new replacement for Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class coupes caught testing at NurburgringThe Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class coupe and cabriolet are believed to be heading off into the sunset after this generation, replaced in one fell swoop by the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE that has just been caught testing for the first time.
The CLE will occupy the middle ground between the current C-Class and E-Class two-door models in terms of both size and budget, with sources out of Europe revealing it will ride on the same MRA-2 platform as the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan.
Tipped to be revealed in the final quarter as an MY23 model – which suggests a possible Australian launch in the second half of next year – the first camouflaged prototype of the CLE has just been spotted testing at the Nurburgring in Germany.
Our spy pics show that the new-gen coupe will have its own distinct identity within the wider Mercedes-Benz portfolio, separate to that of the C-Class.
The most obvious difference is the coupe body shape and silhouette which isn’t as swoopy as the outgoing C- and E-Class coupes.
But beyond that the differences are relatively subtle – at least while the body’s wrapped in the detail-warping camouflage.
At the front we can see a slimmer headlight design than the new-gen C-Class, matched at the rear by a curvier tail-light signature.
While the tail-lights differ, the overall design and layout of the rear looks broadly similar to the CLE’s predecessors, albeit with fewer vents and obscured exhaust outlets.
Given it rides on the same platform as the new C-Class, the CLE is anticipated to inherit most of the new executive car’s powertrains, including the high-series AMG-fettled ‘43’ and ‘53’ units.
A flagship Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 packing more than 520kW is similarly all but confirmed, particularly given the popularity of existing models in Australia and elsewhere.
Going by the lack of bulges, power domes, air dams, fat tyres and enormous brakes it’s safe to assume the engineering development car you see here is not an AMG variant, but these are likely to materialise before too long.
Related: Mercedes-Benz CLE to replace C-Class and E-Class models
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