2023 Mercedes CLE Hunted on Test Drive

Mercedes C-Class and E -Class in their coupe or cabriolet variants are niche cars that are undergoing the shock wave of SUVs and Crossover. We are indeed talking about completely different segments, but it is a fact that the two models are a bit on the edge of the interest of those who love the Star brand. So, in Stuttgart, they thought about a different path and the photos of this prototype provide us with interesting information.

To rationalize the range, it was decided to “merge” the two models into one and decline it in a coupé or cabriolet version, which we will call by convention CLE (the name has not yet been formalized). A convertible version of the car had already been caught in the past during testing, but this is the first time that we see the coupe twin.  The prototype was immortalized near the Nürburgring and as you can see it is very camouflaged.

A Refined and Sporty Style

However, we can observe some details, starting from the front area, which will be characterized by a grille with a single horizontal bar and a honeycomb grille. To its sides are C-Class-style LED headlights and what appear to be sporty air vents. Moving further back, we find a very inclined windshield, which connects to the sloping roof. The sideline is streamlined with pronounced side skirts, a beautiful high waistline, and frameless side windows.

At the rear, we can see the LED taillights with an unprecedented profile (even if they are not necessarily definitive) and a short trunk lid with a small integrated spoiler. Further down, there is a curvy bumper on which the usual tailpipe bezels do not appear. Although Mercedes has not yet emphasized this model, it seems clear that the car is based on the current C-Class and has a cockpit with a similar layout, where the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the vertical display stand out above all. 11.9-inch infotainment system.

2023 Mercedes CLE

2023 Mercedes CLE Interior

The engine side, the same goes for there, there is very little information, even if the options should be shared again with the C-Class and this means that we can expect a range consisting of four-cylinder turbo petrol and (perhaps) diesel, even plug-in hybridGiven the type of car, high-performance versions should not be missing such as the CLE 43 AMG, with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that delivers 390 HP, 520 Nm of torque, and, the following the current mechanical scheme, with 4Matic all-wheel drive. The new CLE could debut towards the end of 2022 to appear on the lists at the beginning of 2023.

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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