New 2023 Mercedes CLE to replace C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets

This is our very first glimpse at a brand-new, subsequent-era, mid-dimensions convertible Mercedes – but it is not a C-Class. Auto Express understands this will be an all-new design supposed as a capture-all car for the modest and mid-dimensions premium convertible sector, and it is getting lined up to choose on a new badge: Mercedes CLE, a nameplate the German brand has owned for a when, but just lately renewed its trademark for. 

Brand name executives have spoken in the past of a need to reduce complexity in the Mercedes portfolio, reaching a superior of almost 50 vehicles in 2020 and only because of to increase further still, with the rollout of EQ-badged electric types.

Speaking before in the calendar year, Mercedes analysis and progress manager Marcus Schafer pointed to the brand’s convertible offerings as getting “high density”, with the just lately axed SLC, C-Class Cabriolet and E-Class Cabriolet all vying for area in a sector that is not a major revenue maker. 

On the other hand, Schafer admitted that from a branding perspective the coupé and cabriolet types are crucial for a premium car corporation this sort of as Mercedes, getting in this area lays down an crucial marker.

“We want to emphasis on these types,” he explained. “They have their niche and their goal. Which is why we are heading to tailor precisely the proper motor vehicle in this section. There’s a lot more to come on the coupé and cabriolet aspect in this mid-section but it is heading to choose a small bit a lot more time ahead of we can talk about it.”

In advance of the new CLE comes in 2023, the brand will reinvent the total-dimensions SL as a sportier and a lot more purposeful giving utilizing a new platform made by AMG. 

Equivalent treatment is getting lined up for the CLE. Spied on digicam and previewed in our unique illustrations or photos, it will be an all-new design, redefining a cluttered and less worthwhile sector area than ahead of with a distinctive glimpse of its very own. Imagine of it as a similar occupation to that undertaken by BMW with the newest 4 Collection, now distant in appears from its three Collection saloon sibling. 

Specialized facts are unknown at this stage, and an unveiling of the CLE is some way off – there is still the new SL to come very first, afterwards in 2021. On the other hand, the CLE is likely to be dependent on the exact MRA-two platform as the new C-Class and S-Class, rather than the SL’s new AMG-developed architecture. The flexibility of MRA-two indicates that four and 6-cylinder energy is feasible, attractive to the CLE’s likely buyer. 

The newest C-Class is a four-cylinder only affair and substantially of the CLE line-up will be as well. The subsequent C 63 design is anticipated to choose on a new superior-functionality four-cylinder hybrid engine derived from the M139 two.-litre turbo engine utilized in the A forty five superhatch. The bigger S-Class, also on the MRA-two platform, could lend a three.-litre turbocharged straight-6 with 48-volt delicate hybrid aid, if Mercedes thinks a 6-cylinder solution will be essential. 

When the car spied listed here is a four-seat convertible, Auto Express expects there will also be a mounted-roof coupé version of the CLE, nevertheless the design line-up is likely to be capped at just two, with no options for a new mid-dimensions four-doorway coupé to sit involving the CLA and the CLS. 

Do you imagine the new Mercedes CLE will be a good results? Enable us know your feelings in the comments area…