A prototype of the updated Mercedes-AMG CLE convertible has been spotted on the roads undergoing testing. This version is likely to become the top-of-the-line CLE 63 modification and will receive a powerful V8 engine, similar to the one installed in the limited-edition CLE Mythos. The square exhaust pipes clearly indicate that this is the eight-cylinder 63 model, not the six-cylinder 53.
Power Over 600 Horsepower
The new 4.0-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine debuted in the updated S-Class sedan this year. In the AMG version, it is expected to develop significantly more power than the 530 hp in the luxury sedan. The limited-edition Mythos CLE, which has already been confirmed to receive the V8, is rumored to produce over 650 hp. This power will then carry over to the production CLE 63 model.
This engine may also appear in future generations of the C-Class and GLC, replacing the unpopular hybrid powertrains. Until the new 63 models arrive, the most powerful engine in the C-Class, CLE, and GLC remains the 3.0-liter six-cylinder 53 mild-hybrid unit with 443 hp.
Updated Design
The exterior changes in the CLE convertible mirror the updates to the coupe. The front will feature star-shaped daytime running lights, which have become a hallmark of recent Mercedes models. This gives the front end a more modern look and aligns with the brand’s current design language.
Smarter Technology
The car’s interior will not undergo radical changes and will remain familiar to drivers. The interior will retain the layout with two screens, rather than transitioning to a full Hyperscreen panel. The main updates will concern the software. The updated CLE will receive the new Mercedes-Benz operating system, which integrates smarter artificial intelligences from Microsoft and Google into the MBUX system. This means improved navigation, multimedia, and driver assistance systems that will operate more naturally.
However, the undisputed star of the update remains the new V8 engine. Flat-plane crank engines typically have a sharper and more aggressive sound compared to traditional AMG engines with cross-plane crankshafts. It will be interesting to see how engineers combine this characteristic sound with the comfort and luxury requirements expected of CLE-class cars, so it doesn’t simply turn into a “hot rod in a leather jacket.”
The return of eight-cylinder engines to Mercedes-AMG’s compact models could be an important step for the brand, especially after a period where even high-performance versions transitioned to smaller, often hybrid, powertrains. This indicates that engineers and marketers understand the importance of the emotional component in such cars, where the sound, character, and feel of the engine are often more important than bare efficiency figures. The success of this model could set a trend for the company’s entire line of high-performance cars.