Sedan gross sales could also be on the decline, however the state of affairs is even worse in terms of coupes and convertibles. Because of this, most automakers have both scaled again the variety of two-door vehicles they provide or dropped the physique types altogether.

Mercedes-Benz has had probably the most numerous lineups of coupes and convertibles in recent times, but it surely too is within the technique of streamlining its sporty choices. The SLK-Class, S-Class coupe, S-Class cabriolet, and AMG GT Roadster have all already been dropped.

Subsequent, the coupe and convertible variations of the C-Class and E-Class might be phased out and changed with a single mannequin rumored to be referred to as the CLE-Class. We have already noticed prototypes for this potential CLE-Class in coupe and convertible varieties, in addition to in sporty CLE 53 guise. Now, we’ve got spy photographs and video of what seems to be a high-performance CLE 63 from AMG.

Components that time to this explicit prototype being a range-topping AMG 63 mannequin embrace the massive wheel and brake combo, massive air openings up entrance, and square-shaped exhaust ideas. The prototype for the CLE 53 featured spherical ideas.

Beneath the hood ought to be the identical turbo-4-based plug-in hybrid powertrain that options within the just lately launched 2024 C 63 S E Efficiency sedan. The two.0-liter turbo-4 is an upgraded model of the engine present in AMG’s present crop of compact vehicles. Because of the addition of an electrical turbocharger, output from the engine is boosted to 469 hp. The engine is then mated with an electrical motor in mild-hybrid configuration to attract energy for ancillary options, in addition to function a starter motor.

On prime of all this, there’s a way more highly effective motor (as much as 201 hp) on the rear axle to take mixed output to a most of 671 hp. This rear motor is mated to its personal 2-speed transmission. A 6.1-kwh battery ensures a small electrical vary is feasible. The same setup, albeit with a V-8 engine, options within the 2023 GT 63 S E Efficiency 4-Door Coupe and 2023 S 63 E Efficiency.

Mercedes-AMG E Efficiency

Within the case of the C 63 S E Efficiency, all of the {hardware} is able to 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.3 seconds. The highest pace is a ruled 174 mph. Efficiency ought to be comparable for the CLE with this powertrain.

The common CLE-Class is anticipated to debut later this 12 months. The AMG variations ought to path the common mannequin by six months to a 12 months, as 2024 or probably 2025 fashions. Additionally within the works is a CLE 63 S E Efficiency cabriolet.