Everyone knows by now that Mercedes-Benz has big problems selling both the C-Class and the E-Class coupe and convertible. And, this comes as no surprise since the market right now is paying more interest to SUVs and crossovers. So, the German company decided to kill both models, but it will also take a very bold move: it will replace the two models with a new CLE model, placed in between the C-Class and the E-Class. Also, both coupe and convertible versions will be offered.
Today, the CLE Convertible was caught during cold weather testing in Northern Sweden.
The prototype is still heavily camouflaged, so it is very hard to make an idea on how the final version CLE Convertible will look like. What we know for sure is that its design will differ from the one of the C-Class - a move that will make the CLE to stand our more, but it will also offer it a sportier stance. If you look at the prototype's front end for example, you will notice it will have its "own" individual face, with slimmer headlights.
If you look from the back you will notice a sloping roofline and a retractable soft top.
The CLE Convertible will be built on the same MRA-2 platform as the C-Class, which means it will most likely be offered with the same engines as the C-Class. In the States, this means customers will get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque of torque. We also expect to see CLE 43 and CLE 53 AMG versions.
The new model will be launched by the end of 2022 as a 2023 model.