In a world of practical and fast SUVs, sedans and two-door coupes are having their worst times. Therefore, carmakers are reducing the models in their lineups and outright ceasing production of less-profitable models. Mercedes, for example, is doing the former with the C-Class and E-Class coupes. However, the replacement will be the more modern-looking and technologically advanced CLE coupe. The CLE is Mercedes’ answer to the 4 Series and the A5 coupe. Our photographers were fortunate to click many shots of the coupe's early production prototype. The new coupe will launch sometime in 2023 as a 2024 model year.

The camouflaged prototype of the CLE coupe has been spied for the first time since Automotive News’ report regarding Mercedes’ decision to pull the plug on the C-Class and E-Class coupes. The new coupe will ride on the same MRA-2 platform as the W206 C-Class. In addition, the CLE prototype's front fascia has slimmer headlights reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG SL-Class.

Since it is a two-door coupe, the dramatic sloping roofline and the short rear-end visuals contribute to the overall sportiness of the CLE. However, the LED taillights have a different shape and are similar to the GLC coupe prototype spotted in June 2022. Maybe Mercedes is trying to fool us with dummy units, but we are not sure if those are actual taillights. The design of the CLE prototype is pretty standard because it is a non-AMG model. However, we expect to witness the AMG-tuned CLE models with wider Panamericana grille and sportier rear bumper sometime at the end of 2022.

The CLE will likely have the same cabin treatment as the new C-Class. This means the portrait-styled 11.9-inch infotainment display and the 12.3-inch driver information display will be a part of the cabin. In addition, the steering wheel and the dashboard design will also be incorporated into the cabin of the CLE coupe.

The upcoming CLE coupe will be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine from the present-gen C-Class, with the 48-volt integrated starter generator. The mild-hybrid powertrain under the hood of the C-Class produces 275 horses and 443 pound-feet of torque, which is pretty respectable. Therefore, we believe the CLE coupe will have a similar performance. In addition, the performance-spec AMG models will likely be introduced with a PHEV setup, similar to the Mercedes-AMG C63.

The demise of the C-Class and E-Class coupes has not been confirmed officially, nor have we heard anything about this juicy new two-door coupe from Mercedes. But given that both the coupe variants are not doing good in terms of sales, it is a clear indication that the CLE coupe will replace them to compete better with the 4 Series, the A5 coupe, and the Lexus RC.