The CLE name keeps coming up in rumors and reports, with the most prominent being the idea that the Mercedes CLS would become the CLE. That never happen, but new rumors claiming that the E-Class and C-Class will be condensed into a single lineup wearing the CLE moniker has brought the name back. Now, we’re looking at a set of spy shots for the AMG version of the CLE Cabriolet.

How do we know this is an AMG version of the CLE Cabriolet? Well, take a look at those big wheels (and the two different designs, by the way) and the brakes hiding behind them. It’s also riding quite close to the road, suggesting stiffer suspension for a better handling dynamic. Beyond this, however, this specific prototype is a bit of a mixed bag.

The headlights, for example, are definitely provisional as are the taillights. The exhaust outlets are simple oval-shaped tailpipes however, the holes in the fascia are clearly big enough to support the typical AMG quad exhaust layout. The most interesting part is, arguably the weird padding over the top that seems to be mimicking air intakes.

Outside of this, the rear looks strangely long, which could indicate that the car has a bit of an odd look to make up for the cargo room eaten away from the top. Then it also looks like the rear quarters have a bit of a bulge to them. This could just be padding, of course, but it’s interesting no the less as the wheel wells seem to sit flush with the wider rear tires. The rest of the car’s design is a complete mystery as Mercedes did a very good job concealing most design elements. As for when the CLE Cabrio will be revealed is also a mystery, but if it comes in 2022, it’ll be late 2022. 2023 seems more likely.