- The Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe is about to get a V8 engine.
- A camouflaged prototype with wider wheel arches and a rear wing was seen at the Nürburgring.
- It will be the second car from the ultra-exclusive Mythos series.
Mercedes-AMG is about to address a major gap in its lineup by filling the void left by the discontinuation of the C63 and E63 Coupe models a few years ago. With the CLE replacing the two-door C-Class and E-Class, it makes sense to bring back the V8 as a step up from the inline-six “53” cars. New footage from CarSpyMedia at the Nürburgring shows the hardcore coupe likely testing with two extra cylinders under the hood.
Even though the prototype is covered in camouflage, there are clear signs we’re dealing with something more intense than the CLE 53. It features a redesigned front bumper with massive air intakes for extra cooling, along with canards to improve aerodynamics. The profile reveals flared fenders, a stiffer suspension, a lowered ride height, and meaty tires. At the rear, the fixed wing immediately sets the flagship version apart.
Mercedes-AMG has also revised the quad exhaust system, switching to its signature rectangular tips and replacing the round finishers found on the 53-badged CLE Coupe. While the prototype definitely sounds like it has a V8, it could use a bit more aggression. Then again, EU emissions and noise regulations may have taken their toll. Perhaps it will sound better in non-EU markets. At the same time, this is a prototype, so it may not have all the final components in place.
As a matter of fact, the digital instrument cluster shows an S-Class graphic, clearly indicating this isn’t a production-ready car. Under the hood, expect a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with a rumored 646 horsepower, representing an enormous 203-hp increase over the CLE 53.
However, early reports suggested the top-tier CLE wouldn’t use a brawny V8. Mercedes-AMG had allegedly planned to install a plug-in hybrid 2.0-liter engine from the ill-fated C63 before changing course following the super sedan’s lower-than-expected sales. Company officials never confirmed this, and what ultimately matters is that the production car will likely have twice as many cylinders.
The spied CLE will become Mercedes’ second ultra-exclusive model in the Mythos series. It’s said to be even rarer than the SL63-based PureSpeed, of which only 250 units were built. A recent report from Automotive News alleges production will be capped at just 30 examples worldwide.
Hopefully, there are also plans for a “regular” CLE 63 without production limitations. If Mercedes-AMG intends to bridge the gap between the CLE 53 and the Mythos-spec car, a 63 version is unlikely to be as extreme as the prototype spotted at the Nordschleife. What we do know is that Affalterbach has an even crazier coupe in the works, with a GT Black Series essentially shaping up to be a race car with a license plate.
Motor1’s Take: Mercedes-AMG’s renewed commitment to the V8 is about to bear fruit, and we’re all for it. The Mythos CLE marks a return to form, picking up where the AMG 63 C-Class and E-Class Coupe left off. To the delight of traditionalists, there’s a strong chance it won’t be electrified.
Beyond the extra power delivered exclusively by a V8, it may also shed weight. Mercedes-AMG could ditch the rear seats, as the test car appeared to feature a roll cage instead. A bit more noise wouldn’t hurt, but that’s something the aftermarket scene can quickly address. Then again, if the 30-unit production run proves accurate, deep-pocketed owners may hesitate to modify the car for fear of hurting its resale value.
Source:
CarSpyMedia / YouTube