Mercedes is working on a high-performance CLE 63, but a new prototype suggests it might offer two different powertrains
3 hours ago
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- Spy photographers have caught the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63.
- This particular prototype is notable as it doesn’t appear to have a rear charging port like earlier models.
Mercedes-AMG introduced the CLE 53 last year and now they’re gearing up to unveil an even more extreme variant. A prototype was recently spied undergoing testing, but it appears to be missing a charging port.
This is an interesting omission as previous spy photos of the CLE 63 S E Performance have shown a rather obvious charging door on the right rear bumper. We can also rule out this being an old CLE 53 prototype as it sports a squared off four-tailpipe exhaust system.
More: 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE Spotted In Mild 53 And Wild 63 Guises
Given all of this, we’re left wondering if the CLE 63 will be offered with two different powertrains. It’s not unheard of as the SL is available in 63 and 63 S E Performance guise.
The former has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 developing 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 590 lb-ft (799 Nm) of torque, while the latter has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the twin-turbo V8 with a rear-mounted motor and a 6.1 kWh battery pack. This gives the high-performance roadster 805 hp (600 kW / 816 PS) and 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm) of torque.
SH Proshots
Needless to say the CLE 63 S E Performance won’t be that extreme as it’s expected to echo the C 63 S E Performance, which has 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 752 lb-ft (1,018 Nm) of torque. However, since the CLE 53 uses an inline-six, there’s speculation the CLE 63 could follow suit and mirror the E63 S E Performance. If that’s the case, the model could have more than 700 hp (522 kW / 710 PS).
However, this prototype doesn’t appear to be a plug-in hybrid unless the charging port door was purposely covered. That seems unlikely and it’s interesting to note there were rumors the C63 and E63 would eventually get a V8 engine. Insiders threw water on that idea, but perhaps there was a missing L between that C and E.
Regardless of what the company has up their sleeve, the prototype has an aggressive front fascia with a Panamericana grille and sporty intakes. They’re joined by front fender vents, a sizable rear spoiler, and lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system.
