2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 63 SE Performance spy shots and video

While sales of sedans are declining, the situation is even worse when it comes to coupes and convertibles. As a result, most automakers have scaled back the number of two-door cars they offer or eliminated body styles altogether.

Mercedes-Benz has had one of the most diverse ranges of coupes and convertibles in recent years, but it is also streamlining its sporty offering. The SLK-Class, S-Class coupe, S-Class convertible and AMG GT Roadster have all already been dropped.

Next, the coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class and E-Class will be phased out and replaced by a single model reportedly called the CLE-Class. We’ve already seen prototypes of this potential CLE-Class in coupe and convertible form, as well as in sporty CLE 53 guise. Now we have spy images and video of what appears to be a powerful CLE 63 from AMG.

Elements that indicate this particular prototype is a top of the range AMG 63 model include the large wheel and brake combination, the large front air vents and the square exhaust tips. The prototype for the CLE 53 had round points.

Under the hood should be the same turbo-4 based plug-in hybrid powertrain as in the recently launched 2024 C 63 SE Performance sedan. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 is an improved version of the engine found in AMG’s current range of compact cars. Thanks to the addition of an electric turbocharger, the engine’s power is increased to 469 hp. The engine is then paired with an electric motor in a mild-hybrid configuration to draw power for additional functions and serve as a starter motor.

In addition, there is a much more powerful engine on the rear axle (up to 201 hp) that brings the combined power to a maximum of 671 hp. This rear engine is linked to its own 2-speed transmission. A 6.1 kWh battery ensures that a small electric range is possible. A similar setup, albeit with a V-8 engine, can be found in the 2023 GT 63 SE Performance 4-Door Coupe and the 2023 S 63 E Performance.

Mercedes-AMG E-Performance

In the case of the C 63 SE Performance, all hardware is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds. The top speed is a regulated 270 km/h. Performance should be comparable for the CLE with this powertrain.

The fire-breathing AMG version should come on the market at the end of 2024 or possibly 2025. A CLE 63 SE Performance convertible is also in the works.