Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible models are reportedly heading for retirement, with their replacement looming as a one-size-fits-all model line dubbed the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.
AutoExpress in the UK reports the two-door, four-seat Mercedes-Benz CLE will reach the market in 2023, helping reduce model complexity amid the German prestige car-maker’s broadening EQ-badged electric vehicle line-up.
Citing an interview with Mercedes-Benz research and development boss Marcus Schafer, AutoExpress said the CLE will fill the gap left by the recently axed SLC, as well as the C-Class and E-Class cabriolet models, and will also be available in coupe form.
“We want to focus on these models,” Schafer explained. “They have their niche and their purpose. That’s why we are going to tailor exactly the right vehicle in this segment.
“There’s more to come on the coupe and cabriolet side in this mid-segment, but it’s going to take a little bit more time before we can speak about it.”
As you can see from the pictures here that were recently snapped by our spy photographers in Europe, Mercedes-Benz is well into development of its new mid-size two-door model range, although initial intelligence suggested these were of the forthcoming redesigned C-Class cabrio.
Based on the latest reports, this could now be interpreted as the first sighting of the CLE.
The CLE revelation follows reports out of the US recently that the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster would effectively be replaced by the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL.
Technical details of the CLE remain under wraps, however it’s understood the new bridging model will ride on the same MRA-2 platform as the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class and S-Class, rather than the new AMG-designed architecture doing duty in the new SL.
Although the new C-Class line-up is strictly four-cylinder – including a four-pot plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C 63 for the first time – there could be flexibility for four-cylinder and six-cylinder power in the CLE.