- mercedes is set to introduce a new coupe and convertible model called the cle-class, according to a report by autoexpress.
- the cle will serve as a replacement for both the c-class and e-class coupe and convertible variants as mercedes reduces the number of models in its lineup.
- we expect to see the cle debut in 2022 as a 2023 model.
mercedes-benz at one point sold six distinct convertible models, but the automaker is drastically reducing the number of droptops in its lineup. the s-class convertible and slc-class are already gone, and now new spy photos and a renewed u.s. trademark for the name "cle" suggest that a single model will replace the two-door versions of the c-class and e-class.
set to be sold as both a two-door coupe and a convertible, the cle-class appears to be the spiritual successor to the previous clk-class, which similarly bridged a gap between the c-class and e-class sedans. it will likely be mechanically similar to the new w206 c-class sedan, which will come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four in the u.s. we could see a cle300 model as the base version, with a possible cle450 using the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six found in the e-class.
in these spy photos, we can see that the cle-class convertible is a bit more swoopy and stylish than the c-class four-door, with wider proportions and a more shapely rear end. it has a cloth softtop rather than a heavy and complex retractable hardtop. its closest competitors will be the bmw 4-series and audi a5 convertibles, both of which also have softtops.
we expect the outgoing c-class coupe and convertible models to be discontinued for 2022, while the e-class two-doors may stick around for a little longer until the cle-class is revealed. its starting price will likely be somewhere around $60,000.