Spy shots of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet: AMG is testing an entry-level cabriolet

While sedan sales may be on the decline, the situation is even worse when it comes to convertibles. As a result, most automakers are either shrinking their convertible lineups or eliminating the convertible body style altogether.

Mercedes-Benz has had one of the most diverse convertible lineups in recent years, but the company is also in the process of streamlining its convertible top offering. The SLK Class, S-Class Cabriolet, and AMG GT Roadster have already all been discontinued, and the new AMG SL has been launched to fill the void.

Next, the convertible versions of the C-Class and E-Class are expected to be phased out and replaced by a single model called the CLE-Class Cabriolet. We have already spotted a prototype of the regular CLE-Class Cabriolet, and now we have a prototype of what appears to be AMG's CLE 53 grade.

We will see both variants hit the market next year as 2023 or 2024 models.

Some of the elements that would indicate that this particular prototype is AMG include larger wheel and brake combinations, larger air openings in the front, and dual-tip exhaust in the back. If the CLE 63 grade is launched, it will have quad exhaust tips in the rear.

It is not clear what is going on in the powertrain department, but it is likely to be the same setup introduced in the recently unveiled SL 43. This setup consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 381 hp on its own and a mild hybrid system that can temporarily boost power by 14 hp. This engine is also equipped with an electric turbocharger similar to those used in Formula One. The electric motor is used to spin the turbo's compressor at low rpm, helping to eliminate lag and give it a performance band similar to a larger naturally aspirated engine.

As for the roof, Mercedes is likely to use the same soft-top design as the new SL. However, the roof is heavily camouflaged in the prototype and its true shape cannot be seen.

Updates will be released as development progresses.