2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 63 S E Performance Cabriolet spy shots

Mercedes-Benz has been downsizing its coupe and convertible lineup in recent years, a trend that has extended to the two-door C-Class and E-Class models.

The latest spy shots show a prototype of the CLE-Class Cabriolet in sporty AMG guise. Also spotted are prototypes of the regular CLE-Class Cabriolet, CLE-Class Coupe, AMG CLE 43 Cabriolet, and AMG CLE 63 S E Performance Coupe.

The latest prototype appears to be the CLE 63 S E Performance Cabriolet. The square exhaust tips indicate that it is an AMG range-topping model. Lesser AMG models have round exhaust tips. Other AMG features include larger wheel and brake combinations, larger air openings in the front, and lowered suspension.

Under the hood should be a Turbo 4-based plug-in hybrid powertrain, similar to the recently announced 2024 C 63 S E performance sedan. The Turbo 4 is an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter engine found in AMG's current compact car. An electric turbocharger has been added, increasing the engine's output to 469 hp. It also has a mild hybrid configuration with an electric motor integrated with the engine, which drives auxiliary functions and also acts as a starter motor.

In addition to this, a more powerful motor (up to 201 hp) is mounted on the rear axle, which can raise the total output to 671 hp for short runs. This rear motor is mated to a dedicated two-speed transmission; a 6.1 kwh battery ensures a modest electric range.

For the modest CLE 43 grade, it is not clear what powertrain is planned, but the same setup introduced in the 2023 C 43 sedan is likely. This setup would consist of a 2.0-liter turbo four that produces 402 hp on its own and a mild hybrid system that would temporarily boost power by 14 hp.

The regular CLE-Class will debut later this year in both coupe and convertible body styles; the AMG version should delay the regular model by six months to a year.