While variety is the spice of life, Mercedes has come to their senses and realized they don’t need a ton of convertibles. As a result, the S-Class Cabrio has been dropped and the next-generation AMG GT is expected to eschew its roadster variant as it has effectively been replaced by the redesigned SL.
However, the company isn’t done chipping
away at their convertible lineup as the C- and E-Class cabrios are slated to be
merged into one vehicle. Rumored to adopt the CLE moniker, the model will be
offered as a coupe and convertible, and spy photographers recently snapped the
latter variant undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden.
Expected to be based on the latest
C-Class, the CLE is heavily disguised but appears to feature a sporty front
fascia with unique headlights. Moving further back, we can see a sloping hood,
a rakish windscreen, and curvaceous bodywork. They’re joined by an angular
beltline, a slanted trunk, and what’s believed to be a retractable soft top. Spy
photographers haven’t gotten a good look inside, but the cabin will presumably
echo the C-Class. As a result, we can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument
cluster and an 11.9-inch infotainment system as well as traditional drop top
features such as AirScarf.
Engine options will likely be shared with
the C-Class and this means we can expect a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
developing 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque. We can
also expect higher performance variants including a possible CLE43 / CLE53,
which would presumably echo the upcoming C43 / C53.
