Mercedes-Benz CLE (spy shot)
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is coming to the end of its
second generation, as evidenced by this test mule for the next-generation car.
The sources say the next sleek-roofed sedan will be named the CLE as part of
the marque’s new naming convention, in this case referencing the E-Class as the
basis from which the new car will be built.
The design language now follows the latest
Mercedes-Benz direction, the sleek CLS silhouette remains, albeit with a
slightly more pronounced three-box sedan shape courtesy of what appears to be a
more upright glasshouse, while the wider, more horizontal tail lamps have a
hint of S-Class Coupe. In front, headlamps appear to be LED units,
complementing a more upright front fascia.
The biggest change, will be
the six-cylinder engines’ move from V6 to an inline configuration, displacing 3
litres while the four- and six-cylinder diesels will displace 2 and 3 litres
respectively, keeping to a displacement of 500 cc per cylinder.
The upper end of the CLE range can be expected to be
crowned by the AMG 63 variant, powered by the 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 in a
similar tune to the one in the Mercedes-AMG E 63. The range-topping CLE could
possibly deploy the E 63’s equipment, which includes the all-wheel-drive 4Matic
driveline with the nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Inside, the CLE is expected to adopt the W213’s
instrumentation, with dual widescreen displays providing customisable sets of
information.
Source : Paultan
