Every Mercedes fan and their pet knows about the CLE. It is the replacement to the two-door versions of the E- and C-Class, offered in two body styles: coupe and cabriolet. They are also aware of the AMG CLE 53 and are probably excited about the range-topping 63.
It was the latter model that recently became the focus of our spy photographer's camera lens. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 (S E Performance?) was caught in prototype form, testing in Germany, with its front and rear ends under wraps.
Nevertheless, despite the vinyl stickers, we already know what to expect. Plus, the changes are in your face. As a result, the model features the Panamericana grille, which is a signature trait of modern-day high-end AMGs. It also has a sportier bumper with three air intakes.
Changes out back include the bumper and diffuser combination, and if you were wondering whether this is indeed the CLE 63 and not a lesser model, then all you have to do is look at the exhaust system with its squared-off tips. We can also see a discreet trunk lid spoiler, and the front and rear ends will feature the AMG logo.
Photo: SH Proshots
The same badge will decorate the wheels, too. The pictured car came with a set of Y-spoke alloys in black, spinning around the red brake calipers that touch the cross-drilled discs every time the driver steps on the left pedal. The tires came from Michelin, and this may be the stock offering. Moreover, the car has a retuned chassis with stiffer suspension and lower ground clearance compared to the regular Benz models and the CLE 53, and it likely features wider tracks, too.
The interior will be identical to the lesser variants, bar a few differences. Yet we expect it to have a pair of bucket seats for the driver and person riding shotgun. Multiple carbon fiber trim should bedeck the cockpit, and the car will likely sport exclusive upholstery and a few tweaks in the two main screens: the infotainment with its portrait-like positioning and the tablet-like digital instrument cluster.
As for the big question, what lies under the hood? Well, we can sadly confirm that it's not a V8. Heck, it is not even a six-pot, as the Affalterbach brand opted for the 2.0L electrified assembly powering the latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance. This model uses a four-banger, a rear-mounted electric motor, and a 6.1 kWh battery. It enjoys a total of 670 hp (680 ps/500 kW) and 752 pound-foot (1,020 Nm) of torque, taking 3.4s to reach 62 mph (100 kph) and tapping out at 174 mph (280 kph).
Mercedes-AMG may unveil the CLE 63 in the coming months, so we expect to see more prototypes in the wild by then.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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