The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class range has sedan moved to four-cylinder engines only – with hybrid technology in AMG models – but its two-door CLE counterpart appears set to hold onto the option of six-cylinder power.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe and convertible seem set to keep the option of six-cylinder power alive – despite being axed in the related new-generation C-Class sedan – but the future of the V8 remains under a cloud.
As previously reported, German car-maker Mercedes-Benz is consolidating two-door versions of the C-Class and E-Class into a single new model, the CLE, underpinned by the same platform as the C-Class sedan.
It was previously expected the CLE would match the engine range of the C-Class, with an all-four-cylinder line-up – aided by mild-hybrid technology in the AMG C43, and plug-in hybrid assistance in the AMG C63.
Now a document submitted by Mercedes-Benz to the US Environmental Protection Agency (and spotted by US magazine Car and Driver) has revealed a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine is poised to remain an option in standard and high-performance AMG models.
The document lists three engine options for the CLE at launch in the US: the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder CLE300, and 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder CLE450 and AMG CLE53.
The regular four- and six-cylinder engines are shared with the new E-Class revealed last week – rather than the C-Class – and while details of the new AMG E53 are yet to be revealed, the outgoing model used the same six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine.
Power outputs are not listed, however equivalent E-Class variants to the CLE300 and CLE450 quote 190kW and 280kW. The outgoing AMG CLE53 claimed 320kW.
MORE: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan unveiled, due in Australia next year
However, it remains unclear what will power the top-of-the-range AMG CLE63.
Spy photos appear to confirm the new model will use plug-in hybrid technology – given there is a charging flap integrated into the rear bumper – but it’s unknown if there will be four, six or eight cylinder petrol engines under the bonnet.
The most likely option was previously believed to be the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system from the new C63, with a 500kW system power output and all-wheel drive.
News that lesser CLE variants will borrow engines from the E-Class suggests the CLE63 could adopt plug-in hybrid power with an inline-six or V8 engine – as a more direct replacement for the 375kW/700Nm twin-turbo, non-hybrid V8 in the outgoing C63 S range.
Reports out of Europe vary on if four, six or eight-cylinder power is bound for the next-generation E63 large super sedan – or if there will even be a new model at all.
All four- and six-cylinder variants of the new CLE listed in the US EPA document are matched with nine-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive.
The move to replace the C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets with the CLE – and mix components from the two – is reminiscent of the CLK coupe and convertible offered by Mercedes-Benz in the late 1990s and through the 2000s.
The CLK was styled to look like the E-Class, but it was underpinned by the smaller C-Class sedan’s platform, and was sized to slot between the two vehicles.
It comes as Mercedes-Benz looks to rationalise its petrol-powered model range, while it rolls out a portfolio of new electric cars.
The CLS four-door ‘coupe’ sedan and AMG GT 4-Door Coupe are also due to be axed at the end of their current generations, as well as three of its seven compact cars – which reports say may be the A-Class hatch and sedan, and B-Class hatch.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is expected to be unveiled by the end of this year.
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