Mercedes recently promised to release more AMG-badged V8 cars and it looks like the CLE63 is next. A new video taken in sunny Spain shows prototypes of the top-of-the-range CLE coupe version with camouflaged front and rear sections. Even with the video muted, you can easily guess that it’s not the ’53’ thanks to the four rectangular tailpipes, while the lower-spec AMG version has round tips.
Just as obvious is the distinctive growl generated by what is likely a V8 engine. Rumor has it that Mercedes-AMG intended to integrate the C63’s four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain into the CLE63. However, due to low demand for the C63 sedan and station wagon, plans have changed. The CLE63 coupe and convertible would now be equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with mild-hybrid assist.
Either way, this engine certainly feels more powerful than a small four-cylinder. Changing the engine so late in the development phase risks being accompanied by a handicap in terms of power. The CLE63 should now develop 585 hp instead of the 671 hp of the C63. However, this power would be available at all times, which is not the case with the C63 or GLC63.
Either way, it would have been weird to put a four-cylinder engine in the 63 when the lower 53 model that has already been revealed has an inline-six engine. Certainly, the flagship would have had more power, but enthusiasts are still very interested in the type of engine. Unfortunately, it’s too late for the C63 to get its V8 back since this car is already out.
Beyond the shape of the exhaust tips and the sound of the engine, there’s another interesting detail we noted. Have you noticed that there is no fuel door on the driver’s side rear fender? The C63 and GLC63 have one for the charging port. That’s not the case here, so we strongly suspect that these prototypes are not plug-in hybrids.
If the engine was indeed changed, logic dictates that the market launch could have been postponed to carry out additional development and testing. Mercedes is in no rush to reveal the car since the CLE53 is less than a year old. The complete 63 models are expected to go on sale later, in 2025.
