CLE (C236) 2023 MERCEDES-BENZ CLE

[Mr. Mercedes]

I think we got it now.

M

I plan on outdoing a certain other member with my incessant bitching and moaning. And then I will move on to personal attacks for anyone who does not agree with me.

 

[Deleted member 57437]

M-B test mules featuring C257 CLS bodies with widened tracks and larger, bulged wheelarches are being presented by various automotive media providers today.
Will there be a CLS-replacing CLE 4 door sedoupe after all ? Could it be something else altogether ?

 

[fortuner]

M-B test mules featuring C257 CLS bodies with widened tracks and larger, bulged wheelarches are being presented by various automotive media providers today.
Will there be a CLS-replacing CLE 4 door sedoupe after all ? Could it be something else altogether ?

Wonder what this is ?

 

[Merc1]

Hmmmm. If the next AMG 4door is an EV on the new architecture then there may be room for this as a ice vehicle.

M

 

[Rolf]

M-B test mules featuring C257 CLS bodies with widened tracks and larger, bulged wheelarches are being presented by various automotive media providers today.
Will there be a CLS-replacing CLE 4 door sedoupe after all ? Could it be something else altogether ?

Wow the CLE could be a 4dr like CLS mmmm interesting

 

[Merc1]

Same car just a different name. It's CL to S Coupe. Same thing. I have a feeling Mercedes is being stubborn here and will forge ahead with another ICE 4-door coupe and just retag it as the CLE as rumored. IMO it only works if the replacement for the AMG GT 4door is an EV only vehicle. I personally think this new model lineup should be the CLK, but I get it that it doesn't fit naming wise.

M

 

[leylandi]

It won't be a 4-door CLE

 

[Merc1]

Well don't just leave it there, what is it lol?


M

 

[Deleted member 57437]

It won't be a 4-door CLE

Let me guess...

M-B decision-makers desiring to "right the unfortunate aesthetic wrongs" of Gorden Wageners' "One Bow" architectural paradigm, hence bringing a genuinely, classically beautiful (perhaps electric) sport/luxury 4 door sedoupe to compete with the Taycans and eTron GTs of the world.

What ? Wishful thinking ? NOT ME ! I've done some research, man .

 

[Antti]

M-B test mules featuring C257 CLS bodies with widened tracks and larger, bulged wheelarches are being presented by various automotive media providers today.
Will there be a CLS-replacing CLE 4 door sedoupe after all ? Could it be something else altogether ?

Is there any news as to what kind of sound the car made? Is it definitely an ICE vehicle? Or could it be a mule for the new 2025 EQC sedan?

The other alternative I’m thinking could be a replacement for the AMG GT 4-door ?

 

[Deleted member 57437]

Is there any news as to what kind of sound the car made? Is it definitely an ICE vehicle? Or could it be a mule for the new 2025 EQC sedan?

The other alternative I’m thinking could be a replacement for the AMG GT 4-door ?

Other than images and random speculation, no further news that I am aware of.

Perhaps other forum members could shed some light on this...

@leylandi ? @Serpens ?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I was convinced the CLS was not being replaced, so this is very intriguing.

Could the raised ride height suggest that's it's actually an EV underneath?

MB's marketing has been trying to convince us the EQE is a marriage of elements from a CLS end E-sedan, so what could this be?

One thing is for sure, and that is the current CLS is a bloody mismanaged product line and wasted design success.

 

[leylandi]

Other than images and random speculation, no further news that I am aware of.

Perhaps other forum members could shed some light on this...

@leylandi ? @Serpens ?

The platform of a new vehicle is being tested. CLS and GT 4-door production will stop at the end of 2023. so they have no successor, we know that. Since the last ICE model to be released will be the W214 e class, the MB.EA platform may have started to be tested. It's unlikely to be a CLE because the car has already entered the testing phase with its own body.

 

[Antti]

The platform of a new vehicle is being tested. CLS and GT 4-door production will stop at the end of 2023. so they have no successor, we know that. Since the last ICE model to be released will be the W214 e class, the MB.EA platform may have started to be tested. It's unlikely to be a CLE because the car has already entered the testing phase with its own body.

So EQC it is?

 

[Deleted member 57437]

So EQC it is?

Wouldn't that mule indicate something of larger exterior dimensions ? Perhaps some sort of AMG.EA platformed large 4 door automobile that would replace the ICE X290.

 

[Antti]

Wouldn't that mule indicate something of larger exterior dimensions ? Perhaps some sort of AMG.EA platformed large 4 door automobile that would replace the ICE X290.

The wheels are very large as well, which is interesting

 

[GTA45E]

The W214 E-Class began life the same way, under the previous platform with a wider track. Most everyone thought it was canceled, then the new E sprung to life in production mules. Motor1 assumes MB is breathing new life in the CLS (would appreciate if articles were posted with pictures)
Whatever this is, it appears to be production-based for an ICE engine (not EV) like the wide track E-Mule.

 

[Antti]

Alright, so if we go by the rule that the simplest explanation is always the most probable one, then this mule is the next gen ICE CLS which will share its platform with the new upcoming E Class

 

[Deleted member 57437]

Alright, so if we go by the rule that the simplest explanation is always the most probable one, then this mule is the next gen ICE CLS which will share its platform with the new upcoming E Class

...although the simplest explanation would be the most unexpected one in this particular case. I'm among those who resigned myself to the notion that the CLS will be GONE and never to return following the model run of the C257. Hey, I'll be pleased if it isn't so.

 

[fortuner]

Very confused what this is

could it be a next CLS surprise surprise

could they be testing some EV bits using a existing CLS teat car and saving Cost?

I think it’s AMG using the car to test some EV tech that’s my opinion.