Mercedes CLE Cabriolet New Convertible On The Way

Spy photographers have snapped the Mercedes CLE Convertible on numerous occasions and now we’re getting our first glimpse at an upcoming AMG variant.
 

Mercedes-Benz redesigned its C-Class for the 2022 model year, but so far we’ve only been treated to the sedan and wagon.
 
Our latest spy shots show a redesigned version of the C-Class Cabriolet, though we’ve heard that the new convertible—and likely any new coupe—will be rebranded a CLE-Class to reflect a higher positioning in the Mercedes lineup.
 

This way, the CLE-Class can fill in for both the C-Class and E-Class convertibles. Sales of convertibles have been on the decline as more and more buyers turn toward crossovers, and as a result Mercedes has been cutting back on its drop-tops.
 
The automaker has already phased out its SLK-Class, S-Class Cabriolet, and AMG GT Roadster, with the redesigned 2022 AMG SL now the sole option in the upper segment. Look for this CLE-Class to fill in at the more affordable end of the lineup.
 

It’s a strategy similar to what Audi and BMW used for convertible versions of their respective A4 and 3-Series. Recall, the respective predecessors to the A5 Cabriolet and 4-Series Convertible were the A4 Cabriolet and 3-Series Convertible. Mercedes has also been down this path with its original CLK-Class, which was mechanically similar to the C-Class but positioned higher.
 
There is some substance to the rumors as the prototype looks to feature a more muscular stance and slightly slimmer headlights compared to the redesigned C-Class, whose underpinnings it will share.
 

Expect the interior to be similar in design to the C-Class, meaning buyers should be treated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch (with portrait layout) infotainment screen as standard.
 
Powertrains should also be a match. The C-Class is available in the U.S. in C300 guise only at present. Powering the C300 is a 2.0-liter engine that makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, plus a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds another 20 hp and 148 lb-ft for short blasts. More options are coming, including hot C 53 and C 63 models from AMG.
 

As for the roof, Mercedes looks to be going with a soft-top design, just like on the SL, though the automaker has heavily camouflaged it so we can’t see the true shape.
 
A reveal should happen late this year or early next. A coupe should also be coming.