Mercedes-Benz CLE coming soon as segment-straddling two-door – report

An all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE may soon be introduced by the company, in an attempt to consolidate areas of its product range.

Mercedes-Benz is expected to introduce the CLE in both coupe and convertible form, replacing two-door variants of the small C-Class and mid-size E-Class, according to a new report from the UK's Auto Express.

It's thought the new CLE will also serve as a replacement the company's entry-level SLC roadster, which was recently axed. The refined line-up will leave the CLE as the only option for buyers, before stepping up to the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG SL.

The new SL will replace the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, and will likely fill the gap left by the S-Class coupe and convertible, which were not brought back when the latest generation of the S-Class sedan was unveiled in late 2020.

While the SL will be based on an all-new aluminium composite chassis developed by engineers at AMG, it's expected the CLE will be underpinned by MRA2 architecture, which is being rolled out across the Mercedes-Benz range.

The flexibility of MRA2 means Mercedes could fit a six-cylinder engine to the CLE, even as the next-generation AMG C63 moves to a hybrid four-cylinder hybrid powertrain – potentially helping to bridge the gap between C-Class and E-Class buyers.

It's understood Mercedes-Benz recently renewed its trademark for the CLE badge, suggesting the new model could be less than a year away from being unveiled.

Following years of product expansion – with many niche models introduced in each segment – Mercedes-Benz executives have expressed a need to reduce complexity across its range.