Mercedes-Benz is rolling out a facelift across its CLE line-up, and a lightly disguised CLE Cabriolet prototype has been photographed testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The refreshed model follows the limited-edition Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, which was the first CLE variant to debut the updated design when it launched three weeks ago.
The white prototype, fitted with a bright red fabric soft top, wears the same upgraded headlights as the CLE 646, complete with star-shaped daytime running lights. Camouflage obscures much of the front end, but the grille appears to have been tweaked and the air intakes are likely to have been revised. The hood, door skins and quarter panels look identical to the outgoing model, which is unsurprising given the subtle nature of the facelift.
At the rear, the prototype features new taillights that also adopt star-shaped light signatures, a design element Mercedes-Benz is introducing across its entire family. The rear bumper on this test car is identical to existing models, including the CLE 300, though the finished version could differ slightly. Any changes are expected to be minor.
The facelifted CLE is expected to retain the current powertrain line-up. The CLE 200 and CLE 300 both use a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 201 hp and 255 hp respectively. The CLE 450 sits higher in the range with a 3.0-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six developing 375 hp.
In August, spy photographers captured the CLE 53 being tested. It is expected to keep its current 3.0-litre turbo inline-six, though it could be slightly more powerful, potentially matching the 443 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque found in the new GLC 53.
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, limited to just 30 units, was launched as the second Mercedes Mythos model and became the first AMG to use the brand's latest flat-plane crank 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. While it generated considerable attention, its premiere also marked the first appearance of the CLE's facelift, which will now filter down to the rest of the range, including the base Cabriolet.
Mercedes has not announced a launch date for the updated CLE, but the prototype's appearance at the Nürburgring suggests development is well advanced. The facelift is expected to keep the model competitive in the premium convertible segment, where subtle design updates and efficient mild-hybrid powertrains remain key selling points.