2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe Spied: V8 Power Makes a Comeback
Mercedes-AMG seems to be taking a page from the old-school performance playbook for its upcoming CLE 63 Coupe. Recent spy shots reveal a muscular two-door that’s ditching the plug-in hybrid setup in favor of a pure, albeit mildly hybridized, V8 powerplant. This move could signal a shift in AMG’s strategy, prioritizing driving dynamics and weight savings over maximum electrified output.
What’s New:
- V8 biturbo engine returns, replacing the previously expected plug-in hybrid powertrain
- Lighter overall package due to the removal of heavy battery systems
- Revised styling with prominent AMG design cues
Powertrain and Performance: Under the hood, we expect to find AMG’s familiar 4.0-liter biturbo V8, now equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. While it won’t match the 700+ horsepower figures of AMG’s current crop of “E Performance” plug-in hybrids, our sources suggest an output of around 585 horsepower. That’s a healthy bump over the BMW M4 Competition’s 503 horses, ensuring the three-pointed star stays ahead in the numbers game.
The V8 will pair with AMG’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission, a combo that should deliver blistering acceleration and all-weather capability.
Design and Styling: Spy shots reveal an aggressive front end dominated by AMG’s Panamericana grille and large air intakes. Performance-oriented details abound, including front fender vents, massive wheels hiding drilled brake rotors, and the obligatory quad exhaust tips. The overall silhouette maintains the elegant-yet-muscular proportions we’ve come to expect from AMG’s two-door offerings.
Market Positioning and Release: Set to arrive in late 2025 as a 2026 model, the CLE 63 Coupe will slot between the C63 and E63 in AMG’s lineup. It’s a spiritual successor to the much-loved C63 Coupe, offering a more focused driving experience than its four-door siblings.
What It Means: AMG’s decision to forgo the plug-in hybrid setup in the CLE 63 Coupe could indicate a split strategy within the performance brand. While sedan and SUV models may continue to push the electrification envelope, coupes and convertibles might retain a more traditional, lightweight approach to performance. This could also open the door for an equally potent CLE 63 Cabriolet, a model that wasn’t initially on the radar.
The Bottom Line: With its return to V8 power and a focus on reduced weight, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe looks poised to offer a more purist driving experience. It’s a move that’s sure to please AMG traditionalists while still incorporating enough modern technology to keep the model relevant in an increasingly electrified world.
