This Detail Could Be Proof The Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Will Have A V8

CarBuzz spy photographers have caught the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S undergoing testing in Europe with far less camouflage than before, and we’ve noticed an interesting detail. While the development mule in question was only photographed on one side, our spies tell us that they did not see any evidence of a charging port, nor any warning decals indicating an electrified powertrain.

For the record, the AMG CLE 53 has already been unveiled with slightly less aggressive styling, and it’s powered by a turbocharged straight-six hybrid developing 443 horsepower and up to 443 lb-ft of torque (for a 12-second burst using the overboost function).

Possible Confirmation Of A V8 Engine

The CLE 63 was previously expected to adopt the 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid system from the AMG C63 S E Performance. There, it produces up to 671 hp, but the four-cylinder engine lacks character and the extensive hybrid componentry makes it a very heavy sports sedan. As a result, some customers have shunned the C63, prompting reports of a V8 powertrain now being under consideration for the CLE 63.

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Mercedes invested a lot of time, money, and effort in the 2.0-liter hybrid and had planned to use it in several other products beyond just the C63 and, more recently, the AMG GLC 63 SUV. If the power plant won’t make its way to the AMG CLE (which effectively replaces AMG variants of both the C-Class and E-Class Coupe), it’s likely that AMG’s ubiquitous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will. According to AMG CEO Michael Schiebe, there is no longer a specified end date for the eight-cylinder mill, suggesting new models will arrive bearing the V8.

Aggressive Looks To Match The V8’s Rumble

Before we talk about the styling, we should mention that although Mercedes is simplifying its model lineup with fewer niche-filling models, the German automaker is also expanding what each of its remaining cars can do. The AMG GT is a good example; Affalterbach’s sports car rival to the 911 recently got a fifth variant called the AMG GT 63 Pro. Following this, the AMG GT sports car range offers three pure-combustion V8s with differing outputs, an electrified S E Performance V8, and a four-cylinder in the GT 43. Perhaps similar plans have been made regarding the CLE.

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Like the CLE 53 and C 63, the CLE 63 S has a vented hood, but its grille appears to have thicker vertical bars, and the lower side intakes also show vertical slats as opposed to the horizontal accents on the CLE 53. The wheels appear to be identical to those on the six-cylinder variant, and the only major design change is that the 53’s round exhaust tips will be squared for the 63 and housed within a more aggressive diffuser panel. These elements all look production-ready, so don’t be surprised to see a reveal soon. Perhaps AMG will announce its new V8 sports car at the best car show in the world next month.