Photos of a Mercedes-Benz coupe prototype wrapped in camouflage and ripping through the snow-blanketed landscape of Sweden have been released by the German marque. Mercedes confirmed in a press release that the car being tested is based on the CLE. It also stated that this will be the second model belonging to the exclusive Mythos series, the first being the limited-run SL Roadster-based PureSpeed in 2024. With its uncanny resemblance to the CLE 53 Coupe, this is likely a new AMG V8-powered CLE.
- Upcoming CLE to be part of the brand’s limited-run Mythos series
- 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 expected under the bonnet
- Global reveal likely in H2 2026
Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe Mythos expected powertrain
CLE Mythos likely to use the flat-plane V8 seen in the new S-Class.
The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe will come with a “powerful drivetrain and performance”, the brand stated in its press release. Where the PureSpeed arrived with a 585hp twin-turbo V8, the existing CLE 53 AMG makes 450hp from its 3.0-litre straight-six engine. Since it will be an exclusive Mercedes‑Benz Mythos series offering, this new Mercedes-AMG CLE will possibly house a 4.0-litre twin-turbo eight-cylinder under its bonnet.
While the brand hasn’t disclosed any powertrain details yet, the recently revealed S-Class facelift uses the M177 Evo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft and a 48V mild-hybrid system. In the flagship sedan, this eight-cylinder mill puts out 537hp and 750Nm. The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe likely employs an uprated version of this same eight-cylinder unit to offer a more satisfying oomph and livelier throttle response. The new Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe will also get a beefier drivetrain and reworked suspension to keep up with the punchier powerplant.
Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe Mythos design
The exterior styling will be an evolution over the existing CLE 53 AMG.
Some of the design aspects of this upcoming Mercedes-AMG are just about discernible in the photos of the camouflaged test mule. Compared to the CLE 53, the more imposing front fascia of the V8-powered model wears AMG’s distinctive ‘Panamericana grille’, below which are large air intakes and a more aggressive front splitter.
Similarly, the rear features a massive fixed wing and an equally aggressive bumper, accompanied by a new diffuser and trapezoidal quad-exhaust nozzles. While not confirmed by Mercedes-AMG, the Mythos series CLE also appears to have a lowered ride height, a wider track and a more noticeably staggered arrangement of the front and rear wheels. All of these design tweaks not only make this upcoming CLE look sportier than the CLE 53, but they are also likely to make a difference in how it drives.
Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe Mythos expected features and interior
The Mythos will look sportier and offer version-specific features over other CLEs.
The upcoming model’s safety suite could include 8 airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, a head-up display, surround-view cameras and configurable electronic stability management. Other features expected in the CLE Coupe Mythos series are AMG suspension with adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering and carbon-ceramic brakes. Equipment such as powered and temperature-controlled front seats with memory, 64-colour ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, wireless smartphone connectivity and a Burmester surround-sound system may be on offer as well.
The new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and its associated AI integration could make its way into this car, too. The cabin should also feature carbon-fibre trim, along with suede and contrast stitching for an overall sportier look. The sporty yet well-packaged interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLE Mythos is unlikely to look too different from the CLE 53. However, there could be a few unique touches to distinguish the Mythos series model from any other CLE versions.
Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe Mythos expected reveal
Production run for all Mythos series cars will be limited, as witnessed previously with the PureSpeed. Therefore, this upcoming V8-powered CLE Coupe is also likely to be produced in very small numbers, at least when compared to regular CLEs. While there are no official prices or a launch date announced yet, the Mercedes-AMG CLE Mythos is set to break cover in the latter half of 2026, Autocar UK reported.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Lenny D'sa
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