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 – 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 & 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 & 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.
