Mercedes CLE could be company's new 'aerodynamics champion' - Report

Mercedes-Benz renewing its Audi A7 rival with a new name.

Mercedes-Benz is now working on a replacement for the Mercedes-Benz CLS Class that will reportedly be named Mercedes CLE in line with its latest nomenclature. The new model is expected to arrive in 2018.

The Mercedes CLE will be a four-door coupe alternative to the Mercedes E-Class. Also shared with the E-Class, as well as the C-Class and S-Class, will be the MRA modular rear-wheel drive platform.

AutoEvolution says that the Mercedes CLE will be yet another, even better exemplar in aerodynamics. The Mercedes CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, marketed as "aerodynamics champion", currently holds the crown with a rating of 0.22 Cd, but the Mercedes CLE could have an even lower drag coefficient. To achieve it, the company will likely use its learnings from the Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile) introduced at IAA 2015 which had an impressive drag coefficient of 0.19 Cd.

A Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 variant powered by the Mercedes-AMG E 63's 603 hp 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 petrol engine would top off the lineup. Technologies including those for autonomous driving like Speed Limit Pilot and Active Lane Change Assist, will also be shared with the E-Class.

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The Mercedes CLS range includes an estate version named CLS Shooting Brake. However, due to its poor sales, there won't be a Mercedes CLE Shooting Brake and the model will be discontinued permanently. Like the Mercedes CLS, the Mercedes CLE could be a niche product India, imported as a CBU.

[Image Source: autoevolution]