Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 may be equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine

The Mercedes CLE range continues to grow, with spy photographers snapping new photos of the Model 63. The car is wearing very little camouflage, which means a reveal is imminent.

Whenever it was introduced, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 followed the styling of the 53, with the Panamericana grille and wide central air intake with vertical bars. However, the 63 went a step further and featured unique fins in the air intakes.

MORE: This Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 prototype appears to eschew PHEV power

The familiar design continues to the rear, where we can see sporty side skirts, front fender vents, and lightweight wheels that are supported by beefy brakes. The rear is even more different, as the model is equipped with a quad-tailpipe exhaust system with square tips as well as a unique diffuser.

It’s also worth noting that this prototype lacks a rear charging port and an electrification warning sticker. While some reports have suggested Mercedes has decided to forgo the plug-in hybrid powertrain and go with just a V8, we’ve seen hybrid prototypes and the company has a history of offering both a conventional V8 and SE Performance variants.

As a result, we could get two powertrains. One could echo the C63 SE Performance, which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a rear-mounted electric motor, a 6.1 kWh battery pack, and a fully variable all-wheel drive system. This brings the car’s total output to 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 752 lb-ft (1,018 Nm) of torque.

However, this prototype is likely equipped with a more conventional twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. It is not yet clear what its power rating is, but the SL 63 has 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.

SH Proshots/CarScoops