Two-door coupe and convertible models don't sell well these days, but that hasn't stopped Mercedes-Benz from building tons of them. The German automaker previously offered the C-Class (Coupe and Cabriolet), E-Class (Coupe and Cabriolet), S-Class (Coupe and Cabriolet), SLC, SL, and AMG GT (Coupe and Roadster) all at the same time. Clearly, some of these models needed to be culled from the lineup. We first caught wind in 2020 that Mercedes would axe many of its two-door models, with some getting replaced by new nameplates.

One such nameplate will be the Mercedes-Benz CLE, a coupe and convertible model that will replace the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (and Convertible) and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (and Convertible). Our spy photographers have previously captured the CLE Convertible out testing, but have now given us a fresh look at the fixed-roof coupe.

Even with the camouflage, we can tell the CLE Coupe shares details with other Mercedes models like the CLA and C-Class. It features sharp headlights and taillights with a curvaceous body that will be shared with the convertible variant. Sadly, as evidenced by the smaller rear side window, it doesn't appear the CLE will retain the E-Class Coupe's unique ability to lower all four pieces of glass, creating a more open driving experience with no B-pillar. So if you want more air for the back seat passengers, you'll have to get the CLE Convertible.

Under the hood, the CLE should share drivetrains with the C-Class Sedan, meaning there will be a base CLE 300 model powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic. The CLE 300 should match the C300 on output with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

This being Mercedes, at least one AMG model is expected. The CLE 43 should share the C43's mild-hybrid setup driving 402 hp and 369 lb-ft out to all four wheels. It's unclear if there will also be a plug-in hybrid CLE 63 E-Performance model with well over 600 hp.

Mercedes was also spotted testing the CLE Convertible alongside the next-generation E-Class Sedan. We've previously seen the E-Class driving around the Nurburgring. It should share engines with the aforementioned CLE and arrive with a longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. The new E-Class should go on sale in the first half of 2023 sporting advanced level 3 semi-autonomous driving tech.