A lightly camouflaged Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet prototype has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, previewing the facelift introduced with the limited-production Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung.

The CLE 646, limited to 30 units, was the only version to premiere the updated design. Mercedes is expected to extend those revisions across the broader CLE lineup, including the standard Cabriolet shown in prototype form.

Updated lighting and minor exterior changes

The prototype uses revised headlights with star-shaped daytime running light signatures. The same design theme appears at the rear, where the updated taillights also feature star-shaped lighting elements.

Camouflage conceals much of the front fascia, although the grille appears to have been revised and the air intakes may receive corresponding changes. The hood, doors, and rear quarter panels look unchanged from the current model, consistent with the relatively restrained nature of the facelift.

The rear bumper appears identical to the unit used on existing CLE variants such as the CLE 300. The production version could feature small differences, although any changes are expected to be minor.

Beyond the styling updates, the prototype stands out for its white exterior and bright red fabric roof. Those details give it a distinctive appearance, but the car does not carry the more extensive visual and mechanical changes associated with the AMG CLE 646.

Current powertrains expected to continue

Facelifted CLE models are expected to retain the powertrains offered in the current range. The CLE 200 and CLE 300 are both expected to continue with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Their current outputs are 201 horsepower and 255 horsepower, respectively.

The CLE 450 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six producing 375 horsepower, and that engine is also expected to remain available.

Mercedes-AMG’s CLE 53 has also been seen testing. It is expected to retain its current 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, though its output could increase. One possibility is that it may reach the 443-horsepower and 443-pound-foot figures used by the newer GLC 53, but that has not been confirmed.