2028 Mercedes CLE Cabriolet facelift spied at Nurburgring

Mercedes-Benz has begun applying a mid-cycle facelift to the CLE Cabriolet; a 2028 model year prototype was spied testing at the Nurburgring showing revised lights and other exterior updates.

The facelift first appeared on the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG CLE 646, and the refreshed design language is now being rolled out to the lesser AMG and regular-Benz variants.

Photos show entirely new front headlights with a star-shaped LED signature and revised rear lights identical to the AMG CLE 646. The grille and front bumper remain under camouflage but are expected to be revised, with redesigned vents and a new central air intake. The trunk lid appears unchanged and the rear bumper on this early test car has not yet been updated.

Primary body panels including the hood, front fenders, doors and rear three-quarter panels are unchanged from the outgoing model. The cabin was not accessible to cameras; interior changes are expected to be modest. Alcantara, bucket seats, carbon-fiber trim and the rear-seat delete will remain features reserved for the AMG CLE 646.

Mercedes is expected to carry over the current powertrain lineup. That includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance in the CLE 200 and CLE 300 (201 and 255 horsepower respectively) and a 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six in the CLE 450 with 375 horsepower. Mercedes lists the CLE 450 at 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, about two seconds quicker than the CLE 300.

The standard AMG CLE 53 makes 443 horsepower and posts similar 0-60 mph performance to the CLE 450. The range-topping AMG CLE 646 is rear-wheel drive, uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crank, produces 637 horsepower, weighs 4,178 lbs (nearly 1.9 metric tons) and, according to the spec sheet, reaches 124 mph (200 kph) in 11.4 seconds from a standing start.

The current CLE family carries the 2027 model year in the United States. Spy photographers expect the facelift to be presented in early 2027 and to reach dealers as a 2028 model year, likely launching in Europe before North America and other markets.

Prices are expected to rise slightly. Mercedes lists the outgoing CLE 300 Cabriolet MSRP at $69,400; the 2027 CLE 450 Cabriolet starts at $78,900 and the 2027 AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet at $85,700.

The CLE Coupe will receive the same exterior and minor interior updates and will likely be priced slightly higher than the current models. Current U.S. pricing for 2027 coupes starts at $60,900 for the CLE 300 4Matic, $70,500 for the CLE 450 4Matic and $77,400 for the AMG CLE 53.

Production of the CLE family takes place in Bremen, Germany and in Thailand. The CLE replaces the two-door variants of the C-Class and E-Class, shares architecture with the W206 C-Class and W214 E-Class, and is offered in gasoline, plug-in hybrid form (CLE 300e) and, overseas, as a diesel CLE 220d.