In 2023, as part of a push to minimize the expensive exercise of filling every possible niche, Mercedes-Benz combined the E-Class and C-Class coupes, creating the CLE. As we come to the end of 2025, the CLE is now reaching the middle of its lifecycle, and in 2026, a facelift will be necessary to keep its styling and capability in line with that of other, newer Benzes, like the all-new CLA. That means stars in its eyes (headlights), and some tech updates. Our spies have spotted a prototype of the new two-door testing on public roads, and although the changes are minor, at least at this stage, they’re worth a quick look.
An Unchanged Rear End?
SH Proshots/Autoblog
The early test mule caught by our spies has a fully camouflaged front end with no obscurity for the rest of the design, but that may not be indicative of the final product. Mercedes may yet swap out the taillights for ones with star-shaped daytime running lights, or it may decide that the existing look is still good enough, but we’d put our money on the former. Moving to what we know will change, the new front fascia will get an enlarged grille with revised mesh that will likely mirror that of the aforementioned CLA.
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In addition, the headlights, which appear to be more recessed, with a sort of brow above them, will get those star-shaped LED details, and lower down, we expect some minor revisions to the shape of the lower side intakes. Some black tape over the mirrors might suggest a mildly redesigned turn signal indicator setup, too.
CLE To Gain AI-Focused Tech Inside
SH Proshots/Autoblog
Customers don’t want to just look like they’re in a brand-new car; they want to feel it, too, and the 2026 CLE will aim to satisfy with more CLA influence. Our spies haven’t yet caught a look at the cabin, but the latest, fourth-generation MBUX infotainment setup with voice control will find its way there, which features a new MB.OS operating system; this is the “first in-car infotainment system ever to integrate AI from both Microsoft and Google,” Mercedes proudly proclaims. Buyers can expect dealership salespersons to push them toward the optional Superscreen, which combines a 10.25-inch driver display with a 14-inch central touchscreen and a 14-inch passenger display. As for what they’ll find under the hood, we expect the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder of the current CLE 300 (255 horsepower) and the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six of the CLE 450 (375 hp) to carry over, potentially with mild bumps in output. We’ll know more as further prototypes hit the road.
SH Proshots/Autoblog
