For enthusiasts who have been closely following the evolution of Affalterbach’s modern lineup, few topics have sparked as much passionate debate as what belongs under the hood of a flagship AMG coupe.


When Mercedes-Benz merged the C-Class and E-Class coupes into the sleek, unified CLE platform, the stage was immediately set for a range-topping CLE 63 S.


While early prototypes hinted at a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid E Performance setup, Mercedes-AMG ultimately listened to its vocal purist fanbase—pivoting back toward proper eight-cylinder firepower. And while the ultra-exclusive, track-focused CLE Mythos has been grabbing headlines with its massive rear wing and collector-grade price tag, the series-production Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S is the car enthusiasts will actually see conquering the road.

Featured in the November 2026 issue of Germany’s Auto Zeitung magazine (Issue No. 23, 04.11.2026), my latest series of digital illustrations strips away the heavy prototype camouflage to reveal the production guise of the upcoming V8-powered CLE 63 S.


From Spy Shots to Digital Reality: The Design Breakdown


Translating a heavily disguised test mule into a photorealistic, high-accuracy illustration requires reading between the lines of vinyl wrap and false body panels. Working from the latest prototype reference imagery—including stellar spy photography from @wilcoblok—the goal for this Auto Zeitung commission was to capture the unmistakable visual aggression that separates a true "63" from the milder, six-cylinder CLE 53.


1. A More Predatory Front Fascia

While the CLE 53 already wears the signature AMG Panamericana vertical-slat grille and widened front fenders, the CLE 63 S dials the intensity up a notch. Peeling back the camouflage on the lower bumper reveals AMG’s hallmark "jet-wing" apron geometry. Enlarged outer air intakes feed the auxiliary coolers required by the twin-turbocharged V8, flanked by sharper aerodynamic flics and a deeper front splitter that visually plants the nose to the tarmac.


2. Broad-Shouldered Grand Touring Stance

The CLE inherently possesses some of the best two-door proportions on the market today—a long, muscular hood with twin power domes, a cab-backward silhouette, and flared rear haunches. For the CLE 63 S illustrations, we emphasized the wider track, lowered suspension geometry, and multi-spoke forged AMG wheels housing upgraded high-performance composite brakes. Subtle side-skirt aero inserts carry the visual tension from the front arch right through to the rear quarter.


3. The Telltale Rear End

In the world of prototype spotting, the exhaust tips never lie. Whereas the CLE 53 utilizes quad round tailpipes, the CLE 63 S prototypes proudly display AMG’s signature trapezoidal, squared-off quad exhaust outlets integrated into a much more aggressive rear diffuser. Combined with a sharper carbon-fiber lip spoiler on the trunk lid and widened rear bumper vents, the rear three-quarter view leaves no doubt about the car's pedigree.


The Heart of the Matter: The Return of the V8


What makes this specific project so exciting to illustrate is the mechanical soul beneath the sheet metal. Rather than following the complex four-cylinder hybrid route of the C 63 S E Performance, the CLE 63 S is slated to receive Mercedes-AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

By ditching the heavy plug-in hybrid battery pack in favor of a mild-hybrid V8 architecture, the CLE 63 S promises not only the visceral soundtrack that defines traditional AMG grand tourers, but also a sharper, more balanced curb weight to take on rivals from Munich and Ingolstadt.


Featured in Auto Zeitung & Across the Web


Creating artwork for print magazines remains one of the most rewarding aspects of running Avarvarii Automotive Artworks. Seeing these CLE 63 S renders printed in Issue 23 of Auto Zeitung alongside major industry debuts—and watching the automotive community react to the unmasked design on Instagram—is why I love this craft.


You can check out the full carousel of views, close-up crops, and the magazine feature directly on my Instagram post: 👉 View the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S Renders on Instagram (@avarvarii)


What’s Your Verdict?


Does the return of the V8 combined with the widebody CLE silhouette make the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 S the true spiritual successor to the legendary C 63 and E 63 coupes? Let me know your thoughts on Instagram, and stay tuned to the workbench for more behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming magazine commissions!