Mercedes-AMG’s upcoming CLE 63 Mythos represents a radical departure from the brand’s traditional styling, and its latest prototype suggests the car remains in a volatile development phase. The newest test mule, spotted in Germany, features a massive new hood intake designed to address cooling issues that have plagued the program. This development follows reports of an engine failure during testing, though officials have not confirmed the specific cause of the problem.
Earlier prototypes wore a conventional hood, but the latest car now sports a substantial opening positioned above the engine bay. The changes extend beyond the cooling duct. Spy photographers also noted that the vehicle is running without a front license plate, apparently to maximize airflow through the nose during development, even though a front plate is legally required in Germany. The carbon-fiber roof has been revealed for the first time, featuring a central depression not seen in previous iterations.
Camouflage over the lights hides the star-pattern graphics of the facelifted CLE range, but the rest of the design remains aggressive and largely unchanged. There are vents beside the headlights, saw-tooth outlets in the swollen front fenders, a serious front splitter and fat rear arches. At the back, an adjustable wing on motorsport-style pylons sits above diagonally stacked quad exhausts.
Unlike AMG’s recent electric performance machines, which rely on synthetic audio, the Mythos will use an AMG-developed version of Mercedes’ new flat-plane-crank, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Previous reports point to around 637 to 646 hp (646-655 PS), a significant jump over the current six-cylinder CLE 53. This power plant is expected to be the star of the show, delivering a genuine exhaust note that the brand’s EVs cannot replicate.
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Production reportedly won’t begin before 2027 and numbers will be strictly limited. Pricing remains unknown, but these models aren’t designed for bargain hunters. The Mythos is targeted at a very specific audience, focusing on substantial weight savings and serious track capability rather than just raw horsepower. This approach mirrors the philosophy behind the old CLK 63 AMG Black Series, a car that is now considered a classic among enthusiasts.
The car’s flat-plane crankshaft design is a significant engineering shift for AMG, typically associated with higher-revving, high-strung engines found in sports cars like the Ferrari F8 or Porsche 911. This specific configuration usually offers a distinct, high-pitched exhaust note compared to the traditional cross-plane crank used in most V8 muscle cars, which is why AMG is keen to emphasize the acoustic difference.
The good news for the broader market is that AMG is already working on a more accessible 63-badged AMG with V8 power to take on the BMW M4. While the Mythos is a halo car designed to push the boundaries of what is possible within the current CLE platform, the brand is ensuring that the core performance DNA remains accessible to a wider audience.