Key highlights
- CLE 646 gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 646 hp and 850 Nm
- Rear-wheel drive replaces the CLE 53’s all-wheel-drive system
- Production is limited to just 30 units, with all examples already sold
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, an ultra-limited performance coupe that brings a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive to the CLE. The second model in Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive Mythos series, it is based on the AMG CLE 53 but has been extensively re-engineered for stronger performance and sharper driving dynamics.
Powerful motor
At its heart is a heavily modified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 646 hp and 850 Nm. The engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft to reduce rotating mass and improve throttle response. It is paired with a 9-speed AMG transmission and sends power exclusively to the rear wheels.
Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100 kmph time of 3.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 310 kmph. The car also gets three separate cooling circuits designed to maintain temperatures during demanding driving, including track use. A titanium exhaust system developed with Akrapovic further helps reduce weight.
Weight loss journey
Weight reduction has been a major focus. Extensive use of carbon fibre and other lightweight materials, along with the removal of the rear seats and some acoustic insulation, cuts around 170 kg compared with the CLE 53. The car has a kerb weight of approximately 1,895 kg.
The CLE 646 also gets a wider body, with the front and rear tracks increased by 60 mm. It rides on 20-inch forged wheels with extremely wide tyres, while a specially developed coilover suspension offers four-way adjustable damping. Carbon-ceramic brakes and adjustable aerodynamic elements, including a large rear wing, further enhance its track capability.
Only 30 examples of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung will be built at AMG’s Affalterbach facility. Interestingly, every example has already been sold.
Final thoughts
The CLE 646 feels like a deliberate return to the old-school AMG recipe: big V8, rear-wheel drive, aggressive weight reduction and a body built around performance. It may not be a car most enthusiasts will ever get to drive, but it is certainly the kind of AMG that makes a strong statement about what the brand can still build.
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