Mercedes-AMG pushes the CLE coupe to its limits with a limited edition that is nothing short of spectacular. Named the CLE 646 “Spezialanfertigung,” this 646-horsepower rear-drive model wears a heavily revised body, a twin-turbo V8, and a setup tuned for the track. A recipe that strongly recalls the old Black Series. Or Porsche’s GT3 RS.
A Transformed Mercedes-AMG CLE
Those counting on a CLE 63 or a Black Series comeback under the CLE badge will have to make do with a badge that’s far less easy to remember—and pronounce. And yet, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is indeed the most radical version of the German coupe.
To create this limited run, Mercedes-AMG started from the CLE 53, which normally packs a turbocharged inline-six producing 449 horsepower. But the comparison ends there.
The bodywork has been widened by 60 mm and heavily uses carbon fiber. The material is especially employed for the hood and certain sections of the front bumper. The CLE 646 also gains a substantial front splitter and a large fixed rear wing. Two aerodynamic elements whose settings can be adjusted manually.
This evokes the spectacular C-Class 63 AMG Coupe Black Series, although Mercedes-AMG chose to tie this model to the exclusive Mythos program this time. So there’s no Black Series badge just yet.
A 646-hp Twin-Turbo V8 and Rear-Wheel Drive
The major transformation, however, lies under the hood. The inline-six of the CLE 53 makes way for the AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in its latest evolution.
Already seen in the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and GLS 63, this engine stands out for adopting a flat-plane crank, replacing the cross-plane crank of the previous generation.
In this very special CLE, the Mercedes-AMG V8 delivers precisely 646 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. It becomes, for the moment, the most powerful variant of this block. At least until the anticipated arrival of the AMG GT Track Speed.
Another major change. AMG abandons the CLE 53’s all-wheel-drive system here. The CLE 646 transmits all its power to the rear wheels only. The transmission, for its part, retains a torque converter.
The work obviously did not stop at the mechanicals. The chassis has been reinforced to withstand heavy track use. Fully adjustable coil-overs developed with KW also make an appearance.
Akrapovic helped develop the exhaust, while special attention was paid to brake cooling. This is intended to sustain performance during long track sessions.
Only 30 Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Produced
Mercedes-AMG also announces a weight reduction of 170 kg compared to a CLE 53. Despite this slimming, the CLE 646 still weighs 1,895 kg (4,173 lb) dry.
Fitted with semi-slick tires, it launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. It hits 124 mph in 11.4 seconds and the top speed peaks at 193 mph. In short, this Spezialanfertigung brings the CLE’s philosophy closer to that of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Exclusivity is pushed even further. Integrated into the Mercedes Mythos program, like the PureSpeed, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung will be assembled in only 30 units for the entire planet. Its price hasn’t been announced yet. Given the level of prep and the rarity of the model, it should sit well above the price of an AMG GT. This detail is almost secondary since all 30 cars have already found buyers.
So, a 646-hp V8, rear-wheel drive, adjustable aerodynamics, abundant carbon, and a chassis tailored for the track. On paper, this CLE sports almost every attribute of a Black Series. Mercedes-AMG simply decided not to badge it as such.
With only 30 units, spotting one on the road or on a track will be a rarity. The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung will be far rarer in production numbers than a Bugatti Chiron.
