Mercedes-AMG has introduced the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, an ultra-limited performance coupe developed with a focus on driving dynamics rather than everyday comfort. The road-legal model is the second vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive Mythos Series and will be limited to just 30 units worldwide.
Based on the AMG CLE 53 platform, each car is comprehensively rebuilt by hand at AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach. The extensive modifications include a new wide-body structure, bespoke suspension, carbon-fibre bodywork and a significant weight reduction of around 170kg compared with the donor vehicle.
Power comes from an extensively modified 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine producing 646 hp (475kW) and 850Nm of torque. The engine features a flat-plane crankshaft and three separate cooling circuits designed to maintain performance under heavy loads.
Unlike the standard CLE 53, which uses AMG Performance 4MATIC+, the CLE 646 sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential manages torque between the rear wheels, while the rear-wheel-drive layout also allows controlled drifting under suitable conditions.
The coupe can accelerate from 0–100km/h in 3.9 seconds, reach 200km/h in 11.4 seconds and continue to a top speed of 310km/h.
The suspension has also been heavily reworked, with a steel coilover system developed with KW automotive. Its four-way adjustable dampers allow independent tuning of low- and high-speed compression and rebound, giving owners the ability to adjust the chassis for road or track use.
Stopping power comes from AMG ceramic composite brakes, with 420 x 40mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front and 360 x 32mm discs at the rear.
Visually, the CLE 646 is 60mm wider at both the front and rear, allowing it to accommodate 20-inch forged wheels with huge 305/30 front and 335/30 rear tyres. Carbon fibre is used extensively across the body, including the fenders, bonnet, roof, side skirts, rear apron and rear wing.
Aerodynamics are equally serious, with a manually adjustable front diffuser offering Street and Race settings. Together with the rear wing, underbody work and fender louvers, the package generates more than 250kg of downforce at top speed.
Inside, AMG has removed the rear seats, acoustic insulation and various comfort features to save weight. Racing bucket seats, a roll-over bar and carbon-fibre door panels reinforce the track-focused character, while an optional six-point harness package is available.
With production restricted to 30 examples, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is already sold out ahead of its world premiere, making it one of the rarest modern AMG models.
