Mercedes-AMG CLE 646: 637-HP V8 Coupe Sold Out Before Reveal

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung adds a 637-hp twin-turbo V8, rear-wheel drive and extreme aero to the CLE, with only 30 cars built worldwide.

Mercedes-AMG gives the CLE a V8 transformation

Mercedes-AMG has created one of the most exclusive versions of its CLE Coupe.

The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and sends all of its power to the rear wheels. Only 30 examples will be built worldwide. Every car is hand-built at AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach.

There is another remarkable detail.

The entire production run was sold out before the car’s world premiere. Mercedes-AMG has not disclosed the purchase price.

The CLE 646 is the second model in Mercedes-Benz’s limited Mythos Series.

The model begins life as a Mercedes-AMG CLE 53.

From there, AMG extensively changes the car. The modifications include a new drivetrain, wider bodywork, a dedicated suspension, revised aerodynamics and extensive weight reduction.

The result is much more than a cosmetic special edition.

Mercedes-AMG describes it as a complete performance system developed around driving dynamics.

The 4.0-liter V8 delivers 637 horsepower

The main attraction sits beneath the hood.

The CLE 646 uses the latest evolution of AMG’s M177 EVO 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. It produces 637 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft.

That reduces rotating mass and helps improve engine response. AMG also developed dedicated engine mapping to sharpen throttle response.

A bespoke high-performance exhaust system adds a stronger V8 character. Mercedes-AMG worked with Akrapovič on the exhaust’s cold-end design and used titanium to help reduce weight.

The transmission is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G automatic.

Rear-wheel drive replaces 4MATIC+

The drivetrain is one of the biggest changes.

The donor CLE 53 uses AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Mercedes-AMG removes that system completely for the CLE 646.

Power now goes exclusively to the rear wheels.

An electronically controlled limited-slip differential manages torque between the rear wheels. AMG says the system improves traction and stability while also allowing controlled drifting in suitable conditions.

The large rear wing is part of the CLE 646’s dedicated aerodynamic package.

Performance figures are equally serious.

Mercedes-AMG quotes 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds. The CLE 646 reaches 124 mph in 11.4 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 193 mph.

The coupe weighs 4,178 pounds.

That number would normally sound high for a two-seat performance coupe. AMG, however, reduced the CLE 646’s weight by roughly 375 pounds compared with the donor vehicle.

Carbon fiber makes the body wider and lighter

The CLE 646 is also considerably wider than the regular CLE.

The body is 2.4 inches wider at both the front and rear. AMG reinforces the body structure while adding extensive carbon-fiber components.

Carbon fiber is used for the front fenders, hood, roof, side sills, rear apron and other components.

The rear windows are made from polycarbonate. AMG also removes the rear seats and acoustic insulation to reduce mass.

The result is a much more focused two-seat configuration.

Suspension and brakes are built for the track

AMG developed a four-way adjustable coilover suspension with KW automotive.

The dampers can be configured independently for low- and high-speed compression and rebound. That gives owners the ability to adjust the chassis for different driving conditions and circuits.

The braking system is equally serious.

The CLE 646 receives AMG Ceramic High-Performance Composite Brakes. The front discs measure 16.5 inches, while the rear discs measure 14.2 inches.

The front brakes use six-piston fixed calipers.

AMG also developed additional cooling ducts to help control temperatures during intensive track use.

The two-seat cabin uses racing-style bucket seats, a roll bar and lightweight carbon-fiber components.

The aerodynamic package is another major part of the car.

The front diffuser can be manually adjusted between Street and Race positions. The rear wing can also be adjusted to increase rear downforce on a circuit.

Together, the aerodynamic elements generate more than 550 pounds of downforce at top speed.

That makes the CLE 646 much more track-focused than the standard CLE.

Its wheels are also significantly wider.

AMG fits 20-inch forged wheels, measuring 11 inches wide at the front and 12 inches at the rear. The tires measure 305/30 ZR20 up front and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear.

The second Mythos Series model

The CLE 646 is the second model in the Mercedes-Benz Mythos Series.

The first was the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, limited to 250 units worldwide.

The CLE 646 goes even further with only 30 examples. Each one is individually hand-built at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters.

Mercedes-AMG has not announced the price.

However, the fact that all 30 examples were sold before the public unveiling shows the car’s position as a collector-focused model.

For the U.S. market, the vehicle has been featured in the Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom, although the 30-car production run is global and Mercedes-Benz has not publicly disclosed how many examples, if any, are allocated specifically to the United States.

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung therefore turns the familiar CLE into an ultra-limited V8 performance machine. With 637 hp, rear-wheel drive, a 193-mph top speed and more than 550 pounds of downforce, it represents one of AMG’s most focused special builds yet.