Ultra exclusive Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung originated inside AMG’s engineering division as a bespoke initiative rather than a standard commercial brief.

Adapted from CLE coupe
A track-focused coupe to be built in strictly limited numbers, it started off with the current Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe as the foundation. From this, the car underwent structural and chassis overhauls as a singular dynamic exercise which saw overall kerb weight reduced by approximately 170 kgs.

At the core of the coupe is an upgraded AMG M177 EVO 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with a flat-plane crankshaft to sharpen throttle response and reduce rotating masses.

Generating 646 hp (that’s where the model designation comes from) and 850 Nm across a band from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm, the powerplant operates through 3 independent cooling circuits to maintain thermal control under circuit loads. Exhaust gases exit through a custom titanium cold-end system developed with Akrapovic.

AWD out, only RWD
Drivetrain modifications are the most significant mechanical shift. The engineers removed the standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive hardware entirely, routing all engine output directly to the rear wheels through an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

Power is managed via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed transmission, adapted for rapid multi-gear downshifts and recalibrated launch control. The time taken from 0 to 200 km/h is claimed to be at 11.4 seconds – much quicker than what it takes an average family sedan to get to 100 km/h – with a top speed of 310 km/h.

Chassis hardware relies on a bespoke 4-way adjustable steel coil-over system developed with KW automotive. The suspension allows independent manual configuration of low-speed and high-speed rebound and compression dampening.

Braking is handled by an AMG Ceramic Composite system utilizing 420 x 40 mm front discs with 6-piston calipers, complemented by long-fibre thermal channels and dedicated bumper air ducts.

The car’s track has been widened by 60 mm at both axles, requiring new carbonfibre front fenders, modified aprons, a carbonfibre bonnet, and a custom rear diffuser.

Saving more weight
Additional weight-savings come from a carbonfibre roof, polycarbonate rear windows, a lightened 12V starter battery, and a manually adjustable carbonfibre rear wing mounted on trapezoidal supports.

Staggered 20-inch AMG Performance forged wheels carry 305/30 ZR20 front and 335/30 ZR20 rear tyres based on technology adapted from the Mercedes-AMG ONE project.

Over 250 kgs of downforce
The various aerodynamic elements can generate a total of over 250 kgs of downforce at maximum speed. A 2-position front diffuser can be manually switched from ‘Street’ to ‘Race’ mode, creating a venturi effect beneath the chassis. Integrated louvered channels inside the front wheelarches and flat underbody paneling with longitudinal fins direct under-car airflow.

Inside, to remove unnecessary weight, the cabin has no rear bench, sound insulation, and secondary convenience electronics. Even the PARKTRONIC system has been omitted.

The stripped interior has carbonfibre bucket seats, a roll-over bar to increase torsional stiffness, lightweight carbonfibre door panels, and a Dinamica-wrapped steering wheel stripped of unnecessary controls.

All units sold
Each CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is assembled by hand at AMG headquarters on a CLE 53 base platform. Production is capped at 30 units globally, all of which were already reserved by customers even before the model was announced.

The is the second entry in the Mercedes-Benz Mythos Series, following the open-top PureSpeed, and marks a return to pure rear-wheel drive for the brand’s highest-tier performance projects. The price has not been disclosed but is estimated to be at least double that of the CLE 53 which starts at £94,160 in the UK (about RM518,000).

Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed starts Mythos series