Mercedes-AMG has revealed the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, a limited-run version of the CLE powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The engine produces 646hp and 850Nm, with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels. Only 30 units will be built, and all have already been sold.
The CLE 646 is based on the AMG CLE 53, but gets extensive changes to the powertrain, suspension, body and interior. It is the second model in Mercedes-Benz’s Mythos series, following the AMG PureSpeed.
- 0-100kph in 3.9sec; 310kph top speed
- Production limited to 30 units worldwide
Mercedes-AMG CLE 646: Powertrain
The CLE 646 uses Mercedes-AMG’s M177 Evo 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. It produces 646hp and 850Nm between 2,500rpm and 4,500rpm. The CLE 646 is rear-wheel-drive, unlike the all-wheel-drive CLE 53. It uses a nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100kph time of 3.9sec and a 0-200kph time of 11.4sec. Top speed is 310kph.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 646: Exterior
AMG says around 170kg has been removed from the donor car, with the CLE 646 weighing 1,895kg. Carbon-fibre body panels, polycarbonate rear glass, and a lighter 12-volt battery are among the weight-saving measures. The body is 60mm wider than the CLE 53 and uses carbon fibre for the fenders, bonnet, roof, sills, rear apron and boot lid. It also gets a large adjustable rear wing and 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
The CLE 646 gets steel coilover suspension co-developed with KW, with four-way adjustable dampers. Braking is handled by carbon-ceramic discs measuring 420mm at the front and 360mm at the rear, with six-piston front and single-piston rear calipers. Its aerodynamic package includes an adjustable front diffuser and rear wing. AMG says the car can generate more than 250kg of downforce at top speed.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 646: Interior
The CLE 646 loses its rear seats and acoustic insulation as part of the weight reduction. It gets lightweight bucket seats, carbon-fibre door panels and a roll bar. The sound system and some driver-assistance features have also been simplified or removed.
Six-point racing harnesses are available as part of an optional Performance Package. The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung will be limited to 30 examples worldwide, with each car hand-built in Affalterbach on a CLE 53 base. Mercedes-AMG says the production run was sold before its world premiere. Pricing has not been announced.