Mercedes-AMG has revealed the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, an ultra-limited high-performance coupé developed with a clear focus on driving dynamics. Based on the CLE 53 platform, it combines a 646 hp 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, rear-wheel drive, extensive carbon-fibre construction and bespoke aerodynamics.
Only 30 examples will be built, with each car comprehensively rebuilt by hand at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters. The model is already sold out ahead of its world premiere.
V8 Power and Rear-Wheel Drive
At its heart is an extensively modified 3,982cc AMG V8 biturbo engine producing 646 hp and 850 Nm. The engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft for reduced rotating mass and sharper responses.
- 646 hp
- 850 Nm
- 48V integrated starter-generator
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Electronically controlled limited-slip differential
- 310 km/h top speed
- 0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds
- 0-200 km/h: 11.4 seconds
Unlike the standard AMG CLE’s all-wheel-drive system, the Spezialanfertigung sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. AMG says this reduces weight and creates a more direct driving character, while also allowing controlled drifting under suitable conditions.
Lightweight Construction
Weight reduction was a major part of the development. Compared with the donor car, around 170 kg has been removed, bringing kerb weight down to 1,895 kg.
Inside, AMG has removed the rear seats, acoustic insulation and several comfort features. Lightweight racing bucket seats and carbon-fibre door panels further reduce mass.
Wide-Body Design and Aerodynamics
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is 60 mm wider at both the front and rear, allowing AMG to fit wider wheels and tyres while increasing stability.
It rides on:
- 20-inch AMG Performance forged wheels
- Manually adjustable rear wing
- Adjustable front diffuser
- Fender louvers and aerodynamic flics
The aerodynamic package generates more than 250 kg of downforce at top speed, while the front diffuser offers Street and Race settings.
Chassis and Brakes
The coupé gets a bespoke four-way adjustable KW coilover suspension, allowing independent adjustment of high- and low-speed compression and rebound.
Braking is handled by AMG’s ceramic composite system, with 420 x 40 mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front and 360 x 32 mm discs at the rear.
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Final Take
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is an extreme interpretation of the CLE, sacrificing comfort and everyday convenience in favour of weight reduction, rear-wheel-drive dynamics and track-focused performance. With 646 hp, 310 km/h, extensive carbon fibre and only 30 examples, it sits firmly in collector-car territory while retaining road legality.
