Mercedes AMG has revealed one of its most focused road cars ever with the new CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Created as the second model in the exclusive Mythos Series, the limited production coupe was engineered with one goal in mind: delivering the purest possible driving experience. Every example is hand built in Affalterbach, where the standard CLE platform is transformed into a lightweight, rear wheel drive machine designed for both winding roads and race circuits.
Rather than creating a conventional special edition, AMG engineers completely reworked the standard CLE into a dedicated performance car. Around 170 kilograms have been removed through extensive lightweight engineering, while the body has been widened by 60 mm at both the front and rear for improved stability and grip.
Power comes from an extensively upgraded 4.0 liter twin turbocharged V8 producing 646 hp and 850 Nm of torque. Unlike the regular AMG models, power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and an electronically controlled limited slip differential. The result is a more engaging driving experience with improved balance and the ability to perform controlled drifts.
Performance figures reflect the car's serious intent. The CLE 646 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in 11.4 seconds, and continues to a top speed of 310 km/h.
The suspension has been completely redesigned using a steel coil over setup jointly developed with KW Automotive. Drivers can independently adjust rebound and compression settings for both low speed and high speed damping, allowing the car to be fine tuned for different circuits or driving styles.
A ceramic high performance braking system sits behind the forged 20 inch wheels, using 420 mm front discs with six piston calipers and 360 mm rear discs. Extensive cooling channels improve thermal performance during repeated hard braking, while the ceramic components also reduce unsprung weight.
Carbon fiber plays a major role throughout the car. The hood, roof, front fenders, side skirts, diffuser, rear wing, and several other body panels are all constructed from lightweight composite materials. Polycarbonate rear glass and a titanium Akrapovič exhaust system further contribute to the significant weight reduction.
Every aerodynamic component has been developed to improve performance rather than appearance. A manually adjustable front diffuser offers separate Street and Race settings, while the large carbon fiber rear wing can also be adjusted to balance front and rear downforce.
Additional airflow channels integrated into the widened front fenders improve brake cooling and reduce pressure inside the wheel arches. The flat underbody also features specially designed fins that accelerate airflow beneath the vehicle.
Together, the complete aerodynamic package generates more than 250 kilograms of downforce at top speed, helping the coupe remain stable during high speed driving while delivering sharper steering response through fast corners.
The interior follows the same lightweight philosophy as the exterior. Rear seats, much of the sound insulation, and several comfort features have been removed to reduce mass. Carbon fiber door panels, fixed racing bucket seats, and a motorsport inspired steering wheel reinforce the car's track focused character, while an optional Performance Package adds six point racing harnesses.
Production will be limited to just 30 examples worldwide, making the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung one of the rarest AMG road cars ever produced. Even before its public debut, every unit had already been sold.
As the second member of the Mercedes Benz Mythos Series, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung represents a modern interpretation of classic AMG philosophy. Its naturally engaging rear wheel drive layout, extensive lightweight construction, handcrafted production process, and uncompromising focus on driving dynamics make it one of the most exclusive and extreme performance coupes the company has ever created. Enthusiasts may never get the opportunity to own one, but the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung stands as a clear reminder of what AMG can achieve when engineering passion takes priority over convention.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.