The Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung was developed with one clear focus: driving dynamics. This road-legal high-performance coupé delivers an uncompromising driving experience on winding country roads and closed race circuits. To achieve this, the vehicle combines a 646 hp (475 kW) V8 biturbo engine with pure rear-wheel drive, significantly reduced weight and a chassis setup consistently engineered for precision. A unique wide-body concept with wider tracks, numerous carbon-fiber components and purpose-developed aerodynamics further enhances the vehicle’s dynamic potential. To enable this, each CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is comprehensively rebuilt at AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach to the highest manufactory standards.

Driving Dynamics as the Development Mission
The Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung began with a simple question: How can a CLE be developed even further towards maximum driving dynamics? Yet this was not driven by a traditional product development brief, but by an idea born within the AMG engineering team. A small group initially began by building a prototype. The goal was not a collection of individual performance upgrades or a conventional special edition. Instead, the vehicle was reimagined as a complete performance system.

AMG 4.0‑Litre V8 Biturbo Engine with 646 hp
At the heart of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the extensively enhanced AMG M177 EVO 4.0‑litre V8biturbo engine. Its output of 646 hp (475 kW) is reflected in the model designation itself. Maximum torque stands at 850 Nm and is available across a broad engine speed range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The engine’s flat-plane crankshaft reduces rotating masses, improves revving characteristics and promotes exceptionally responsive throttle response, further supported by dedicated engine mapping.

To ensure thermal stability even under extreme loads, the V8 engine features three separate cooling circuits: a high-temperature circuit for the engine itself, and two low-temperature circuits for charge-air and transmission-oil cooling as well as the 48‑volt components. In the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, these systems have been specifically enhanced to meet the demands of an exceptionally challenging operating profile, ranging from intensive racetrack use to very high ambient temperatures.

The characteristic V8 soundtrack is further amplified by a bespoke high-performance exhaust system featuring increased flow capacity and a sound signature engineered with a strong emotional focus. The cold-end design was developed in cooperation with Akrapovič, while the extensive use of titanium also contributes to weight reduction.

From All-Wheel Drive to Rear-Wheel Drive: Power Delivered Exclusively to the Rear Wheels
One of the most fundamental changes concerns the drivetrain. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system of the donor vehicle has been removed entirely, with the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung transmitting its power exclusively to the rear axle. The switch to rear-wheel drive reduces weight while fundamentally altering the car’s dynamic character. An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential optimizes torque distribution between the rear wheels through variable locking action as required. This enhances traction, driving stability and overall vehicle dynamics. Under suitable driving conditions, it can also support controlled drifting.

 

Short Shift Times: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G Transmission
The standard AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission delights performance-oriented drivers with its dynamic shift characteristics and emotional double-declutch function. Depending on the selected drive program, it delivers either sporty, rapid gear changes or exceptionally smooth and almost imperceptible shifts. Thanks to its nine forward gears, the engine operates within its optimum rev range particularly frequently.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission also combines efficiency with dynamic performance. When required, the torque-converter transmission can execute multiple downshifts in rapid succession to access the engine’s full performance almost instantaneously. The transmission’s overall character can be tailored via AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, which offers a range of drive programs with specific drivetrain settings.

The Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung’s Launch Control system has also been specifically adapted to the rear-wheel-drive layout. The new Mythos model accelerates from a standstill to 200 km/h in 11.4 seconds. Top speed is 310 km/h.

 

Purpose-Developed Steel Coil over Suspension for Precise Handling
The suspension has likewise been specifically optimized for the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. It features a steel coil over suspension system jointly developed by Mercedes‑AMG and KW automotive. The setup enables exceptionally precise tuning to suit driving style, circuit characteristics, individual preferences and intended use.

At the heart of the suspension is four-way adjustable damper technology with independently configurable low-speed and high-speed rebound and compression settings. This allows the chassis to be tailored precisely to a wide range of driving requirements.

The low-speed settings specifically influence body movements during braking, acceleration and turn-in. The performance-focused calibration delivers razor-sharp handling, enhanced driver feedback and outstanding vehicle stability. The high-speed settings influence damper response during rapid wheel movements caused by bumps, kerbs or road surface irregularities. The result is an exceptional balance of direct vehicle feedback, outstanding body control, maximum traction and confident stability, even under the most demanding dynamic conditions. The dampers react to every surface input without perceptible delay, providing the driver with an extraordinary level of precision and confidence.

 

AMG Ceramic High-Performance Composite Braking System
The AMG Ceramic High-Performance Composite Braking System is engineered for extreme loads and delivers consistently high braking performance, even during intensive racetrack use. An integral part of the system is a specially developed brake-cooling concept tailored to the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Large air intakes in the front bumper and dedicated airflow-guiding elements significantly improve heat dissipation.
At the front axle, internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs measuring 420 x 40 millimeters are paired with six-piston fixed calipers and long-fiber technology. Heat generated within the friction surface during braking is transferred more rapidly into the cooling channels of the disc, resulting in lower brake pad temperatures. At the rear axle, internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs measuring 360 x 32 millimeters are combined with single-piston floating calipers.

Compared with a conventional braking system, the setup reduces weight and unsprung masses. Both driving dynamics and turn-in response benefit directly. The gold-painted brake calipers further underline the system’s high-performance character.

 

Distinctive Appearance: Wide-Body Design with Extensive Carbon-Fiber Components
The body of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung has been engineered entirely with maximum driving dynamics and performance in mind. The extensively modified bodyshell increases structural rigidity and forms the basis for the vehicle’s exceptional performance potential. Numerous series-production components have been replaced by solutions specifically developed for demanding road and track use.

A key element of the concept is its significantly wider stance. To achieve this, the bodyshell has been reinforced and widened. The result is an additional 60 millimeters of vehicle width at both the front and rear. The wider track enhances stability, increases cornering potential and allows the use of exceptionally wide wheels and tyres.

Carbon fiber is used for the widened front fenders with integrated air outlets, the redesigned front apron with large cooling air intakes, the side sill panels, the bonnet with central cold-air intake, the roof and the newly developed rear apron with diffuser. The reinforced boot lid and manually adjustable rear wing mounted on two trapezoidal supports are also made from carbon fiber. The rear side windows and rear window are manufactured from polycarbonate, while a lighter 12‑volt starter battery contributes further to overall weight reduction.

 

These technical requirements define the vehicle’s unmistakable design language. The striking carbon-fiber fender extensions provide space for exclusive AMG Performance forged wheels measuring 11.0 J x 20 at the front and 12.0 J x 20 at the rear. The tyres measure 305/30 ZR20 at the front and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear and are based on a further development of technology originally created for the Mercedes‑AMG ONE. Their unique design remains exclusive to the Mercedes‑AMG CL 646 Spezialanfertigung.

The vehicle’s powerful presence is further emphasized by its exclusive paint finish. The front section is finished in Mojave Silver Magno, while the bodywork from the B‑pillar rearwards is painted in Obsidian Black Magno. AMG crests on the driver’s and passenger’s doors underline the bespoke character of the Spezialanfertigung. Ride height has likewise been optimized for performance, with the vehicle lowered by 22 millimeters at the front axle and 16 millimeters at the rear.