The C63 spirit has returned in the form of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, a high-performance super coupe featuring a twin-turbo V8. Despite the excitement surrounding its mechanical configuration, the vehicle comes with significant limitations: only 30 units are being produced, and the entire allocation has already been sold out.
Positioned as the second model in the Mercedes Mythos range, which is specifically curated for collectors, the CLE 646 follows the PureSpeed—a roofless, windscreen-less SL variant announced two years ago with a limited run of 250 units. While the PureSpeed was priced at £800,000, Mercedes has not yet disclosed pricing for the new CLE 646.
At the heart of the vehicle is the M177 Evo ‘hot-vee’ engine, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 646bhp and 622lb ft of torque. Unlike the standard CLE 53, this model directs all power exclusively to the rear wheels. It utilizes a nine-speed MCT multi-clutch transmission paired with an e-diff to manage torque distribution. Performance figures include a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds, a 0-124mph sprint of 11.4 seconds, and a top speed of 193mph.
The vehicle has undergone a comprehensive motorsport-inspired transformation. Mercedes claims a weight reduction of 170kg, though the car still weighs 1,895kg. The chassis features coilover suspension developed with KW, including four-way adjustable dampers. Braking is handled by ceramic discs measuring 420mm at the front, gripped by six-piston calipers. The ride height has been lowered by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear.
Visually, the CLE 646 is significantly wider than the standard coupe, with an additional 52mm of width beyond the CLE 53’s already widened arches. The bodywork extensively utilizes carbon fibre, including the bonnet, bootlid, roof, sills, and front wings. The car sits on massive 305/30 ZR20 front tyres and 335-section rears. Aerodynamic enhancements include adjustable front and rear wings, various air vents, and a polycarbonate rear glasshouse.
Inside, the cabin has been stripped of rear seats, sound deadening, and parking sensors to save weight, replaced by a roll cage, racing bucket seats, and carbon door panels. The vehicle also features a nine-stage traction control system. While the infotainment and driver assistance systems have been scaled back, it remains unclear if this includes the removal of standard lane-keeping and speed-limit warning features.
Questions remain regarding why Mercedes opted for the ‘Spezialanfertigung’ designation rather than the ‘Black Series’ label, which carries more historical resonance. The car appears less extreme in its engineering modifications than the Ford Mustang GTD, which features a bespoke rear subframe and inboard suspension. As it stands, the CLE 646 occupies a space as a powerful road-going machine rather than a dedicated track-only weapon like the AMG GT Black Series. Further inquiries into the rationale behind the limited production run and the implications for future AMG models are expected as the manufacturer releases more information. The report also notes that it’s already sold out and it’s got the daftest name this side of Sindelfingen, not least that only 30 are being made. The report also notes that cars aimed specifically at collectors, the CLE 646 (I’m only writing Spezialanfertigung for comedic effect from now on) is the second model in Merc’s Mythos range. The report also notes that it’s strengthened, widened, lowered, and given a full motorsport makeover, based on a CLE 53. The report also notes that no Germany, your language isn’t as pretty as Italian, and yes that is genuinely its name. The report also notes that tough sell, you’d have thought – a cut price Ferrari Monza with all the same compromises but a lot less glamour. The report also notes that the price hasn’t been – and probably won’t be – announced.