Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung First Look: A 637-HP, Rear-Drive Track Weapon

If going fast is your thing and the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe has caught your eye but not your full attention, then the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung most certainly will (so will that crazy German word as part of its name, which roughly translates to “custom made” in English). A road-legal coupe designed and developed with the racetrack in mind, it features an AMG-massaged twin-turbo V-8 under its hood with well over 600 horsepower, a more menacing design, and serious performance upgrades.

But if you didn’t already put down a deposit for one of these wild-child CLEs by now, then unfortunately you’re out of luck as it’s already sold out.

Limited to just 30 examples worldwide, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the second car developed as part of Mercedes-Benz’s highly exclusive Mythos Series of models, following in the tire tracks of the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed.

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Every CLE 646 is powered by a version of the automaker’s new 4.0-liter V-8 tuned by AMG to produce 637 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, with all that torque available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. According to Mercedes-AMG, the engine’s flat-plane crankshaft reduces rotating mass, helping it rev more quickly while improving throttle response and throttle mapping.

As a result, Mercedes says the CLE 646 can accelerate from 0 to 124 mph in just 11.4 seconds, which is far quicker than the 12.1 seconds at 113.8 mph that it took the CLE53 to reach the quarter mile during our testing. Its top speed is limited to 193 mph, a super high number for a CLE-based car.

Built for the Track

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Because the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung was designed specifically for track use, Mercedes engineers had to develop additional hardware to manage the heat generated by its engine and brakes.

The V-8 uses three separate cooling circuits: one for the engine and two for its transmission and 48-volt battery components. Mercedes says the systems were designed to handle especially demanding operating profiles such as intensive racetrack sessions run during high ambient temperatures.

The 646 Spezialanfertigung is also equipped with a version of AMG’s Ceramic High-Performance Composite Braking System, which is designed to withstand the extreme loads generated on a racetrack. Large air intakes in the front bumper and dedicated airflow guides also aid the cooling cause. At the front axle, ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs work with six-piston calipers. AMG also added technology that helps transfer heat from the braking system into the discs’ cooling channels, helping to reduce brake-pad temperatures. The rear axle uses single-piston calipers with ventilated and perforated discs.

Keeping weight down was another priority for Mercedes-AMG’s engineers. The CLE 646 uses a nine-speed transmission that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels, saving weight while making the coupe more engaging to drive. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential distributes torque between the rear wheels to improve traction and can also support controlled drifting when conditions are right.

Wide, Wide, Wide Load

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As you may have noticed from the photos, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is significantly wider than the CLE53. Mercedes widened the coupe to improve stability and increase cornering potential, then filled those bulging fenders with exceptionally wide tires: 305/30 ZR20s at the front and 335/30 ZR20s at the rear. The result is 2.4 inches of additional width at both the front and rear axles.

To achieve the wider bodywork while keeping weight under control, carbon fiber was used throughout the car. The lightweight material appears in the wider front fenders and air inlets, the redesigned front fascia and its larger cooling intakes, the side panels, hood, roof, and the new rear apron with its integrated diffuser.

The front section of the Spezialanfertigung is painted in Mojave Silver Magno, while everything from the B-pillars rearward is finished in Obsidian Black Magno. The ride height has also been lowered by 0.9 inch at the front and 0.6 inch at the rear to further optimize the car’s performance.

A More Focused Interior

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The cabin has been streamlined to help meet the CLE 646’s weight targets. Mercedes removed the rear seats and much of the acoustic insulation, while simplifying some of the comfort features and the sound system.

Comfort may not be the Spezialanfertigung’s top priority, but the car gains bucket seats with substantial lateral support. Customers can also choose six-point harnesses instead of standard seat belts. A roll bar adds further protection and increases the coupe’s torsional rigidity.

We don’t expect to ever get behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung given that all 30 examples are already sold. Only a few lucky owners will get to experience its full custom-made performance on the track.