Mercedes-AMG creates 475kW rear-drive CLE special
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Mercedes-AMG has transformed the CLE 53 into a lighter, wider and considerably more powerful rear-drive coupé for its latest Mythos Series model.
The rather lengthily named Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is limited to just 30 examples worldwide, all of which were sold before its public unveiling. Pricing and any New Zealand allocation have not been announced, although that hardly matters given none of the 30 being made remain available.
Each car begins life as a CLE 53 before undergoing an extensive rebuild at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters. The resulting Spezialanfertigung is around 170kg lighter than the donor vehicle, with a DIN kerb weight of 1895kg.
Its model number refers to the 646PS produced by the extensively revised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, equivalent to 475kW. Maximum torque is 850Nm, flowing between 2500 and 4500rpm.
The M177 EVO engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft to reduce rotating mass and improve throttle response. It is supported by three separate cooling circuits and exhales through a bespoke exhaust developed with Akrapovič, featuring extensive use of titanium.
More significantly, AMG has removed the donor car’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. All power is instead sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
The CLE 646 is said to reach 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, 200km/h in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 310km/h. A nine-stage traction control system allows the driver to adjust rear-wheel slip when the stability control is switched off.
“For me, the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung represents the very essence of AMG. This vehicle came to life because highly rational engineers dreamed of a highly irrational car. We turned that dream into reality in the form of maximum driving dynamics and an unparalleled driving experience,” said Mercedes-AMG chairman Stefan Weckbach.
Wider, lighter and built for the track
The CLE’s body has been widened by 60mm across both axles and reinforced to cope with the additional performance. Carbon fibre is used for the front guards, bonnet, roof, side skirts, bumpers, boot lid, rear diffuser and adjustable wing.
Polycarbonate rear windows, a lighter 12-volt battery and the removal of numerous comfort features also contribute to the weight saving. Inside, the rear seats and much of the acoustic insulation have disappeared, while carbon-fibre door panels, racing bucket seats and an integrated rollover bar take their place.
Even the infotainment and driver-assistance equipment has been pared back, with the CLE 646 going without systems such as Parktronic.
A steel coil-over suspension system developed with KW Automotive offers four-way damper adjustment. The car also rides 22mm lower at the front and 16mm lower at the rear.
Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 420mm at the front and 360mm at the rear. The forged 20-inch wheels wear substantial 305/30 front and 335/30 rear tyres derived from technology developed for the AMG One.
Aerodynamics play a major role, too. The front diffuser and rear wing can be manually switched between road and track settings, while the flat underbody, vented guards and additional aero elements help generate more than 250kg of downforce at the car’s 310km/h maximum.
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the second member of Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-limited Mythos Series, following the roofless PureSpeed.
