Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung: A Sold-Out, Rear-Drive V8 Track Weapon

Key points

• The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the second model in AMG's Mythos series, following the SL-based PureSpeed.
• It uses a flat-plane crank M177 Evo V8 engine producing 646 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive.
• Weight is reduced by approximately 170 kg (375 lbs) compared to the donor CLE 53, resulting in a total mass of 1,895 kg (4,178 lbs).
• Performance includes a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds, a top speed of 193 mph, and over 550 lbs of downforce.
• The car features KW co-developed suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a manually adjustable front diffuser and rear wing.
• All 30 units are sold out; the price has not been announced but is estimated to be over $500,000.

Background

This release follows the discontinuation of the C63 in 2023 and precedes the expected launch of a standard V8-powered CLE63. It is part of AMG's strategy to offer ultra-exclusive, track-focused vehicles through the Mythos division, similar to the earlier PureSpeed. The car was developed by a small engineering team at Affalterbach rather than through a traditional product brief.

How outlets are covering it

Jalopnik emphasizes the car's extreme nature and the fact that it was a grassroots engineering project, noting the return of rear-wheel drive since 2023. Top Gear questions why the car is not called a Black Series and compares it unfavorably to the Ford Mustang GTD in terms of chassis innovation, suggesting it lacks a specific role beyond being a fast road rocket. Motor1 focuses on the humorous aspect of the name 'Spezialanfertigung,' highlighting a video where F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli struggle to pronounce it, with Toto Wolff stepping in to help. Netcarshow provides the official technical specifications, confirming the 646 hp output and the extensive use of carbon fiber and polycarbonate windows.

Why it matters

The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung signals AMG's intent to revive the V8 engine in a high-performance, rear-wheel-drive configuration, a segment that has been absent since 2023. Its immediate sell-out status indicates strong demand for ultra-exclusive, track-oriented vehicles, even without a public price tag. It also sets the stage for the upcoming standard CLE63, suggesting that the performance ceiling for the CLE lineup will be significantly higher than previous generations.

What to watch

A standard V8-powered CLE63 is expected to be revealed soon, likely featuring the same engine but with more conventional specifications. The AMG GT Black Series is also anticipated to return for a new generation. The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung will likely be seen on racetracks, as its design and features are optimized for track use rather than daily driving.