The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung: A Throwback to the Supercar Era
The automotive landscape has undergone a seismic shift toward electrification. Automakers worldwide are investing billions into developing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. However, not all consumers are ready to embrace the electric revolution. Many enthusiasts still crave the visceral thrill of gasoline-powered engines, and manufacturers are responding to this demand with a range of performance-oriented vehicles.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is one such vehicle. This limited-edition coupe is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 637 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a flat-plane crank that reduces rotating mass and improves revving characteristics. In addition, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung features a custom Akrapovič exhaust system that provides a unique exhaust note.
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is rear-wheel drive and features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The powertrain features three cooling circuits: a high-temperature circuit for engine cooling, and two low-temperature circuits for air and transmission oil cooling, along with the 48-volt components. The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung features a wide-body design that adds 2.4 inches of width at both the front and back of the coupe. The front fenders are made from carbon fiber and feature integrated air outlets with a focus on large cooling ducts for the powertrain. The hood features a central cold air intake that is said to be functional. The trunk lid has been reinforced and features a large, adjustable carbon fiber wing mounted on trapezoidal supports.
The flared fenders cover huge forged wheels running staggered 305/30ZR20 tires up front and 335/30ZR20 in the rear. Those wide wheels hide 16.6-inch carbon ceramic rotors up front with six-piston fixed calipers along with 14.2-inch carbon ceramic rotors in the rear with single-piston floating calipers.
Mercedes said lightweighting shed 375 pounds from the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, including “numerous comfort and assistance systems, including Parktronic parking assistant.” Along with all the carbon fiber body bits to save weight, Mercedes swapped in polycarbonate side and rear windows. Even the 12-volt starter battery is lighter than normal.
The sound system has been simplified in the name of weight, the rear seats and acoustic insulation have been removed, and the deletion of drive modes and assistance systems reduced the number of controls on the steering wheel. Ultra-lightweight racing bucket seats and carbon fiber door cards have been swapped in, along with a roll bar in the name of support and rigidity. A six-point harness for both driver and passenger can be optioned in the Performance Package. All in, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung weighs 4,178 pounds.
Whether we’ll see the V8 shoved into any other CLE models is yet to be seen, but for now, a precious few buyers in the world will have the privilege to move past the plug-in hybrid turbo-four era at AMG.
23
Add The Drive(opens in a new tab)
More information
Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung
Mercedes-AMG
The Drive 🤝 your inbox. Every weekday
The Daily Brief wraps up the biggest stories and our exclusive reporting on the auto industry and car culture.
Email address
Enter your email
Sign Up
Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.”
