Meet the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646, essentially a CLE 53 Coupe on steroids. But where does the ‘646’ come from? Well, it’s powered by a flat-plane-crank V8 that produces a whopping 646hp. And there’s much more to it than just the engine. The CLE 646 gets a wider front and rear track, adjustable front fenders and a rear wing, while being engineered for both road and track use. The CLE 646 is also the second model to be created under Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-exclusive Mythos series. Production will be limited to just 30 units worldwide, and all of them were sold even before the car was officially unveiled. Here’s everything you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646.
Design
Mercedes-AMG has gone big on carbon fibre for the CLE 646, helping shed around 170kg of weight. The car also gets 60mm wider front and rear fenders and a bespoke dual-tone finish, with the front section in Mojave Silver Magno and the bodywork from the B-pillar onwards in Obsidian Black Magno. Is this the most AMG-looking AMG in recent times? HELL YEAH.
Engine and Gearbox
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine which produces 646hp and 850Nm of torque between 2500rpm to 4500rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via AMG speedshift TCT 9G gearbox. Mercedes claims that the switch to rear wheel drive reduces weight while fundamentally altering the car's dynamic character. The launch control system has been optimised for rear wheel drive layout specifically. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 does 0-100kmph in just 3.9 seconds while 0-200kmph comes up in 11.4 seconds and it has a top speed of 310kmph.
Chassis Suspension and Brakes
The CLE 646 is built on the same platform as the CLE 53 but it gets increased torsional stiffness and a roll bar to increase bodyshell rigidity. Suspension duties in the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 are handled by steel coil over springs built in collaboration with KW automotive. It gets four way adjustable damper technology with independently adjustable compression and rebound settings. Braking duties are handled by a Ceramic composite braking system with 420mm discs with six piston callipers at the front and 360mm discs with single piston callipers at the rear. Compared with a conventional braking system, this setup reduces weight and unsprung mass, which directly benefits the car’s driving dynamics and turn-in response.
Interior
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 has been designed with one goal in mind: reducing weight. It does away with the rear seats, acoustic insulation, sound system and several comfort features to shed as much weight as possible. Instead it gets ultra-lightweight, high-end racing bucket seats with prominent side bolsters as standard, a roll-over bar has also been fitted to improve torsional rigidity and sharpen the car’s driving dynamics and lightweight carbon-fibre door panels complete the interior. Buyers opting for the Performance Package also get six-point harnesses to keep both the driver and passenger securely strapped in.
Availability
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 is the second model in Mercedes-Benz’s Mythos series, which is dedicated to rare, highly exclusive vehicles built in limited numbers. Production of the CLE 646 is limited to just 30 units worldwide, and all of them were sold out even before its official premiere.
