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The engine develops 637bhp and 627lb ft (850Nm) on its own, with a further 23bhp and 151lb ft (205Nm) boost coming from the 48V mild hybrid system. The electric motor is mounted between the M177 Evo block, and the nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission. Typically, the output would be sent to each corner through a 4Matic+ variable all-wheel drive system, but the CLE646 sheds the front drive shafts in favour of a pure rear-drive layout.
An electronically controlled limited-slip differential features alongside specially calibrated nine-stage traction control, offering agile cornering or precise drifting. With a reprogrammed launch control system, the Spezialanfertigung can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, hit 124mph after 11.4 seconds, and reach a top speed of 193mph.
The mechanical overhaul continues beyond the powertrain, with the CLE646 gaining bespoke KW four-way adjustable dampers, a ride height drop of 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear, an integrated roll cage and bodyshell reinforcements. AMG promises increased stability, feedback and control when attacking a circuit or a twisty road. Carbon ceramic brakes feature on both axles, with 420x40mm discs gripped by six-piston calipers at the front, while single-piston calipers clasp 360x32mm discs at the rear.
Downforce comes courtesy of a manually extendable front splitter, and an adjustable high-level rear wing, while a flat floor, diveplanes and new front wheel arch louvres help to control the airflow beneath and around the CLE’s body. At its top speed, the car generates over 250kg of downforce.
Visually, the Spezialanfertigung is reminiscent of DTM racers from the turn of the century, with a widened body adding 60mm to the car’s width. The stacked exhaust outlets offer a glimpse at the Akrapovic titanium pipework, flanking a diffuser developed specifically for the limited edition model. Star-shaped running lights feature at both ends, hinting at the visual tweaks expected to arrive at the CLE’s facelift next year.
A unique wheel design features at each corner, with the 20” 5-Y-spoke alloys wearing Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber. The large front grille contains the AMG logo in the lower section, and feeds air to the car’s trio of cooling circuits. A cold air intake sits at the leading edge of the carbon fibre bonnet, with the lightweight composite also finding use on the front wheel arches, side sills, roof, boot lid, door panels, seats, rear wing and diffuser.
Further mass reductions come from polycarbonate rear side windows and a new 12V battery being fitted, and the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, rear bench, and some sound deadening being removed. These measures drop 170kg from the kerb weight, meaning the CLE646 tips the scales at 1895kg and has a 56:44 front-rear weight distribution.
Inside, exposed carbon fibre complements the swathes of suede, with the dark primary materials contrasted by red stitching and detailing. Customers opting for the Performance Package gain Sabelt six-point racing harnesses. The infotainment system comprises a 12.3” instrument cluster, head-up display, and a 11.9” portrait central touchscreen with bespoke graphics. AMG-specific dials feature on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to quickly adjust the driving mode or individual vehicle settings.
The CLE646 Spezialanfertigung takes its name from the engine’s output in metric horsepower, and the German compound word for “custom made”. Owing to its hand-built production, and a limited run of only 30 examples, the name is certainly fitting. All models are spoken for, and we can only assume each one has carried a strong six-figure price tag. While it is the first opportunity to get a CLE with a V8 engine, it won’t be the last, as the new CLE 63 S is expected to make its debut in 2027.
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