Mercedes-AMG has dramatically pivoted away from its recent downsizing strategy, pulling the covers off the hardcore, special-order CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Ditching the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six found in the CLE 53, the bespoke coupe returns strictly to V8 muscle with a heavily re-engineered twin-turbo unit.
Mounted under the bonnet is Affalterbach’s M177 EVO 4.0-litre V8, newly equipped with a flat-plane crankshaft to sharpen throttle response and free up higher revs. The powerplant unleashes a potent 475kW, alongside 850Nm of torque between 2500rpm and 4500rpm, exhaling through a lightweight titanium exhaust system developed in partnership with Akrapovic.
In a distinct departure from modern AMG convention, the CLE 646 sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. The purist drivetrain pairs with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Combined with extensive lightweight construction, the rear-wheel drive configuration helps the coupe shed 170kg compared with the donor CLE 53.
Straight-line performance is predictably ferocious, with the sprint from 0-100km/h dealt with in 3.9 seconds before reaching 200km/h in 11.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically pegged at 310km/h.
Beneath the skin, the bodyshell gains substantial structural bracing and an integrated roll-over bar for track rigidity. Aerodynamics have also been thoroughly overhauled, headlined by an adjustable front diffuser that introduces a dedicated ‘Race’ mode utilising the Venturi effect to maximise front-axle downforce at speed.
Handcrafted to individual customer specification at AMG’s Affalterbach facility, the Spezialanfertigung serves as a low-volume, purist halo model. While Australian allocation is yet to be officially confirmed, any local arrivals would command a substantial six-figure premium over the standard CLE range.
