The 637-HP Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Is a Hardcore Rear-Drive Miracle
Mercedes-AMG officially revealed the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. The track-focused coupé is the 2nd model in Mercedes-Benz’s limited-production Mythos Series. Hand-built at AMG headquarters in Affalterbach, total production is capped at just 30 units globally. Mercedes-AMG says it sold all 30 cars before the model’s world premiere.
| Specification | Standard CLE 53 | CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung |
| Engine | 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo | 4.0L V8 Biturbo (M177 EVO) |
| Horsepower | 449 PS (442 hp) | 646 PS (637 hp) |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 850 Nm |
| Drivetrain | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD | RWD |
| Kerb Weight | 2,065 kg | 1,895 kg (-170 kg) |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.2 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| 0–200 km/h | ~15.0 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h (limited) | 310 km/h |
V8 Power Meets a 170 kg Weight Reduction
Under the vented carbon-fibre bonnet sits the enhanced M177 EVO 4.0L V8 biturbo engine. According to AMG, its flat-plane crankshaft reduces rotating mass and helps improve engine response. The engine produces 637 hp and 850 Nm of torque across a broad powerband.
AMG says lightweight construction cuts around 170 kg compared with the CLE 53-based starting point. Weight-saving measures include carbon-fibre door panels, polycarbonate rear side windows and rear screen, and the removal of the rear seats.
- Engine: 4.0L M177 EVO V8 biturbo with flat-plane crankshaft
- Exhaust: Titanium high-performance system with cold-end design developed with Akrapovič
- Suspension: 4-way adjustable steel coilovers developed with KW Suspensions
- Control: 9-stage AMG TRACTION CONTROL for closed-circuit use with ESP Off
- Brakes: AMG ceramic composite system with 420 mm front and 360 mm rear discs
RWD and Adjustable Chassis Hardware
Unlike the AWD CLE 53, the CLE 646 sends power to the rear axle through a 9-speed automatic transmission, a change AMG says reduces weight and alters the car’s dynamic character. An electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential varies locking between the rear wheels to improve traction and stability.
The chassis uses 4-way-adjustable steel coilovers developed with KW automotive and AMG ceramic composite brakes. Mercedes-AMG claims the aerodynamic package generates well over 250 kg of downforce at top speed.
CLE 646 Legacy
With only 30 cars being built worldwide, the CLE 646 is firmly positioned as a collector model. Mercedes-AMG has not disclosed whether any of the 30 cars were allocated to buyers in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. The global production run was sold out before the world premiere.
For Gulf enthusiasts, the CLE 646 stands out as a rare road-legal AMG that combines a V8 with rear-wheel drive. Should future Mythos models continue this rear-wheel-drive V8 approach, or take a different direction?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow the ArabWheels Blog for more international launches, comparisons and reviews.