Mercedes-AMG CLE 646: The Second Model in the Mythos Series, Based on the AMG CLE 53 but with RWD

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the second model in its Mythos series: the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Special Edition, based on the AMG CLE 53 4Matic but featuring rear-wheel drive only and a 4.0-liter V8 producing 646 HP and 850 Nm. Just 30 examples will be built, far fewer than the 250 units of the first Mythos model, the Mercedes-AMG Pure Speed.

Since the current-generation Mercedes-AMG GT coupe in its V8-powered versions – the GT 55 4Matic, GT 63 4Matic and GT 63 Pro 4Matic – is available exclusively with all-wheel drive, Mercedes needed a rear-wheel drive pure sports car capable of rivaling the Porsche 911 GT3.

The answer is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Special Edition, the second model in the exclusive Mythos series, which will be limited to just 30 examples.

The model is derived from the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic, but its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with electric compressor has been replaced by the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. All-wheel drive has also been dropped, making the AMG CLE 646 Special Edition an exclusively rear-wheel-drive model.

Despite the larger and more powerful engine, the special model is 115 kg lighter thanks to the removal of the all-wheel-drive system and extensive body modifications. In its press release, Mercedes claims a weight reduction of 170 kg, but after comparing the technical specifications of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic and Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Special Edition, we found that the actual difference is 115 kg (1,895 kg versus exactly 2,000 kg).

Flat-plane crankshaft V8 and rear-wheel drive

The flat-plane crankshaft V8 is a perfect fit for the character of this super-sports car. It produces 646 HP between 6,000 and 6,250 rpm and 850 Nm of maximum torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. It is the most powerful version of this new V8, which is why Mercedes has made several modifications to ensure adequate cooling and optimal exhaust gas flow.

The V8 therefore features three cooling circuits: a high-temperature circuit for the V8, a low-temperature circuit for the charge air, another low-temperature circuit for transmission-oil cooling, and a separate circuit for the components of the 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The V8’s characteristic soundtrack is emphasized by a high-performance exhaust system developed in cooperation with Akrapovic.

Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, where Mercedes has fitted an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential that distributes torque between the rear wheels for optimum traction.

The suspension is completely different from that of the AMG CLE 53 4Matic. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Special Edition uses a steel coilover suspension jointly developed by Mercedes-AMG and KW Automotive, featuring four-way adjustable dampers with independently adjustable low- and high-speed rebound and compression damping.

The coupe also comes standard with a ceramic brake system featuring 420 x 40 mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front, and 360 x 32 mm discs with single-piston calipers at the rear. The calipers are finished in gold. To ensure effective brake cooling, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 features large air intakes in the front bumper and air-guide elements around the axles.

The car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with 305/30 ZR20 tires at the front and 335/30 ZR20 tires at the rear. Compared with the standard model, the suspension is lowered by 22 mm at the front and 16 mm at the rear.

1980s-inspired widebody design

As can already be seen in the first official photos, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 is 52 mm wider than the AMG CLE 53, measuring 1,987 mm versus 1,935 mm, while the front and rear tracks have both been increased by 60 mm.

Carbon fiber has been used extensively to reduce weight, including for the front spoiler, front-fender air intakes, rear spoiler with integrated diffuser, central hood air intake, roof and manually adjustable rear wing. The rear side windows and rear windshield are made from polycarbonate.

The hood air intake, front-fender air vents, front splitter and larger side air intakes designed to cool the brakes give the car an aggressively different appearance compared with the AMG CLE 53. The car is painted in two colors: Mojave Silver Magno at the front and Obsidian Black Magno from the B-pillar rearward.

Mercedes promises exceptional body rigidity thanks to an integrated roll cage, with the car designed primarily for track use.

The front splitter can be adjusted to two positions, Street and Race, using three adjustment screws. In the Race position, its shape resembles an inverted wing profile, accelerating airflow underneath the vehicle and creating the so-called Venturi effect, increasing downforce on the front axle. The rear wing can also be manually adjusted to increase rear-axle downforce.

The front side air intakes direct airflow over the wheels, while the air vents in the front fenders help cool the brakes and also increase front-axle downforce. The completely flat underbody features longitudinal fins that channel airflow beneath the car. Total downforce exceeds 250 kg.

Spartan lightweight interior

Inside, everything that was not considered strictly necessary has been removed. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Special Edition is a strict two-seater, with the rear bench deleted, while sound-deadening materials have also been reduced.

There are no longer any drive modes, and some driver-assistance systems have been eliminated as well, allowing Mercedes to reduce the number of buttons on the AMG Performance steering wheel.

The driver and passenger sit in racing bucket seats, while carbon-fiber inserts have been fitted to the center section of the dashboard and the door panels. An optional Performance package is available, which adds a six-point racing harness.

Only 30 lucky owners will get the chance to own this pure sports car, built in an extremely limited run. Older enthusiasts – and not only them – may well ask one question: is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Special Edition better than the Mercedes-AMG CLK DTM, of which 100 coupe and 80 convertible examples were built?

Perhaps only a back-to-back test with the Mercedes-AMG CLK DTM, introduced in 2004, could provide the answer. Since there are still quite a few Mercedes-AMG CLK DTM examples in good condition, we may yet find out.