When the 500kW C63 e-Performance was launched, AMG was proud of its technical achievement of using F1 tech in their production model. The 2.0 litre PHEV power plant soon turned out to be a disappointment for AMG enthusiasts who missed the V8 engine. AMG seems to have relented when one considers the recent unveil of the V8 engined (breathe in) Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung...... yes, thats its whole name.
Mercedes claims the CLE 646 (had to shorten it) was developed with one clear focus: driving dynamics and the Germans are serious when one considers the model has a unique wide-body concept with wider tracks, numerous carbon-fiber components and purpose-developed aerodynamics to further enhances the vehicle’s dynamic potential.
The main talking point is the engine where there is no PHEV unit but a good old V8.....maybe old is not the best word considering this is the latest V8 Bi-Turbo engine Mercedes has created. It's a 4.0‑litre V8biturbo engine that puts out a claimed 475 kW/850Nm which drives the rear wheels only via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. For maximum traction, there is an An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential which optimizes torque distribution between the rear wheels through variable locking action as required.
The CLE 646’s Launch Control system has also been specifically adapted to the rear-wheel-drive layout. The new model accelerates from a standstill to 200 km/h in 11.4 seconds. Top speed is 310 km/h. At the front, there are internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs paired with six-piston fixed calipers. At the rear, internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs take care of the stopping power combined with single-piston floating calipers.
The suspension has likewise been specifically optimized for the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. It features a steel coil over suspension system jointly developed by Mercedes‑AMG and KW automotive. At the heart of the suspension is four-way adjustable damper technology with independently configurable low-speed and high-speed rebound and compression settings. The characteristic V8 soundtrack is amplified by a bespoke high-performance exhaust system developed in cooperation with Akrapovič.
The body of the CLE 646 has been engineered entirely with maximum driving dynamics and performance in mind with the modified bodyshell increasing structural rigidity. The model has a significantly wider stance through a reinforced and widened bodyshell. The result is an additional 60 millimeters of vehicle width at both the front and rear.
The wider track enhances stability, increases cornering potential and allows the use of exceptionally wide wheels and tyres. Carbon fiber is used for the widened front fenders with integrated air outlets, the redesigned front apron with large cooling air intakes, the side sill panels, the bonnet with central cold-air intake, the roof and the newly developed rear apron with diffuser.
The striking carbon-fiber fender extensions provide space for exclusive AMG Performance forged wheels measuring 20inches all round . The tyres measure 305/30 ZR20 at the front and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear.
Inside, the rear seats and acoustic insulation materials have been removed. Comfort features have been reduced, and the sound system has been simplified to save weight.
Ultra-lightweight high-end racing bucket seats with pronounced lateral support are fitted as standard, along with a roll-over bar that increases torsional rigidity and further enhances driving dynamics. Lightweight carbon-fiber door panels complete the interior package. As part of the optional Performance Package, six‑point harnesses securely hold driver and passenger in place.
Each vehicle is hand-built in Affalterbach based on a CLE 53 platform. In doing so, it continues AMG’s long tradition of exclusive manufactory craftsmanship that has produced icons such as the AMG 300 CE 6.0 “The Hammer”. Only 30 examples have been made and all are sold.