AFFALTERBACH (September 10, 2026) – Mercedes-AMG has introduced the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, the second model in its exclusive Mythos Series of limited-production collector cars, following 2024’s roofless, windshield-less PureSpeed. Where the PureSpeed leaned into open-top theater, the CLE 646 goes the other direction entirely: a road-legal, hand-built coupe engineered almost singularly around track performance. Only 30 will be built, each assembled by hand at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters — and the run reportedly sold out before the car’s official premiere.

The name comes from its output: 646 PS, or 637 horsepower, from a heavily reworked AMG M177 EVO 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft for sharper throttle response, backed by 627 lb-ft of torque available from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. AMG paired the engine with a bespoke titanium exhaust developed with Akrapovič. More significant than the power bump is what AMG removed: the donor CLE 53’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system is gone entirely, replaced by rear-wheel drive only, routed through an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and the nine-speed SPEEDSHIFT TCT transmission. AMG quotes 0–124 mph in 11.4 seconds and a 193-mph top speed.

The rest of the car is built around shedding mass and adding precision. AMG says it cut roughly 375 pounds versus the donor CLE, largely through an extensive-carbon-fiber wide-body — widened front fenders, front fascia, side sills, hood, roof, rear apron and diffuser, trunk lid, and a manually adjustable rear wing are all carbon, while the rear glass is polycarbonate. The body itself was widened 2.4 inches at both axles to fit forged 20-inch wheels wrapped in 305- and 335-section tires derived from Mercedes-AMG ONE tire technology, and reinforced with an integrated roll bar for added torsional rigidity. A KW-codeveloped, four-way adjustable coilover suspension and an AMG ceramic composite brake system (16.5-inch front, 14.2-inch rear discs, gold calipers) round out the hardware.

Aerodynamics get particular attention: a front diffuser that manually switches between “Street” and track-only “Race” positions, an adjustable carbon rear wing, fender louvers channeling airflow out of the wheel arches, and underbody fins combine for a claimed 550-plus pounds of downforce at top speed. On track, a nine-stage traction control system replaces ESP intervention for drivers managing wheel slip on their own terms.

Inside, the theme continues: rear seats, sound deadening, and much of the infotainment and assistance suite (including parking sensors) are gone, replaced by lightweight racing bucket seats, a flat-bottom microfiber steering wheel, carbon door panels, and an optional six-point harness setup.

“For me, the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung represents the very essence of AMG. This vehicle came to life because highly rational engineers dreamed of a highly irrational car. We turned that dream into reality in the form of maximum driving dynamics and an unparalleled driving experience.”

– Dr. Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach Business Units

“The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung sets new benchmarks with its uncompromising presence and driving dynamics. Through the extensive use of carbon fiber, we were able to create a particularly distinctive appearance. Its bold proportions and the sheer size of the grille underscore the ambition to present a vehicle of extremes. The result is a masterpiece, full of performance and character.”
– Bastian Baudy, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG

With all 30 units already spoken for, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung won’t move much metal — but as a statement of intent for where AMG’s limited-run Mythos Series is headed, it’s hard to miss.