Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 joins Mythos Series as limited-run special

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, a custom-built coupe limited to 30 examples worldwide. Based on the CLE 53 platform, the model swaps all-wheel drive for rear-wheel drive, gains a 475kW twin-turbocharged V8 and sheds around 170kg through extensive weight-saving measures. The road-legal coupe becomes the second vehicle in Mercedes-Benz's ultra-exclusive Mythos Series and has already sold out.

Developed and hand-built at AMG's Affalterbach headquarters, the CLE 646 is a heavily reworked version of the CLE 53.

Mercedes-AMG says each vehicle is rebuilt to manufactory standards, with modifications extending to the powertrain, body, suspension, aerodynamics and interior.

Power comes from a revised version of AMG's 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 475kW and 850Nm.

The engine is paired with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT automatic transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

Mercedes-AMG claims the coupe can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, reach 200km/h in 11.4 seconds and continue to a top speed of 310km/h.

One of the biggest changes is the removal of AMG's 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Instead, all power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, reducing weight and differentiating the CLE 646 from other current AMG performance models.

Weight reduction was a major focus during development. Carbon-fibre is used for the bonnet, roof, front guards, front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear wing. The rear side windows and rear windscreen are made from polycarbonate, while the rear seats, some acoustic insulation and several comfort features have been removed. Mercedes-AMG says the combined changes reduce weight by approximately 170kg.

The body has been widened by 60mm at both the front and rear, allowing fitment of wider tracks, 20-inch forged wheels and tyres measuring 305/30ZR20 at the front and 335/30ZR20 at the rear.

A bespoke coil-over suspension system developed with KW Automotive features four-way adjustable dampers, while carbon-ceramic brakes are standard with 420mm front discs and 360mm rear discs.

Aerodynamic modifications include a manually adjustable front diffuser, revised underbody panels, front fender vents and an adjustable rear wing. Mercedes-AMG claims the package generates more than 250kg of downforce at top speed.

The exterior wears a two-tone Mojave Silver Magno and Obsidian Black Magno paint finish.

The cabin continues the lightweight theme with carbon-fibre trim, fixed-back bucket seats and a roll-over bar replacing the standard rear-seat arrangement.

The CLE 646 follows the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed as the second model in the Mythos Series, Mercedes-Benz's range of limited-production collector vehicles.

Only 30 examples will be built globally, and Mercedes-AMG says the entire production run was allocated before the model's public unveiling.

Pricing has not been disclosed.

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