(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – After months of speculation about the striking winged monster, the performance brand now lifts the curtain on its latest small-series project. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 special edition marks a new level of driving dynamics as the second model of the ultra-luxury small-series brand “Mythos,” launched in 2022.
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If you like it insanely well and your wallet is not among the smaller ones in the world, we unfortunately have to disappoint you: All 30 units that the manufacturer will build are already sold.
Under the hood, the 646 features a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo with a flat-plane crankshaft, which unsurprisingly delivers 646 hp and sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels via the nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission. The maximum torque is 850 Nm; the matching sound is provided by a performance exhaust system developed together with Akrapovič.
The coupe features a launch control tuned for rear-wheel drive. According to the manufacturer, the new Mythos accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. It takes 11.4 seconds to reach 200 km/h, and 300 km/h is reached after 36.8 seconds. The top speed is 310 km/h.
Photo gallery: Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 special edition (2026)
Additional features include adjustable traction control, a KW-developed steel spring coilover suspension, and four-way adjustable dampers. The front of the vehicle is 23 millimeters lower, the rear 15 millimeters. Braking is handled by ceramic brakes with 420 millimeter discs at the front and 360 millimeter discs at the rear, combined with six-piston and single-piston brake calipers behind 20-inch wheels.
Dark looks, uncompromising function
As can be easily seen in the pictures, the CLE 646 special edition has been given a heavily modified body. It is 61 millimeters wider than the standard CLE 53. To reduce weight, Affalterbach relies heavily on carbon fiber, but of course, the removal of all-wheel drive also helps significantly.
It seems to have paid off, as the highly exclusive performance monster loses a remarkable 170 kilograms compared to the base CLE 53 coupe, but is still likely to weigh around 1,830 kilos including the driver.
Mercedes uses carbon fiber for the fenders, front bumper, side skirts, hood, roof, and rear bumper. Additionally, there is an extensive aerodynamic package that generates more than 250 kilograms of downforce at top speed. The car features an adjustable front diffuser, ventilation openings in the fenders, an integrated air channel next to the headlights, and an adjustable rear wing.
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| Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 special edition – Key data | |
| Engine | 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbo |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Power | 646 hp |
| Torque | 850 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 310 km/h |
| Empty weight | around 1,830 kg |
The manufacturer also consistently focuses on weight in the interior. Mercedes removes the rear seats, acoustic insulation, and several driver assistance systems, simplifies the sound system, and reduces the number of comfort features.
The 646 comes with ultra-light bucket seats, lightweight carbon fiber door panels, and a roll cage. Mercedes even goes so far as to use polycarbonate for the rear side windows and the rear window.
An optional performance package adds six-point harnesses. The paintwork is executed as a gradient: it starts at the front in Mojave Silver Magno and transitions to Obsidian Black Magno from the B-pillar.
All 30 units of the CLE 646 special edition are hand-built in Affalterbach based on a CLE 53. This continues the decades-long tradition of exclusive manufactory production, from which icons like the AMG 300 CE 6.0 “The Hammer” have emerged, says AMG. The manufacturer has not yet commented on the presumably astronomical price of the special series.
Motor1 says: The world needs more wild coupes with V8s, and Mercedes-AMG delivers exactly that. It’s just a pity that only a small number of wealthy buyers will get the chance to experience this uncompromising car. At the same time, it shows what is technically possible – even if most of us will probably never sit behind the wheel ourselves.
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Source: Mercedes-AMG
