Mercedes-AMG Tests CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung Prototype
The 646 PS rear-wheel-drive coupe was spotted on the Nürburgring ahead of its September debut, with production capped at 30 units worldwide.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
Mercedes-AMG tested a prototype of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung on the Nürburgring, a limited-run model powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 646 PS (637 hp). The car sold out before its official September debut.
Why it matters
The model signals how far AMG is pushing its performance range, with rear-wheel drive replacing all-wheel drive and significant weight removed from the donor CLE 53. Mercedes-AMG is also developing a new Black Series based on the AMG GT, which is expected to extend track capability further.
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung produces 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque and weighs 1,895 kg (4,178 lbs), with 250 kg (551 lbs) of downforce generated at its 310 km/h (193 mph) top speed. Production is capped at 30 units worldwide.
The players
Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG is the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, based in Affalterbach, Germany, known for its high-output V8 engines and track-focused models.
The details
Engineers fitted a bespoke titanium exhaust developed with Akrapovič and removed the rear seats and much of the sound insulation to reduce weight. Several body panels on the prototype remain unpainted.
Timeline
September 2026: Official debut of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung.
November 3, 2026: Spy video of the CLE 646 Nürburgring testing published.
Roadmap
Mercedes-AMG's testing on the Nürburgring follows the benchmark set by the AMG One's 6 minutes 29.090 seconds lap of the circuit. The CLE 646 extends that track-focused approach to a limited, rear-wheel-drive coupe.
With only 30 units produced and the run already sold out, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is effectively unavailable to new buyers. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and reduced weight suit drivers focused on track performance rather than all-weather capability.
The takeaway
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung shows how Mercedes-AMG is combining weight reduction, rear-wheel drive and a bespoke exhaust to push a series coupe toward track-car performance. Its sell-out before debut underlines strong demand for limited, high-output models.
What happens next
The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is scheduled for its official debut in September 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Performance Vehicles coverage for context on track-focused models like this one.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motor1.
