Mercedes-AMG Just Introduced a CLE Coupe With a 637-HP V8

Mercedes will built just 30 examples of the new CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung — and they're already sold out

written by Jake Sundstrom
edited by Steven Ewing
9/10/2026
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What's new: Mercedes-Benz just launched a mega-powerful version of the CLE coupe.
Why it matters: The Spezialanfertigung — yes, that's really its name — uses a 4.0-liter V8 engine with 637 horsepower, making it the most powerful CLE by a long shot.
Edmunds says: We will never complain about more hi-po V8 models. Want one? Too bad, it's already sold out.

Just as a reunion tour from your favorite band rekindles nostalgia in your old, graying heart, so too does Mercedes-AMG's announcement of a V8-powered CLE coupe. Mercedes will only build 30 examples of the V8-powered CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Oh, and they're already sold out. Sorry.

That mouthful of a name (which roughly translates to "special build") is secondary to the CLE 646's performance. The most powerful CLE you can currently buy is the AMG CLE 53, which comes with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six good for 443 horsepower. The Spezialanfertigung blows that out of the water, delivering a whopping 637 horsepower courtesy of a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. (Fun fact: 646 is the car's output in metric horsepower, which, translated to U.S. specs, is 637.)

Mercedes took 375 pounds of weight out of the CLE and added a unique steel coilover suspension setup for better handling and balance. The Spezialanfertigung also uses rear-wheel drive, as opposed to the CLE 53, which uses all-wheel drive.

The Spezialanfertigung looks plenty racy, sporting a large rear wing and wide fenders. This is the second vehicle in what Mercedes-Benz is calling its Mythos Series, the first being the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed. Each of the 30 Spezialanfertigung vehicles is hand-built at AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany.

Mercedes-AMG Spezialanfertigung taillight

That's all well and good, but what about the performance? According to Mercedes, the Spezialanfertigung reaches 124 mph in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 193 mph. Mercedes says the vehicle's launch control system has been specially adapted to the Spezialanfertigung's rear-wheel-drive layout; all-wheel-drive cars have more traction and are usually much easier to launch.

It's a very cool car, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. But it'll likely remain the stuff of dreams. All 30 are already spoken for.

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by Jake Sundstrom

Jake Sundstrom has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles. Jake is currently a features editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to National Hot Rod Association publications. When he's not driving cars, he's eating takeout inside of them (probably burgers, burritos or pizza).

edited by Steven Ewing

Steven Ewing is Edmunds' director of editorial content. An automotive journalist for more than half of his life, Ewing's been on staff at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog, Motor1.com, CNET, and he was the U.S. correspondent for Top Gear magazine. He's also contributed to publications like Automobile magazine, Car and Driver, The Drive, Jalopnik, Porsche Panorama, and more. Ewing has worked in the automotive industry since 2003. From testing prototype cars in the Arctic Circle to spilling a beer on a Formula 1 driver at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (oops), he's always got an interesting story to tell.

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