The CLE 646’s chassis is the key to its true performance capability, though, because Mercedes has widened the body by 60mm, covering bigger and tougher axles that work with a bespoke suspension set-up. This uses four-way-adjustable dampers developed in conjunction with KW Automotive, as well as shorter steel springs and more aggressive geometry. 

AMG also fits a set of 420mm carbon-ceramic brakes on the front axle as standard, as well as forged 20-inch wheels and some weight-saving elements. These include the use of polycarbonate side and rear windows, bespoke carbon-fibre front wings and bonnet, and a stripped-out cabin with carbon fibre on the doors, console and dash. Mercedes says around 170kg has been saved, resulting in a 1,895kg weight figure for the car.

However, some might say there’s no point having all these upgrades if you can’t see them, and AMG’s styling department has definitely been given some room to experiment here. The front end is completely dominated by a huge grille that extends right to the lower splitter. Within the main opening, AMG has designed specific ducts for the front brakes and the engine’s radiators, plus there’s a bonnet-mounted scoop and small vents on either side of the headlights. There are more vents on the front wings, which are also completely reshaped; these are inspired by the parts on the AMG One and help reduce air pressure within the front wheelarches.

Rather than a totally bespoke body, the 646 features separate flares over the rear arches, although they appear integrated into the new sills and rear bumper. The rear wing is adjustable, and works in conjunction with the new rear diffuser to produce as much as 250kg of downforce at the 193mph top speed.

There’s also a new part-titanium exhaust system designed in cooperation with Akrapovic, exiting through stacked pipes that leave more space for the diffuser insert in the rear bumper. The eagle-eyed will also notice the 646 has new front and rear lights that’ll be part of the CLE’s wider mid-life refresh in a few months’ time.

Finally, the paint finish is unique to the 646, which features a front-to-rear gradient from silver to black, plus there’s plenty of unique badging and AMG signatures, such as the AMG logo on the front grille and an AMG crest by the driver’s door. 

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