Mercedes-Benz AMG yielding to enthusiasts’ cries as it inserts the esteemed twin-turbo V8 engine into the CLE coupe. You prevailed. Did we all prevail? The turbo-four plug-in hybrid didn’t make the cut.
You’re witnessing the street-legal Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung that premiered with shockingly little hype on Thursday. Indeed, that’s its actual name. And crucially, there’s a V8-powered CLE entering the world. Well, at least a few of them, to be precise.
This new model is part of the Mythos Series, with just 30 units to be produced (that’s not a mistake). It’s already sold out. Apologies, folks.
Key details? Under the hood lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 churning out 637 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This engine boasts a flat-plane crank, as noted by Mercedes-Benz AMG, which minimizes rotating mass and enhances revving traits. In simpler terms? Those 30 fortunate owners can anticipate outstanding throttle response that excites. This AMG will also produce a distinctive growl thanks to a custom Akrapovič exhaust system.
Importantly, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung eliminates the AMG-specific 4Matic all-wheel-drive system found in the donor CLE. It’s purely rear-wheel drive. To manage power distribution, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential is in place.
The contentious plug-in hybrid system from AMG is entirely absent, as the 646 opts for a more conventional 48-volt setup. The complete powertrain is equipped with three cooling circuits: a high-temperature circuit dedicated to engine cooling, while two low-temperature circuits take care of air and transmission oil cooling, along with the 48-volt components.
Yes, the V8 endures, but if you assumed there would be a manual transmission, I have a monorail you might be interested in. A 9-speed automatic transmission is the sole shifting method, but the AMG team quickly asserted that this torque-converter setup can perform multiple downshifts in quick succession. Time will tell.
An updated launch control program facilitates a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds, a 0-124 mph benchmark of 11.4 seconds, and a top speed of 193 mph.
The aesthetics are polarizing at best. The wide-body design adds 2.4 inches of width in both the front and rear of the CLE. Carbon fiber front fenders incorporate integrated air outlets focused on substantial cooling ducts for the powertrain. The hood features a central cold air intake believed to be functional. The trunk lid has been reinforced and includes a massive, adjustable carbon fiber wing supported by trapezoidal struts.
The flared fenders accommodate sizable forced wheels shod with staggered 305/30ZR20 tires at the front and 335/30ZR20 at the rear. Those expansive wheels conceal 16.6-inch carbon ceramic rotors with six-piston fixed calipers at the front, along with 14.2-inch carbon ceramic rotors in the rear using single-piston floating calipers.
Mercedes indicated that weight reduction has shed 375 pounds from the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, including “numerous comfort and assistance systems, like Parktronic parking assistant.” Along with all the carbon fiber components, polycarbonate side and rear windows were substituted to enhance weight savings. Even the 12-volt starter battery is lighter than typical.
The audio system was simplified to reduce weight, rear seats and sound insulation were removed, and eliminating drive modes and assistance systems cut down the number of controls on the steering wheel. Ultra-lightweight racing bucket seats and carbon fiber door panels replaced the standard options, alongside a roll bar for added support and rigidity. A six-point harness for both driver and passenger can be added in the Performance Package. In total, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung comes in at 4,178 pounds.
Whether the V8 will appear in other CLE models remains to be seen, but for now, a select few buyers worldwide will have the distinction of stepping beyond the plug-in hybrid turbo-four era at AMG.
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**Mercedes-AMG C-Class Brings Back V8 Engine Following Discontent with Turbo-Four PHEV**
The automotive landscape is experiencing a notable change as Mercedes-AMG reintegrates the V8 engine into its C-Class series, a maneuver that follows mixed responses to the earlier turbo-four plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. This choice illustrates both the market demand for performance and a strategic shift in reaction to consumer desires.
**Context of the C-Class Series**
The Mercedes-AMG C-Class has been synonymous with performance, luxury, and state-of-the-art technology for quite some time. Historically outfitted with potent engines, the C-Class has appealed to enthusiasts seeking a combination of everyday functionality and exhilarating driving dynamics. Nonetheless, the introduction of a turbo-four PHEV aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions did not resonate entirely with the brand’s performance-focused audience.
**The Turbo-Four PHEV Journey**
The turbo-four PHEV was crafted to strike a balance between potency and efficiency, featuring a smaller displacement engine paired with an electric motor. Although it delivered commendable performance figures and improved fuel economy, many enthusiasts felt it didn’t provide the engaging driving experience intrinsic to the AMG brand. Feedback underscored a yearning for more power and a deeper connection to the driving experience, prompting a reevaluation of engine choices.
**Return of the V8 Engine**
In light of such feedback, Mercedes-AMG has opted to reintroduce the V8 engine in the C-Class range. This decision not only pays homage to tradition but is also a strategic affirmation of AMG’s dedication to performance. The new V8 engine is expected to deliver exhilarating power, increased torque, and the dynamic driving experience that fans crave.
The revived V8 is anticipated to be a variant of the brand’s renowned 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine, celebrated for its remarkable performance traits. This engine has been a cornerstone in various AMG models, offering an exhilarating sound and swift acceleration that encapsulates the AMG experience.
**Market Ramifications**
The choice to bring back the V8 engine in the C-Class reflects a broader trend within the automotive sector, where manufacturers are reevaluating their powertrain strategies in response to consumer preferences. As performance vehicles continue to progress, the appetite for traditional internal combustion engines remains robust among enthusiasts, even in an era of rising electrification.
Mercedes-AMG’s decision may also indicate a shift in how luxury performance brands approach hybridization. While efficiency holds significance, the emotional tie and enjoyment derived from strong engines cannot be overlooked.
**Conclusion**
The reintroduction of the V8 engine in the Mercedes-AMG C-Class signifies a pivotal moment for the brand and its dedicated fanbase. By addressing the dissatisfaction with the turbo-four PHEV, Mercedes-AMG is reaffirming its allegiance to performance and driving enjoyment. As the automotive environment continues to develop, the equilibrium between power, efficiency, and consumer expectations will remain a crucial area of focus for manufacturers. The comeback of the V8 is not merely a revival of a cherished engine but a tribute to the driving experience that epitomizes the AMG brand.