Mercedes had all the power for wild AMG V8 coupe test

As we found out earlier this week, sadly, the V8-powered AMG C63 won’t be coming back any time soon. However, Mercedes will soon have an eight-cylinder coupe derived from the same sports sedan. This delightfully hardcore CLE is set to be the second member of the company’s ultra-exclusive Mythos series, following the SL-based PureSpeed ​​launched a few years ago.

according to youtuber carspotter zeroenMercedes, who shot the video, took to the Nürburgring for a private testing session with the Mythos-spec CLE. This meant that the company had the entire track to itself, without having to worry about potential interference from other automakers’ prototypes. Bookings for the Nordschleife for solo testing usually occur late in the development process, so the world premiere is likely to come closer.

Whether the lap record was even attempted is unclear, but there is no pressure to chase the record as the AMG One remains the undisputed king among production cars with an impressive lap time of 6 minutes and 29.09 seconds. It’s highly unlikely the range-topping CLE could come close, and even if it did, Mercedes probably wouldn’t want to steal the AMG One’s thunder.

It may have more than 600 horsepower

The camouflaged prototype is much more than a souped-up CLE, giving the impression that Mercedes-AMG has gone all-in with the upgrade. From the stacked exhaust tips to the massive rear wing, the next Mythos model means business. It also has a large hood scoop to help cool the new flat-plane-crank V8, which is rumored to produce 646 horsepower.

Dealers invited to a private meeting in Sindelfingen, Germany claim that Mercedes intends to build only 30 units worldwide. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, there could also be a CLE 63 Black Series with higher production capacity. It will likely cost less, as it won’t be as extreme as the Mythos.

In fact, some of the prototypes seen testing in recent months don’t look as outlandish as this model. If there is such a thing when talking about the Black Series models, they might be previewing a smaller version. Either way, the CLE is definitely getting the V8 treatment in some form, and hopefully that means the E63 will return with the right number of cylinders one day.

In the meantime, the Mythos should whet our appetite for more V8 models. It is expected to break cover in the coming months before deliveries begin in 2027. If Mercedes is actually only making 30 units, as the rumor mill claims, then we wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve already been spoken for. With emissions regulations becoming ever stricter globally, the bunch’s meanest CLE may be part of a dying breed.

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Source: Mercedes-AMG

Motor1’s Opinion: The new mythos should represent the best of AMG, eschewing size reduction and electrification in favor of an honest-to-goodness V8. Even before the official debut, it’s already clear that the CLE has started hitting the gym to lose and gain weight, just like BMW did with the M4 CSL a few years ago. There also appears to be a significant amount of aerodynamic trickery involved, even beyond the attention-grabbing rear wing.

Although pricing is unknown, it will almost certainly be eye-wateringly expensive, entering deep into six-figure territory with a hefty premium over the $77,650 CLE 53. Whether Mythos will cost double, triple, or even more remains a mystery. But with the Mythos being placed above everything else in the Mercedes hierarchy, it will exclusively cater to the brand’s wealthiest customers.