Mercedes-AMG CLE Mythos V8 Coupe Undergoes Exclusive Nürburgring Testing
Mercedes-AMG is preparing to launch a new, intensely powerful coupe, the CLE-based Mythos, which recently underwent private testing at the Nürburgring. This highly anticipated vehicle is set to join Mercedes' ultra-exclusive Mythos series and is speculated to deliver more than 600 horsepower. With a production run expected to be limited to just 30 units globally, this model emphasizes extreme performance and luxurious exclusivity. Its development on the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife indicates advanced stages of refinement, positioning it as a significant, albeit rare, offering in the high-performance automotive market.
The C63 V8, a beloved powerhouse, is not slated for an immediate return, but Mercedes is poised to unveil a new eight-cylinder coupe, the CLE-based Mythos. This vehicle is destined to become the second entry in the esteemed Mythos lineage, following the SL-based PureSpeed. The private testing session at the Nürburgring, as captured by Carspotter Jeroen, highlights the rigorous development process. Having exclusive access to the Nordschleife for testing suggests that the vehicle is nearing its official global unveiling. This level of private track time is crucial for fine-tuning such high-performance machines, ensuring optimal dynamics and speed.
While it remains uncertain if Mercedes aimed for a lap record during the Nürburgring test, the AMG One still holds the title for production cars with an impressive time of 6 minutes and 29.09 seconds. The CLE Mythos is unlikely to challenge this record directly, as Mercedes would probably prefer not to overshadow the AMG One's achievements. The camouflaged prototype showcases a range of aggressive upgrades, including distinctive stacked exhaust tips, a substantial rear wing, and a prominent hood scoop, all pointing to a car built for extreme performance. These features are designed to enhance aerodynamics and engine cooling, supporting a rumored new flat-plane-crank V8 engine. This engine is expected to generate an astounding 646 horsepower.
Reports from dealers who attended a private event in Sindelfingen, Germany, suggest that Mercedes plans to build only 30 units of the CLE Mythos globally. This limited production run underscores the model's exclusivity. There's also speculation about a more widely available, albeit still potent, CLE 63 Black Series variant, which would offer a slightly less extreme package and a more accessible price point. Regardless, the CLE is confirmed to receive a V8 engine, maintaining Mercedes-AMG's commitment to powerful internal combustion engines in an era of tightening emissions regulations. This ensures that the spirit of high-performance V8s continues, at least for a privileged few, with deliveries anticipated to commence in 2027.
This new Mythos model promises to deliver AMG's peak performance, deliberately bypassing smaller engines and electrification in favor of a robust V8. The CLE has clearly undergone significant modifications to enhance its power and reduce its weight, echoing BMW's approach with the M4 CSL. Furthermore, the vehicle incorporates sophisticated aerodynamic enhancements that extend beyond its striking rear wing. While its price point remains undisclosed, it is expected to be exceptionally high, placing it far above the standard CLE 53 and catering exclusively to Mercedes-Benz's most affluent clientele. This ultra-exclusive coupe represents a bold statement in the face of increasingly stringent global emissions standards.