While it has been rumoured that Mercedes-Benz is giving up on V8 engines altogether, the company recently reaffirmed its stance that this is not the case and that the V8 is here to stay. During the ‘Mastering Transformation’ roadmap presentation, the German brand said the V8, and even the V12, will have a future in its line-up.
“Mercedes-AMG plans to outgrow the performance market, thanks to a heavily refreshed model lineup from 2026 onwards and a strategic evolution of its portfolio, which will include a next-generation, high-tech electrified V8 and dedicated high-performance electric models based on AMG.EA,” the company wrote in a release.
Current models with an electrified V8 are E Performance versions of the S63, SL63 and GT63 (coupe and 4-Door). Based on how the announcement reads, it looks like the company will continue to develop V8s with some form to hybridisation in order to meet tightening emissions regulations in Europe.
Does this mean future versions of C63 and E63 (if it ever makes a return) will get a V8 again?. The company previously shut down this idea but there could be a change of heart given what is going on with the latest C63. At present, the C63 features an electrified inline-four engine (previously a V8), which hasn’t been well received by customers.
Various reports indicate sales of the C63 have been poor, which could see the V8 return in the future. Autocar, citing senior Mercedes-Benz officials, said the upcoming CLE63 will not get an electrified 2.0 litre powerplant as originally intended, and will instead receive a V8 with mild hybrid technology.
This decision would likely prevent any confusion a four-cylinder CLE63 might cause given the CLE53 has a 3.0 litre inline-six engine. What of the E63 then? Referring to a Car Magazine review of the E53 – the only AMG-branded E-Class available now – there won’t be a new E63 on the horizon, although never say never, right? With nearly 40 models set to be released by Mercedes-Benz until 2027, we can hope.
“To also ensure a comprehensive portfolio of electrified high-tech combustion-engine vehicles, Mercedes-Benz already has a full range of future-proof EU-7 ready engines and transmissions ranging from four to eight cylinders. In selected markets, 12-cylinder engines will continue to be offered,” the company also mentioned in its release. The only model that currently has a V12 in the brand’s line-up is the Mercedes-Maybach S680, which likely still attracts enough buyers for it to be kept around.
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