Mercedes-AMG to bring back V8 engines, leaves door open for V12
German carmaker Mercedes-AMG is rethinking its electrification approach because customers want traditional V8 engines. A V8-powered CLE 63 is due next year, while the company's chief has only hinted at the V12's future.
Mercedes-AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, has admitted it underestimated how attached customers are to traditional V8 combustion engines, and is bringing them back to its lineup. The decision was influenced by the reaction to the four-cylinder hybrid C63, which is pushing the company to revisit its approach even as electrification continues.
Why the approach is changing
The current Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance produces 680 horsepower. It pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor. Even so, many fans miss the sound and character of the previous V8.
AMG management has confirmed that a CLE 63 with a V8 engine is expected next year. A return of the eight-cylinder engine to the C63 sedan and estate is not planned for now, mainly because of high development costs.
What about the V12
Hope also remains for fans of twelve-cylinder engines. Mercedes chief executive Ola Kallenius has hinted that the company may have surprises for customers who still want a V12. At present, the engine is available in selected Mercedes-Maybach S-Class models and in the armoured S-Class Guard.
One possible option is a V12-powered G-Class off-roader, since the brand previously sold the AMG G 65. However, no such version has been confirmed.
More than power
Mercedes-AMG acknowledges that power alone does not decide everything: engine sound, character and driving emotion also matter to customers. For that reason, large petrol engines are likely to keep their place in the brand's model range for some time.
