Zakirin
Following substantial customer backlash over the downsizing of its performance powertrains, Mercedes-Benz is officially reversing course on its stringent engine-displacement reduction strategy. During a recent roundtable discussion, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius admitted that the automaker misjudged the loyalty of its V8 customer base, paving the way for the return of large-displacement engines in upcoming AMG models.
- Mercedes-Benz leadership acknowledges underestimating the market appeal and demand for V8 engines following the controversial shift to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid in the current AMG C63.
- The V8 engine will return in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE63, recently previewed by the ultra-limited, 646-horsepower CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung.
- While the W206 C-Class architecture cannot physically accommodate a V8, six-cylinder powertrains are confirmed for the platform, and a broader revival of V12 models has been strongly hinted by executive leadership.
The admission marks a significant pivot for Mercedes-AMG. When the brand replaced the hand-crafted 4.0-litre V8 in the C63 with a highly advanced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, it achieved greater overall power outputs but sacrificed the character and acoustic signature that traditional AMG buyers demanded. Recognizing this disconnect, Källenius noted that the automaker failed to carry the “good old V8 crowd” along with its downsizing efforts.
| Model / Platform Architecture | Previous / Current Powertrain Strategy | Updated Powertrain Strategy & Outlook |
| Mercedes-AMG C63 (W206) | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid | Remains 4-cylinder (Platform limits V8 integration); 6-cylinder variants confirmed |
| Mercedes-AMG CLE63 | Initially anticipated to share C63 hybrid | 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 confirmed for commercial release next year |
| CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung | – | 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (646 hp / 850 Nm); Mythos series limited to 30 units |
| V12 Flagship Portfolio | Restricted to Maybach S680 & select S-Class | Hinted expansion (“Watch this space”); potential return to SL or G-Class lines |
The CLE63 V8 and Mythos Series Preview
The primary beneficiary of this strategic reversal is the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE63. Mercedes-AMG CEO Stefan Weckbach has confirmed that the CLE63 will arrive next year equipped with V8 power.
A direct preview of this powertrain’s capability was recently showcased through the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Serving as the second model in the brand’s exclusive Mythos series, the Spezialanfertigung (“custom-made”) is limited to just 30 units worldwide—all of which are already sold out. The special edition packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 646 hp and 850 Nm of torque, establishing the performance baseline expected for the regular production CLE63.
Packaging Constraints on the C-Class
Despite the renewed commitment to the V8, the current W206-generation C63 will not receive a displacement upgrade. The structural architecture of the current C-Class was engineered exclusively around four- and six-cylinder packaging. Because the engine bay physically cannot accommodate the width and cooling requirements of a V8 block, the model will persist with its current configuration, though the integration of six-cylinder powertrains into the C-Class lineup has been officially confirmed.
Potential V12 Expansion
Beyond the V8 revival, Mercedes-Benz is evaluating a broader return of its twelve-cylinder engines. Currently, the V12 is strictly reserved for the Mercedes-Maybach S680 and select S-Class armored variants in specific global markets. When pressed on whether customers seeking V12 power in other segments would be satisfied, Källenius offered a definitive “Watch this space,” prompting industry speculation regarding the potential revival of 12-cylinder variants for the Mercedes-AMG SL or the G-Class.
