Downsizing Be Damned: More Mercedes Models Could Get a V-8

The brand's next-generation V-8 might have broader availability.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Updated: May 9, 2025 at 9:05am ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

Mercedes-Benz is adamant that there’s still a place in an electrified automotive world for a large-displacement engine. Despite increasingly stringent emissions regulations, the AMG performance division is hard at work preparing an all-new V-8. Not only will it power existing eight-cylinder models, but it could also be shoehorned into cars that currently don’t have as many cylinders.

AMG head honcho Michael Schiebe told Car and Driver that engineers in Affalterbach are developing a new V-8. Although Mercedes previously described it as a "next-generation, high-tech electrified V-8," Schiebe says AMG doesn’t "necessarily need to go that far on hybridization." He notes that track enthusiasts prefer the pure ICE experience of the GT63 Pro over the heavier plug-in hybrid GT63 S E-Performance, even if the latter delivers more oomph.

Why is Mercedes betting on V-8s when just about everyone else is downsizing? AMG has realized there’s still solid demand for eight-cylinder luxury cars and wants to "fill customers’ dreams." It has run the numbers and determined that investing in a large engine will likely pay off in the long term. Schiebe emphasized the V-8 still has "some years" ahead, even though the European Union will effectively ban sales of new gas cars starting in 2035. Beyond the 27 EU countries, however, the rest of the world, where regulations are less strict, still represents a big market. AMG cited the United States as a prime example.

Although the new V-8 could see broader use, it sadly won’t be returning to the C63 anytime soon. In a statement to Motor1 earlier this year, an AMG spokesperson refuted rumors of restoring the C63’s missing four cylinders. A wild rumor from Germany last month even suggested that Mercedes might cancel the C63 and replace it with a six-cylinder C53. We reached out at that point for clarification, but the company declined to comment on the speculation, so take it with a grain of salt.

What do you think?

View

Comments

If the V-8 C63 isn’t coming back, we can only hope AMG will make things right with the upcoming CLE63 and give the high-performance coupe the engine it deserves. Lest we forget that the V-8 isn’t even the biggest engine Mercedes offers. The company recently pledged to keep the mighty V-12 alive, a twin-turbo 6.0-liter powerhouse reserved for the S-Class. Well, the Pagani Utopia also uses a twelve-cylinder engine from AMG.

The twelve-cylinder engine is a dying breed. BMW dropped it three years ago, and Audi hasn’t sold a W-12 car since 2017. Bentley’s version of the W-12 was discontinued about a year ago. Ferrari, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Gordon Murray Automotive still offer V-12s, while Bugatti has gone even further, developing a bonkers V-16.

V-8 All The Things!

Spied: The New Mercedes-AMG CLE63 Sounds Like It Has a V-8

Praise Be: Mercedes-AMG Still Cooking New V-8 Cars

Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily.

back

Subscribe For more info, read our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.

Source: Car and Driver

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

Toyota's Cheaper Sports Car Is Reportedly Back On The Menu

Ford Showed Us Its Secret Car Vault Filled With Hundreds Of Hidden Gems

BMW Has 10 New Models Coming In 2027. Here's All Of Them

The 25-Year Car Import Rule Can Be Complicated. Here's How It Works

Audi Tells Us Why The Nuvolari Costs $300,000 More Than Temerario