Mercedes-Benz Makes Big Turnaround As Its V8 And V12 Engines Lives On

Mercedes-Benz and AMG have been working intensively on downsizing with electrification recently. This is how the 2.0-litre gasoline model AMG C 63 SE Performance was created, which, with additional electric assistance, develops 680 hp. But despite the great power, this engine did not meet with the approval of customers who miss the old “raw” V8.

There have been rumours lately that Mercedes will completely phase out V8 engines, but these have now been categorically denied at a meeting of the company’s CEO with investors.

“Mercedes-AMG plans to grow in the ‘performance market’, thanks to a significantly refreshed model lineup from 2026 onward and the strategic evolution of its portfolio, which will include the next generation of the high-tech electrified V8 and dedicated high-performance electric models based on AMG.EA,” Mercedes said in a statement. In addition to the V8 engine, the V12 engine will survive in the coming years, at least in certain markets.

New i4, inline-6, V8 And V12 Engines To Be Made

“To also provide a comprehensive portfolio of electrified high-tech vehicles with internal combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz already has a range of future-ready engines and transmissions ranging from four to eight cylinders. In selected markets, 12-cylinder engines will continue to be offered,” the statement said.

When it comes to 12-cylinders, Mercedes currently only offers its 6.0-litre V12 with 630 hp in the exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S 680. The market for such engines is very small but stable.

As for the eight-cylinder models, Mercedes-AMG currently has one electrified V8 engine, but it is working on new ones. Currently, AMG uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 boosted by electric motors in the AMG S 63 E Performance, SL 63 E Performance, and GT 63 SE Performance models. This powertrain develops 802 hp, but according to statements from Mercedes, it is obvious that new electrified V8 engines are also being developed.

However, just because the V8 and V12 are staying doesn’t guarantee they’ll be present in all the models that had them before. Mercedes fans have been waiting for the AMG E 63 to be revived, with rumours suggesting that the model could get a plug-in hybrid inline-six engine instead of the V8. The new E 63 could arrive in 2026, or perhaps as early as 2027.

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