Mercedes-Benz last week delivered a strategy presentation confirming that it will continue to offer V-8 and V-12 engines for the foreseeable future—and in the case of the V-8, the automaker said it plans to develop an entirely new generation with electrification.
Mercedes didn’t provide further details on the new V-8, but Autocar has learned from sources that the engine will feature a mild-hybrid system and will debut later this year in the new AMG CLE 63 before making its way into other AMG models.
One potential recipient could be an updated version of the C 63, whose current iteration is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 in a plug-in hybrid configuration—though AMG boss Michael Schiebe has previously ruled this out.
Prototypes for the CLE 63 have been spotted multiple times over the past year, including in convertible form. The car is expected to go on sale in the U.S. as a 2026 model.
According to Autocar’s report, published on Feb. 24, the new V-8 will be an evolution of AMG’s current twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It will reportedly incorporate mild-hybrid technology along with a flat-plane crankshaft. The latter allows for a smaller crankcase, aiding packaging efficiency, as well as a higher rev limit. AMG previously employed a flat-plane crankshaft in the GT Black Series launched in 2021.
Interestingly, Autocar also reported that AMG may incorporate sound generators to replicate the deeper, burbling engine note of its current V-8. A flat-plane crankshaft design typically produces a higher-pitched sound, making artificial enhancement a potential necessity.
Mercedes isn’t only automaker that sees a bright future for the V-8. Porsche last fall said it plans to continue offering gas cars well into the next decade, including some with V-8 engines.
