Mercedes reaffirmed last week that V-8 engines will remain part of its lineup, despite increasingly strict emissions regulations. Even the S-Class will retain its V-12 option in select markets. The eight-cylinder engine has been refined to comply with the forthcoming Euro 7 standard, securing its future. At the same time, AMG is developing a “next-generation, high-tech electrified V-8.” According to a new report, this engine isn’t limited to upcoming models—it may also find its way into the current C63.
The new V-8 could debut in the CLE63 later this year and make its way into the top-tier C-Class model as soon as 2026. When reached for confirmation, AMG’s Communications Specialist, Catrin Dunz-Ludwig, acknowledged the new engine’s existence but declined to share details about its rollout:
“We can confirm that AMG is developing a new V-8 engine. However, we ask for your understanding that we do not comment on a detailed rollout plan.”
In the meantime, the high-performance sedan is reportedly set for a refresh next year, which will see the controversial four-cylinder engine phased out. The upcoming powertrain is believed to be an evolution of AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 but with a flat-plane crankshaft—an element AMG enthusiasts may recall from the GT Black Series.
The new eight-cylinder engine is expected to incorporate mild-hybrid technology, potentially eliminating the complex plug-in hybrid system currently used in the C63. If true, this would mark a complete reversal of AMG CEO Michael Schiebe’s stance from late 2023:
“We want to be very, very progressive when it comes to technology. And we are convinced of the hybridization concept, there we will stay with the four-cylinder.”
Earlier this year, Schiebe admitted that AMG lost customers after cutting the C63’s cylinder count in half. Significant discounts in Germany suggest the model hasn’t been selling well. Although the car was never originally designed to accommodate a V-8, it may still be feasible. Austrian tuner VUK Manufaktur recently completed a V-8 conversion for the C63 after two years of development. The rumored flat-plane crankshaft would also contribute to a more compact crankcase design.
Beyond the CLE63 and C63, additional models are expected to adopt the V-8. It remains uncertain whether the GLC63 will follow suit by dropping its electrified 2.0-liter engine. Given that the GLC63 is essentially an SUV variant of the C63, the transition seems plausible. Future AMG models equipped with the eight-cylinder engine are rumored to feature artificial engine sounds played through speakers, compensating for the higher-pitched tone created by the flat-plane crankshaft.
Redesigning a vehicle mid-cycle to accommodate a V-8 is undoubtedly an expensive endeavor, but Mercedes and AMG must have concluded that it’s worth the investment. The move suggests that C63 sales have been disappointing, and bringing back the V-8 may be a strategy to win back customers.
Ultimately, returning to the V-8 proves that raw performance figures aren’t everything. While the new C63 may appear significantly more powerful on paper, it lacks the visceral excitement of its predecessor. Buyers in this segment prioritize character and engagement over a highly electrified small-displacement engine—even one deemed “very, very progressive.”
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