Mercedes-AMG to bring back V8 in upcoming CLE63 with mild-hybrid electrification; other models to follow

Mercedes-AMG will be bringing back the V8 engine into future models, Autocar has reported, following the current AMG C63’s departure from the engine layout in the W206 generation.

The V8 layout continues to serve currently in higher-end AMGs such as the W223 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance and the facelifted W465 G63, while the CLE53 and E53 retain the cylinder count and displacement of previous AMG 53 models, albeit with more electrification.

The CLE63 will be the next to gain the petrol V8 engine in mild-hybrid guise, which is a powertrain that will be rolled out with other upcoming AMG models, including a revised C63 next year, Autocar understands. Details are unconfirmed, though this is rumoured to be a revision of the manufacturer’s existing biturbo V8 engine architecture.

This will emerge with a different soundtrack, however, as Mercedes-AMG has reportedly dropped the cross-plane crankshaft that gives a V8 engine its signature noise, in favour of a flat-plane crankshaft design – as featured in the engine of the AMG GT Black Series – that is aimed at improving throttle response, higher engine speeds and a more compact crankcase design, according to the publication.

To balance the higher-pitched sound from the flat-plane crankshaft equipped V8 compared to the regular cross-plane V8, AMG plans to equip models using this engine with a sound generator to mimic the burbling sound of its most celebrated models, Autocar wrote.

Earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz had revealed that it plans to continue offering AMG V8 engines, with varying levels of electrification to keep compliance with tightening emissions regulations in its native Europe. In selected markets, even 12-cylinder engine-powered models will continue to be offered, the manufacturer stated previously.

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