Mercedes-AMG Will Reintroduce Its V8 Engines This Year

      Mercedes-Benz

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      The highly anticipated return of the V8 engine in Mercedes-AMG is becoming a reality, moving beyond mere speculation. According to the performance brand's CEO, we can expect to see actual vehicles equipped with these engines before the end of 2026.

      “The V8 will be making its comeback to AMG by the end of the year,” stated AMG CEO Michael Scheibe in an interview with Car Magazine. “We will reintroduce it in SUVs, and other models will also receive it.”

      Scheibe further mentioned that AMG is “renewing our commitment to internal combustion engine vehicles, while equally focusing on our impressive electric vehicle lineup,” with the aim of being “more AMG than ever.”

      The ongoing discussion about the inclusion of larger gasoline engines in Mercedes' performance division has been a hot topic among enthusiasts. Many saw the shift to a four-cylinder engine in the C63 AMG as a significant change, as it replaced the reliable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a smaller engine and hybrid support. Although it still produced substantial power, the character that many loved was diminished.

      The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance replaced the previous V8 with a turbocharged and electrified inline-four.

      Additionally, it weighed more. Commenting on the added weight from the complex hybrid setup, Scheibe remarked, “For a lightweight vehicle, sometimes a V8-only option is the best choice.” No arguments from us, boss.

      The plug-in hybrid system in the C63 will be phased out in favor of a straight-six, similar to that in the new GLC53. The V8 is expected to be based on the M177 Evo engine found in the new S-Class, which features a flat-plane crank. Scheibe indicated we will see this engine first in SUVs, and since the regular GLE and GLS models will also benefit from this engineering, their AMG variants are likely candidates as well.

      An in-depth look at the new M177 Evo V8.

      Following that, coupes and sedans will also feature the V8, and the company has been providing some clues about this development. Recently, Mercedes’ U.S. CEO Adam Chamberlain hinted at a V8-equipped CLE to Edmunds.

      Although many may criticize AMG's plug-in hybrid models, they won’t be entirely phased out. Scheibe confirmed that the GLE53 and E53 will remain available in regions with strict emissions regulations where they are more applicable. Eventually, there will also be an all-electric AMG GT four-door, likely inspired by the striking design of last year’s orange GT-XX concept. Regardless of your speed preferences, it appears AMG plans to have an option available for you.

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