Mercedes-AMG is officially bringing V8 power back into the spotlight. After several years of downsizing and experimenting with smaller electrified engines, the performance division has confirmed a brand-new V8 will arrive before the end of 2026.
The announcement comes at an important moment for AMG. Enthusiasts heavily criticized recent four-cylinder AMG models, particularly the latest C63, arguing that the brand had lost some of the character that originally made it famous.
Now, Mercedes appears ready to course-correct. AMG executives confirmed the new engine family will serve as the foundation for several future high-performance models, ranging from luxury cruisers to full-blown halo cars.
Even better for performance fans, the new V8 is not arriving quietly. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said the engine will come in three versions: a standard Mercedes-Benz variant, a hotter AMG version, and an even more extreme “go crazy” AMG configuration.
The New V8 Starts With Serious Power
The upcoming engine is expected to build on AMG’s familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 formula. A version of the updated flat-plane crank engine has already appeared in the refreshed Mercedes S-Class, where it produces 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
That figure, however, is only the baseline. Mercedes has already hinted that future AMG applications will push the engine significantly further, especially once hybrid assistance enters the equation.
AMG CEO Michael Schiebe confirmed the new V8’s first major appearance will come in the upcoming CLE 63 coupe. Prototypes of both coupe and convertible versions have already been spotted testing with aggressive bodywork and wider fenders.
The CLE 63 is expected to become one of AMG’s most important future performance models. It effectively replaces several older AMG coupes while helping restore traditional V8 performance to the brand’s lineup.
A Mythos Special And Black Series Monster Are Coming
Mercedes also previewed a limited-production CLE 63 Mythos model during investor presentations. The car features an enormous grille, hood scoop, aggressive aero elements, and a towering rear wing that looks straight out of a GT race car.
Only 30 examples will reportedly be built, and all have already been spoken for by top Mercedes customers. Rumors suggest the Mythos edition could produce around 646 horsepower, making it one of the wildest AMG coupes in years.
That still may not represent the limit of AMG’s plans. Mercedes has also teased a future AMG GT Black Series variant that could pair the new V8 with electrification for output potentially exceeding 800 horsepower.
If that happens, AMG would once again find itself directly battling the most extreme offerings from Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. Clearly, Mercedes has no intention of giving up on high-horsepower combustion performance anytime soon.
AMG Is Simplifying Its Engine Strategy
Alongside the V8 reveal, Schiebe also confirmed AMG will drastically reduce the number of engines it develops. The company currently produces around 10 different engine variants, but that figure will soon shrink to just four.
The future lineup will reportedly revolve around two primary combustion engines: a turbocharged inline-six and the returning V8. Both are expected to receive plug-in hybrid versions as emissions regulations continue tightening worldwide.
That strategy also signals the likely end of AMG’s controversial four-cylinder era. While Mercedes has not fully killed off the turbocharged four-cylinder, future AMG performance models are expected to move back toward six-cylinder and eight-cylinder setups.
For many enthusiasts, that will come as a relief. Despite impressive performance figures, AMG’s recent four-cylinder hybrids struggled to win over loyal buyers who associated the brand with thunderous engines and emotional driving experiences.
EVs Still Remain Part Of AMG’s Future
Mercedes-AMG is not abandoning EV performance, however. During the same event, the company unveiled the new AMG GT 4-Door EV, showcasing technologies that will shape future electric AMG models.
The EV uses advanced axial-flux motors developed by Yasa, a British engineering company Mercedes acquired in 2021. AMG is also experimenting with simulated V8 sounds and virtual gearshifts designed to recreate the emotional feel of combustion performance cars.
Mercedes believes that offering both combustion and electric performance models is the best path forward. The company plans to dramatically expand both its ICE and EV lineups by 2028 as it targets stronger global sales growth.
For AMG fans, though, the biggest takeaway is that the V8 is not dead, and Mercedes is preparing to make it louder, faster, and more outrageous than ever before.