The Mercedes-AMG “63” cars long featured hand-built V8 engines, but the brand stepped away from that model with the recent C 63 S E Performance. Its four-cylinder engine with F1-derived tech and a bafflingly complex turbo system didn’t resonate with buyers because its 671 horsepower wasn’t enough to overcome the decision to cut the number of cylinders in half. The automaker has reportedly seen the light, however, and the new CLE 63 will hit the streets with an old-school V8.
Autocar’s sources told it that Mercedes would lean on its twin-turbo V8 with mild-hybrid for the new car, reportedly making up to 585 horsepower. Despite offering almost 100 fewer ponies than the four-cylinder powertrain, buyers spending the kind of money Mercedes asks for a 63-level car apparently want a little more drama than all-out speed, which I can appreciate.
A return to V8 power is surprising from Mercedes, which has gone to great lengths to electrify parts of its lineup. That said, the range-topping AMG models likely sell in small enough numbers that their impact on the automaker’s fleet emissions averages doesn’t hurt that badly.
It’s worth noting that these are unconfirmed reports. Mercedes could debut a four-cylinder-powered CLE 63, in spite of many buyers’ disappointment. The company has been seen testing electrified versions of the car, so we could see a plug-in hybrid or fully electric variant at some point, but for now, we should take a moment to celebrate the V8—assuming it arrives.
[Image: Mercedes-Benz]
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