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An All-New, V-8-Powered Mercedes-AMG CLE63 is in the Works
A new family of V-8 engines designed with North America in mind is making it all possible.
Alisa PriddleWriterManufacturerPhotographerApr 06, 2026
15 2025 mercedes amg cle53 coupe
Take heart: A Mercedes-AMG CLE63 equipped with a powerful new V-8 engine is coming, and the executives we spoke with about it say it’s phenomenal.
Mercedes has yet to confirm the timing of the all-new CLE63 coupe and convertible, but it exists, and executives have driven early prototypes. Although we won’t see it this year, according to Adam Chamberlain, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, it’s going to be an unbelievable car, and he says it will be worth the wait.
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A car like this matters for Chamberlain and his team, because some 95 percent of CLE63 sales are expected to be in North America. The new CLE63 is being developed as an American-spec car specifically for the American market.
As for the car’s V-8, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new family of V-8 engines that retain a high-performance character but with lower emissions in order to meet future regulations. The new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with a flat-plane crankshaft is already available in the new 2027 S-Class and will power the upcoming 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 and GLS580 SUVs, both of which just made their global premieres. In those vehicles, the engine produces 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Not surprisingly, AMG has said it will be tuning performance variants of the new V-8.
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Does this mean we’ll see a V-8 in a future high-performance E-Class or C-Class? That’s unconfirmed at this time, Chamberlain said. Like many enthusiasts, he’d love an E63 wagon, but the business case is questionable with North America as its only real market. And buyers already have a good option in the E53 wagon, which is powered by plug-in-hybrid-boosted version of the automaker’s 3.0-liter inline-six with 577 hp.
A similar version of that six-cylinder engine with 443 horsepower is under the hood of the most powerful CLE at present, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 (pictured at top and bottom), although it doesn’t use a plug-in hybrid system like the wagon. Presumably, any CLE63 would generate more power from an AMG-tuned version of the new twin-turbo V-8.
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The recent world debuts of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLE SUVs took place at the automaker’s Alabama factory.
Renewed North American Focus
The CLE63 is a reflection of Mercedes’ renewed focus on North America, Chamberlain said, where V-8-powered cars remain far more desirable than in other markets. There are another two or three products coming as well that are being developed specifically for North America, which are being built on a new platform that will also presumably be able to support a V-8.
It’s all part of a huge global product offensive: 40 vehicles within three years for Mercedes-Benz and its Mercedes-AMG and Maybach offshoots, offering internal combustion engines, hybrids (including plug-in hybrids), and fully electric vehicles.
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The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Committed to V-8s for Us in U.S.
Investing in V-8s shows a real commitment to the powerplant, said Mercedes-Benz Group CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management Ola Källenius. More broadly, it shows a commitment to meeting the needs of its U.S. customers, where the V-8 has been a staple in high-end and high-performance Mercedes vehicles for decades.
The V-8 for the more discerning Mercedes owner is launching in the new S-Class, providing quiet but dominant performance; still a beast but in the background. “That is the wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Källenius told MotorTrend. “But then the wolf really comes out with the AMG version, so there will be a wolf and an Alpha wolf coming,” he said. “V-8 fans in the U.S. are absolutely going to love that.” From what we can tell so far, they’re going to love what’s coming under the hood of the new CLE63.
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Alisa Priddle
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An All-New, V-8-Powered Mercedes-AMG CLE63 Is in the Works
The automotive world is abuzz with anticipation as Mercedes-Benz strategically gears up for a major relaunch of its AMG lineup, with the all-new, V-8-powered Mercedes-AMG CLE63 coupe and convertible taking center stage. This much-anticipated release signals a renewed and deeply committed focus on the North American automotive market, a region where V-8 engines continue to hold a special place in the hearts of high-performance luxury car enthusiasts.
While the official launch date for these thrilling new Mercedes-AMG CLE63 models has yet to be confirmed by the German automaker, industry insiders have confirmed that early prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing. Adam Chamberlain, the chief executive of Mercedes-Benz USA, has confirmed in exclusive interviews that the new CLE63 is not only real but is expected to be an unparalleled driving experience, worth every moment of the patient wait.
This particular release carries immense significance for Mercedes-Benz USA, primarily due to the predicted market demand. Estimates suggest that approximately 95 percent of all CLE63 sales are projected to take place in North America. This statistic underscores the importance of a vehicle like the AMG CLE63 to the brand’s overall strategy in the United States. The new CLE63 is being meticulously engineered and developed as an American-specification model, specifically catering to the unique preferences and driving culture of the U.S. consumer.
As for the heart of this performance machine, the V-8 engine, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new generation of high-performance V-8 powertrains. These engines are designed to deliver the raw power and emotional appeal that enthusiasts expect while simultaneously adhering to stricter future emissions regulations. The new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, which features a flat-plane crankshaft, has already made its global debut in the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It will also be powering the upcoming 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 and GLS580 SUVs, both of which have recently made their worldwide debuts. In these standard models, the engine produces a robust 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, AMG has confirmed that it will be developing high-performance variants of this new V-8 to push the boundaries of speed and handling even further.
The news has raised questions about whether Mercedes-Benz will introduce V-8 engines in its future high-performance E-Class or C-Class models. Chamberlain acknowledged that this possibility remains unconfirmed at the moment. While many enthusiasts, himself included, would love to see an AMG E63 wagon, the business case for such a variant is somewhat questionable considering that North America is the only viable market for it. Furthermore, buyers seeking a high-performance alternative already have a compelling option in the E53 wagon. This powerful model is equipped with a plug-in hybrid-boosted version of the automaker’s renowned 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering an impressive 577 horsepower.
A similar version of that six-cylinder engine, which produces 443 horsepower, is currently found under the hood of the most powerful CLE model available today, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 (pictured at top and bottom). It is important to note, however, that this particular model does not utilize a plug-in hybrid system like the E53 wagon. It is highly anticipated that any future CLE63 variant will generate even more power through an AMG-tuned version of the new, high-performance twin-turbo V-8 engine.
The recent world debuts of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLE SUVs took place at the automaker’s Alabama factory.
Renewed North American Focus
The CLE63’s development is a clear indication of Mercedes’ strategic pivot toward a stronger North American presence. Chamberlain emphasized that in the United States, V-8-powered performance cars continue to be significantly more desired than in other international markets. There are at least two or three other product lines currently in development that are specifically being designed for North America. These vehicles are being built on a new platform that is expected to be capable of supporting V-8 engines, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to this market segment.
This strategic realignment is part of a much larger global product offensive by Mercedes-Benz, its affiliated Mercedes-AMG brand, and its luxury Maybach division. Over the next three years, the company plans to launch a total of 40 new vehicles. This comprehensive lineup will feature a diverse range of powertrain
