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.
Mark JenkinsWriterManufacturerPhotographerApr 10, 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.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
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.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
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.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
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.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
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.
Stay Ahead of the Curve.
Get the newest car reviews, hottest auto news, and expert analysis of the latest trends delivered straight to your inbox!
Ready for the ride? Enter your email
By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use (including the dispute resolution procedures) and have reviewed the Privacy Notice.
Alisa Priddle
Share
You May Also Like”
New 2027 Mercedes-AMG CLE63 V8: The Pinnacle of Performance and Luxury
The automotive world buzzes with anticipation as rumors coalesce around a new Mercedes-AMG CLE63 V8 slated for release in 2027. This isn’t merely an evolution; it represents a strategic reaffirmation of the V8’s dominance in the North American luxury performance market. Adam Chamberlain, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, has confirmed that this next-generation V8 coupe is not just a concept but a tangible product currently undergoing rigorous testing by AMG engineers. His emphatic endorsement suggests this vehicle will set a new standard for Mercedes-AMG coupe performance.
Engine Architecture: A New V8 Family for Modern Performance
At the heart of the upcoming CLE63 lies a revolutionary engine architecture—a new family of V8 engines designed to deliver raw power while meeting stringent emissions regulations. This advanced Mercedes-Benz V8 powertrain retains the visceral thrill that enthusiasts adore while embracing cutting-edge technology to ensure compliance with 2027’s regulatory environment.
The foundation of this new performance standard is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. This sophisticated engine has already made its debut in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and is set to power the upcoming 2027 GLE580 and GLS580 SUVs, both of which have recently celebrated their global premieres. In these applications, the engine produces an impressive 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, AMG has indicated its intention to tune performance variants of this engine, ensuring the CLE63 will be a powerhouse in its class.
This engine’s arrival in the S-Class provides a glimpse into the V8 coupe’s character: serene yet commanding performance that embodies the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” philosophy. Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management for Mercedes-Benz Group, confirms that the full beast will emerge with the AMG variants, promising a “wolf and an Alpha wolf coming.” He explicitly states, V8 fans in the U.S. are absolutely going to love that, indicating that the CLE63 will be a triumph for Mercedes V8 enthusiasts in America.
A Deep Dive into the 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V8
The Mercedes-AMG CLE63 V8 will feature an engine that represents a pinnacle of engineering innovation. The adoption of a flat-plane crankshaft is a significant departure from the traditional cross-plane design commonly found in American V8s. This engineering choice transforms the engine’s character, delivering a higher-pitched, more aggressive exhaust note and improved throttle response—hallmarks of race-bred performance cars.
For performance enthusiasts, the inclusion of twin turbos ensures massive torque delivery across the rev range. While Mercedes has not released specific horsepower ratings for the CLE63 AMG engine, the production figures in the S-Class and SUVs—530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque—suggest the V8 AMG CLE63 will offer a significant performance uplift over the current Mercedes CLE63 lineup. The CLE63 performance figures are expected to position this Mercedes-AMG model at the top of the performance coupe segment.
North American Focus: A Strategic Push for US Market Domination
The development of the Mercedes-AMG CLE63 V8 is more than a simple product launch; it is a strategic maneuver by Mercedes-Benz to solidify its dominance in the North American market. The 2027 Mercedes CLE63 is being developed specifically to cater to American automotive preferences, where the V8 engine remains a coveted powertrain. Chamberlain confirmed that approximately 95 percent of CLE63 sales are anticipated to be in the United States, making this a critical product for the region.
This commitment to V8 cars for US customers reflects a broader industry trend. Unlike European markets, which are increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid technology, North America still demonstrates a strong demand for high-performance internal combustion engines. Mercedes-Benz is responding directly to this market demand by investing in the development of these premium performance cars.
Chamberlain also indicated that Mercedes is developing another two to three products specifically for the North American market. These vehicles will be built on a new platform that will likely support V8 engines as
