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 Priddle
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Manufacturer
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Apr 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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The Roar Returns: A Look at the Coming V8-Powered Mercedes-AMG CLE63
The automotive landscape is witnessing a significant shift, driven by regulatory pressures and evolving consumer preferences. Yet, amid the global push towards electrification, certain segments of the luxury automotive market remain anchored in performance heritage. Mercedes-Benz, acknowledging these enduring market demands, is steering its performance division, Mercedes-AMG, toward a resurgence of internal combustion engine prowess. The most compelling evidence of this strategic pivot lies in the development of a new family of V-8 engines, specifically engineered to cater to the unique performance-driven demands of the North American market. The culmination of this engineering effort is the Mercedes-AMG CLE63, a vehicle that promises to blend the classic AMG soul with cutting-edge technology and an uncompromising performance signature.
The strategic importance of the CLE63
The emergence of the Mercedes-AMG CLE63 is not merely a product update; it is a strategic declaration of intent from Mercedes-Benz. Adam Chamberlain, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, has publicly confirmed the existence of the all-new CLE63 coupe and convertible, noting that early prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing. Although the official launch timeline remains confidential, Chamberlain asserts that the CLE63 will be a vehicle of exceptional quality and performance, making the wait worthwhile for enthusiasts.
This focus on the CLE63 reflects a calculated decision to cater to the North American market, which has historically been the primary bastion of V-8 performance cars. Mercedes-Benz estimates that approximately 95% of CLE63 sales are expected to originate from North America, necessitating a development strategy tailored specifically to American consumers. The CLE63 is being engineered as a North American-specification model, ensuring it meets the specific performance and emission requirements of this crucial region.
The New AMG V-8 Engine Family
Central to the rejuvenation of the AMG CLE63 is the introduction of a new family of V-8 engines. These engines represent a significant technological leap, maintaining a high level of performance while significantly reducing emissions to meet increasingly stringent regulatory standards. The crown jewel of this new lineup is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with a flat-plane crankshaft.
This innovative engine made its global debut in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a flagship vehicle where performance meets luxury. Furthermore, it will power the upcoming 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 and GLS580 SUVs, both of which recently celebrated their global premieres. In these vehicles, the engine delivers a robust 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Recognizing the discerning tastes of performance enthusiasts, AMG has announced its plans to develop high-performance variants of this new V-8, ensuring the continuation of the AMG tradition of pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
Comparing the CLE63 with its Lineup Peers
The introduction of the V-8-powered CLE63 raises important questions about the future of high-performance sedans and wagons from Mercedes-Benz. Chamberlain noted that the company is currently exploring the possibility of future high-performance E-Class and C-Class models powered by V-8 engines, though these plans remain unconfirmed. He expressed a personal desire for an E63 wagon, but acknowledged that the business case for such a niche product is questionable, given that North America is its only realistic market. Buyers who desire a high-performance wagon currently have the option of the Mercedes-AMG E53 wagon, which features a plug-in-hybrid-boosted version of the automaker’s 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 577 horsepower.
The current pinnacle of the CLE lineup is the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, which is powered by a 443-horsepower version of the same inline-six engine, although it lacks the plug-in hybrid system of the wagon. It is safe to assume that any new Mercedes-AMG CLE63 will generate significantly more power, likely through an AMG-tuned variant of the new twin-turbo V-8 engine. This positioning of the CLE63 within the AMG lineup ensures it sits above the CLE53, offering a distinct performance advantage that justifies its premium positioning.
Mercedes’ Increased Focus on the North American Market
The decision to develop the CLE63 specifically for North America reflects a broader strategy by Mercedes-Benz to enhance its presence in the U.S. market. Chamberlain’s remarks confirm that V-8-powered vehicles continue to hold strong appeal for North American consumers, a factor that directly influenced the
