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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. By [Your Expert Name] Updated: April 06, 2026 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. By [Your Expert Name] Updated: April 06, 2026 The Unspoken Power: Mercedes-AMG’s North American V-8 Vow In the competitive landscape of premium German automotive engineering, where the siren song of electrification has silenced many a V8 symphony, Mercedes-AMG has made a bold declaration. While the global auto industry leans heavily into battery-electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division is doubling down on internal combustion, specifically aligning its future performance portfolio with the tastes of the North American market. This strategy is nowhere more evident than in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63—a V8-powered beast that executives insist will redefine performance for the modern era. In speaking with key figures within the company, it has become clear that the CLE 63 is not just another AMG variant; it’s a strategic masterpiece, engineered to satisfy American enthusiasts who still crave the visceral roar of the V8. This is a car born of necessity and desire, a testament to Mercedes’ renewed focus on the US market where the V8 remains the apex of performance credibility. The Engineering Underpinning: A New V8 Heartbeat The driving force behind the all-new CLE 63 is a revolutionary engine architecture that combines raw power with environmental responsibility. Mercedes-Benz has developed a new family of V8 engines that retain the classic AMG character while adhering to stricter global emissions standards. This innovative powerplant, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, is no stranger to the brand, having already debuted in the 2027 S-Class. It is also set to grace the highly anticipated 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 and GLS 580 SUVs, both of which recently celebrated their global premiers at the automaker’s Alabama production facility. In these luxury utility vehicles, the engine produces an impressive 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration and supreme comfort. However, AMG has always been about pushing boundaries, and company executives have confirmed that they are extensively tuning these new V8s to deliver a level of performance that will redefine what buyers expect from a high-performance coupe or convertible. This engine is a marvel of engineering. The 4.0-liter unit’s flat-plane crankshaft is a feature typically reserved for high-revving supercars, ensuring linear power delivery and an exhilarating exhaust note. By pairing this advanced crankshaft design with sophisticated turbocharging technology, Mercedes-AMG is able to maximize power output while maintaining efficiency and responsiveness. This isn’t just a refinement of existing technology; it’s a ground-up reimagining of the V8 for the 21st century. The North American Mandate: A Tailor-Made Future The strategic significance of the CLE 63 is undeniable, particularly for Adam Chamberlain, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. He confirmed that approximately 95 percent of CLE 63 sales are projected to occur in North America. This statistic alone validates the decision to develop the CLE 63 as an American-spec car, specifically tailored to the preferences of US customers. Chamberlain is bullish on the new model, describing it as “unbelievable” and assuring that the wait will be worth the anticipation. His conviction is backed by the success of existing AMG models in the US market. While US buyers have embraced the AMG E53 for its blend of efficiency and performance, there is a strong desire for the V8’s raw emotional appeal, something that remains a significant selling point for premium performance vehicles. The CLE 63 reflects Mercedes’ refreshed focus on the North American market, where V8-powered cars continue to be highly desirable. The company has a number of other products in the pipeline that are being developed specifically for the US audience, and these vehicles will also likely be built on a new platform capable of supporting a V8 engine. This is all part of a massive global product offensive by Mercedes-Benz and its affiliated brands, Mercedes-AMG and Maybach. The company plans to launch 40 new vehicles across its portfolio over the next three years, offering a mix of internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains (including plug-in hybrids), and fully electric vehicles. This broad approach demonstrates Mercedes’ commitment to meeting diverse market needs, ensuring that every buyer finds a model that fits their lifestyle and preferences. The Luxury Evolution: V8 at the Apex of Performance Investing in V8 technology is a powerful statement of commitment from Ola Källen