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An all-new, V-8-powered Mercedes-AMG CLE63 is on the horizon, set to reignite the passion for performance vehicles in the North American market.
Mercedes-AMG is poised to unleash a refreshed powerhouse in the form of the upcoming CLE63 coupe and convertible, a machine that has already been put through its paces by company executives. While official confirmation of the timeline remains pending, insiders have described the prototype as nothing short of spectacular. Adam Chamberlain, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the vehicle will be an unbelievable car that is absolutely worth the wait.
For Chamberlain and the Mercedes-Benz USA team, the arrival of the CLE63 represents a significant moment, as a staggering 95 percent of its sales are projected to occur in North America. The new CLE63 is being developed as an American-specification vehicle, tailored specifically to the preferences of the U.S. market.
The heart of this new performance machine will be a next-generation V-8 engine, engineered to deliver exceptional power while adhering to increasingly stringent emission regulations. This new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, featuring a flat-plane crankshaft, is set to debut in the 2027 S-Class. Furthermore, it will be utilized in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 and GLS580 SUVs, which recently made their global premieres. In these vehicles, the engine produces an impressive 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It is widely anticipated that AMG will further enhance the performance of this V-8 in its performance-oriented variants.
The question of whether this new V-8 will find its way into future high-performance E-Class or C-Class models remains unconfirmed at this time. As Chamberlain noted, like many enthusiasts, he would love to see an E63 wagon, but the business case is questionable given that North America is its only viable market. However, buyers already have a compelling option in the E53 wagon, which features a plug-in-hybrid-boosted version of the automaker’s 3.0-liter inline-six producing 577 horsepower.
A similar iteration of this six-cylinder engine, generating 443 horsepower, currently resides under the hood of the most potent CLE at present, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53. Unlike the E-Class wagon, the CLE53 does not utilize a plug-in hybrid system. It is logical to assume that the CLE63 will generate even more power from an AMG-tuned version of the new twin-turbo V-8.
The recent global premieres of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLE SUVs took place at the automaker’s facility in Alabama.
Renewed North American Focus
The CLE63 represents a strategic shift by Mercedes towards a renewed focus on North America, where V-8-powered vehicles remain significantly more popular than in many other global markets. Chamberlain confirmed that another two to three products are in the pipeline, specifically being developed for North America and built on a new platform that will also support V-8 powertrains.
This initiative is part of a massive global product offensive that will see Mercedes-Benz and its luxury offshoots, Mercedes-AMG and Maybach, launch a total of 40 vehicles within the next three years. The lineup will encompass internal combustion engines, hybrid systems (including plug-in hybrids), and fully electric vehicles, catering to a diverse range of customer preferences and market demands.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Committed to V-8s for the U.S.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group and Chairman of the Board of Management, emphasized the company’s commitment to the V-8 powerplant, signaling a clear dedication to meeting the needs of its U.S. customers. The V-8 has been a defining feature of high-end and high-performance Mercedes vehicles in the U.S. for decades.
The V-8’s introduction in the new S-Class offers a refined yet dominant performance experience, portraying a sophisticated yet potent character. Källenius described it as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” while the AMG version will unleash the full ferocity of the beast. He assured that “V-8 fans in the U.S. are absolutely going to love that.” Based on what has been revealed so far, the upcoming CLE63 promises to deliver a V-8 experience that will delight enthusiasts.
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Alisa Priddle
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