Mercedes-AMG has staged a spectacular return with its much-welcomed V8 engines. This company has announced the development of an all-new mild-hybrid power unit, which debuts later this year in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63. Such a movement marks quite an aberration from AMG’s previous step to change into a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system, whose planned offer was met with massive resistance from customers as well as from enthusiasts.
A Reaction to Consumer Demand and Sales Decline
The move back to the V8 is because of the severe reception and huge downturn on the current AMG C63, which replaced its golden V8 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system. The hybrid drivetrain has promising performance figures, but being small in capacity with a synthetic exhaust note does not make it out of what would have been the traditional experience from AMG. It doesn’t have the guts with that little four-banger. So, according to AMG, it has gone back to how it made its performance models so popular: with the loud, guttural power and sound of a V8.
Insiders say that the V8 won’t just be coming back for the CLE 63. The new AMG C63 will likely also receive the new powertrain and is expected to arrive in 2026 with another high-performance AMG. This is in keeping with AMG’s aim of striking a balance between cutting-edge hybrid technology and the emotional appeal provided by a larger displacement engine.
The New Flat-Plane Crankshaft V8: A Technical Revolution
Though maintaining the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter architecture known and loved by enthusiasts, with significant changes, this new AMG V8 engine differs from anything before that used an old-school cross-plane crankshaft in that it will now be using a flat-plane crankshaft.
This engineering change brings multiple advantages:
- Boosted Throttle Response: The flat-plane configuration produces more efficient exhaust scavenging and reduces rotational inertia for sharper throttle inputs.
- Higher Revving Capability: This is perfect for revving higher within the redline and rev cut-off to get that thrilling driving experience.
- Compact Design: The flat-plane crankshaft, as the name implies, is specifically designed for a much more compact engine structure that might otherwise prove difficult to integrate into cars like the C-Class, which were not conceived around a V8.
Of course one disadvantage of the flat-plane crankshaft is that it has an obvious effect on the exhaust note. Traditional AMG V8s are known for their deep, thundering roar, while flat-plane engines generally produce a more exotic-sounding, higher-pitched noise. AMG has taken note of this difference and is already developing an artificial sound enhancement system that will add that growl signature to its previous V8 models.
Mild hybrid system for performance and efficiency
To bring its powertrain lineup up to speed and into the future, AMG has equipped the new V8 with a mild hybrid setup. This tool will have an integrated starter motor installation in the gearbox, which provides:
- Augmented Power Supply: The hybrid element will facilitate the engine in terms of acceleration reduction turbo lag by improving responsiveness.
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Even though it has a highly performing engine, this mild hybrid system aims to reduce emissions as well as optimize the overall system efficiency.
- Perfect Start-Stop Functionality: The combined motor will cause smoother restarts as there will not be any start-stop lag generally found in conventional systems.
It’s interesting to note that this method replicates a few of the hybrid things that are included in the recently introduced C63 S E Performance, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The output will be an impressive 671 hp (500 kilowatts) and 1,020 Nm of torque (752 lb-ft), making it a mighty performer. However, the transition towards a four-cylinder engine has turned off many loyal fans of AMG. To bring back some of these fans, however, future models such as the V8-powered CLE 63 would be expected to provide all the hybrid advantages but still keep the soul of a true AMG powerhouse.
Rebalancing Tradition and Innovation
The return of the V8 is indeed a turning point in the evolution of Mercedes-AMG. While the trend points toward electrification and downsizing, AMG understands that it is the emotional involvement with the car that ultimately matters. Combining cutting-edge hybrid technology and the V8’s unbridled power is AMG’s way of appeasing the hardcore performance enthusiasts and the contemporary-minded efficiency seekers.
Now that AMG is getting ready to introduce the CLE 63 with this novel revolutionary powertrain, the question remains: Would this satisfy most enthusiasts desiring the old-school AMG experience? The glimmering promise of performance, an altered sound profile, and the latest hybrid integration make this, as yet, the most exciting next chapter in AMG’s ongoing V8 saga.
For AMG fans, the revival of the V8 is more than just an engineering decision—it’s a statement that the brand remains committed to delivering the thrilling driving experience that has defined its legacy for decades.
AMG plans to arrange an artificial sound generator to sound like the classic AMG V8, thus paying heed to the higher pitch of the flat-plane crank engine.
