It appears to be like just like the V8 engine nonetheless has some life left in it, a minimum of at Mercedes-AMG. The German efficiency model has confirmed it’s engaged on a new-generation V8 setup as a part of a significant product refresh anticipated to kick off in 2026.
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The information got here out of a current investor assembly, which additionally revealed {that a} smaller model of the G-Class is on the way in which. Mercedes-AMG reportedly desires to “outgrow the efficiency market” with a daring new lineup—and that features a powertrain the corporate describes as a “next-generation, high-tech electrified V8.” That phrase is likely to be imprecise as a result of it doesn’t verify if there shall be a ground-up redesign or if the present unit shall be extra closely hybridized, however both means, the V8 appears to be like set to stick with the German automaker for a while to return.
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AMG CEO Michael Schiebe supplied a bit extra perception. Whereas electrification is actually a part of the plan, it won’t be as heavy-handed as some count on. In his phrases, AMG doesn’t “essentially must go that far on hybridisation.” He identified that many track-focused prospects nonetheless favour the pure combustion GT63 Professional over the plug-in hybrid GT63 S E-Efficiency, even when the latter packs extra energy. That means AMG could prioritise driving really feel over electrified bragging rights. The electrification technique itself stays unclear.
Mercedes may persist with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system—a setup already present in a lot of its fashions—or take a bolder method with a bigger battery and plug-in capabilities. Both means, this new V8 is being developed to be used on the AMG.EA platform, which can even assist high-performance EVs. That hints at a blended future the place combustion and electrical efficiency fashions sit facet by facet.
It’s a major shift, particularly after Mercedes introduced lately that it could section out V8s in favour of hybridised four-cylinder models in some markets. However rising buyer pushback and a transparent demand for emotional, performance-focused driving appear to have made the model rethink.
That stated, this received’t imply a complete revival of huge engines throughout the board. The 6.0-litre V12 will nonetheless be constructed, however just for choose markets the place emissions legal guidelines enable it. For Europe, the brand new V8 seems to be Mercedes’ reply to stricter environmental rules with out giving up what makes an AMG really feel particular.
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