Mercedes-Benz is currently facing a dilemma as it has launched redesigned versions of its popular C-Class and E-Class models, but without the presence of a V-8 engine, including in the high-performance AMG variants. However, recent reports suggest that the company is reconsidering its decision and may reintroduce the V-8 engine in the C-Class and E-Class models around 2026, according to anonymous sources from Car and Driver.
Currently, the latest AMG C 63 uses a complex and heavy plug-in hybrid system with a 4-cylinder internal-combustion component. Similarly, the upcoming redesigned AMG E 63 is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid setup centered around a 6-cylinder engine. While these technologies are impressive, Mercedes might be missing out on potential sales to customers who still prefer the traditional V-8 power offered by competitors like BMW’s new generation M5 and Audi’s RS 6 and RS 7.
To address this issue, Mercedes can easily find a solution by leveraging its newly launched V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain used in the high-end S-Class and GT 4-Door Coupe models. Car and Driver suggests that with minor modifications, this V-8 plug-in hybrid setup could also be introduced into the AMG versions of the C-Class and E-Class. There is also a possibility of extending this offering to the mechanically similar GLC-Class and future GLE-Class models.
If Mercedes goes ahead with this plan, it could potentially ensure that a V-8 engine remains available in its more affordable model lines at least until the end of the decade, and perhaps even beyond that. This move may cater to buyers who still value the performance and characteristics of a V-8 engine while also accommodating the shift towards hybrid technologies in the automotive industry.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about V-8 engines.
Q: Is Mercedes-Benz planning to reintroduce V-8 engines in the C-Class and E-Class models?
A: Yes, according to reports, Mercedes-Benz is considering bringing back V-8 engines to the C-Class and E-Class models around 2026. This decision comes as the company aims to compete with rivals in the high-performance market, especially as BMW and Audi continue to offer V-8 power in their models.
Q: Why did Mercedes-Benz drop the V-8 engine in the first place?
A: Mercedes dropped the V-8 engine from the latest versions of its C-Class and E-Class models in favor of complex plug-in hybrid systems. The AMG C 63 currently uses a 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid system, while the upcoming AMG E 63 is expected to have a plug-in hybrid setup centered around a 6-cylinder engine.
Q: How will Mercedes address the demand for V-8 power?
A: Mercedes has recently launched a V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain for its high-end S-Class and GT 4-Door Coupe models. To meet the demand for V-8 power in the C-Class and E-Class, the company might introduce a similar setup with minor modifications into the AMG versions of these models.
Q: Will this move potentially extend to other Mercedes models?
A: Yes, besides the C-Class and E-Class, the mechanically similar GLC-Class and a future GLE-Class may also receive the V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. This strategy would potentially make V-8 engines available in more attainable model lines from Mercedes.
Q: How long might Mercedes offer V-8 engines in its more affordable models?
A: If the plan is implemented, Mercedes could potentially offer V-8 engines in its more attainable model lines, like the C-Class and E-Class, at least until the end of the decade, and possibly even beyond.
More about V-8 engines.
- Car and Driver: Mercedes reportedly mulls return of V-8 to C- and E-Class
- Car and Driver: Latest AMG C 63 with complex plug-in hybrid system
- Car and Driver: Upcoming AMG E 63 with plug-in hybrid setup
- BMW: New generation M5 with V-8 in plug-in hybrid configuration
- Audi: RS 6 and RS 7 offering V-8 power
- Mercedes-Benz: V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain for S-Class
- Mercedes-Benz: V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain for GT 4-Door Coupe
7 comments
mercedes s-class & gt 4-door coupe with v-8 plug-in hybrid is sweet! hope c & e-class get it too. power + efficiency!
audi rs 6 & rs 7 already have v-8. mercedes gotta keep up, otherwise, they’ll fall behind in the performance game.
v-8 plug-in hybrid in c & e-class? that’s a game changer! i wonder if other models will get it too. mercedes is stepping up!
new AMG C 63 with 4-cyl hybrid? not sure how I feel about that. v-8 sounds better, but they might bring it back to C & E. fingers crossed!
bmw m5 with v-8 plug-in hybrid coming! if mercedes don’t bring back v-8 to c & e-class, they’ll lose some sales for sure.
mercedes considering bringing back v-8 engines in c-class & e-class? cool! bmw & audi got v-8 power too. so, mercedes gonna keep up!
wait, why mercedes drop v-8 in c & e-class? hybrid is okay, but v-8 is the real deal. glad they might change their mind!