Mercedes-AMG Confirms V8 Engine Return in 2024, Reviving Classic Performance Legacy

Mercedes-AMG’s highly anticipated return to V8 engines is no longer just speculation—it’s confirmed. The performance division’s leadership has revealed that customers will see real-world models equipped with the iconic V8 powertrains before 2026 comes to a close.

"At the end of the year, you’ll see the V8 coming back to AMG," said AMG CEO Michael Scheibe in an interview with Car Magazine. "We will launch it again with SUVs, but other cars will get it too."

Scheibe also emphasized AMG’s renewed commitment to internal combustion engines while maintaining a strong focus on its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. The goal, he stated, is to deliver "more AMG than ever before."

This shift comes after years of debate over the future of larger gas engines within Mercedes’ performance division. The controversy reached a peak with the introduction of the four-cylinder C63 AMG, which replaced its legendary 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a smaller, electrified inline-four. While the new powertrain delivered impressive power, it lost some of the raw character that defined the outgoing model.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance traded the V8 for a hybridized inline-four, a move that drew criticism for its weight and perceived lack of soul. Scheibe acknowledged the trade-offs, stating, "If you want to have a lightweight car, sometimes it’s best to have a V8-only car."

Now, the plug-in hybrid powertrain in the C63 is being phased out in favor of a straight-six engine, similar to the one found in the new GLC53. The V8, however, will return in a different form—one derived from the M177 Evo engine introduced in the latest S-Class. This updated V8 features a flat-plane crank, a design choice that promises a more exhilarating driving experience.

Scheibe confirmed that the V8 will first appear in AMG’s SUV lineup, with models like the GLE and GLS as likely candidates. Following the SUV debut, the V8 will expand to coupes and sedans. Mercedes’ U.S. CEO, Adam Chamberlain, has already hinted at a V8-powered CLE in an interview with Edmunds.

While the V8 revival takes center stage, AMG is not abandoning its hybrid models entirely. Scheibe noted that vehicles like the GLE53 and E53 will continue to be offered in markets with strict emissions regulations, where hybrid solutions remain practical. Additionally, an all-electric AMG GT four-door is in development, potentially drawing inspiration from the striking GT-XX concept unveiled last year.

In summary, AMG is doubling down on its performance legacy by reintroducing V8 engines while simultaneously advancing its electric vehicle portfolio. Whether you prefer the roar of a combustion engine or the instant torque of an EV, Mercedes-AMG appears poised to deliver.