Who: Mercedes-AMG
What: New CLE63 Coupe
When: Likely 2025
Why: Because there’s no replacement for displacement
Rumours of the demise of Mercedes-AMG’s iconic V8 engine have been greatly exaggerated.
Or maybe Mercedes got the message from customers and changed their mind. Either way, the upcoming new-generation AMG CLE63 Coupe is set to stick with the brand’s V8 engine rather than swap to the Formula 1-inspired hybrid powertrain in the closely related C63 sedan and new GLC63 SUV.
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While not officially confirmed, Torquecafe understands the upcoming CLE63, which will join the recently launched CLE Coupe and Cabriolet range sometime in 2025, will be powered by an updated version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the previous C63 Coupe and other models in the AMG range, such as the new GT Coupe. While less powerful than the 500kW/1020Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid powertrain in the C63 sedan, it’s believed AMG is responding to softer than expected acceptance of a downsized AMG.
Mercedes-Benz Australia’s head of media relations, Jerry Stamoulis told Torquecafe that while the new F1-inspired hybrid set-up still has a big future for AMG, retaining the V8 was a priority and that’s why it’s still available across the GT, GT 4-Door and others.
READ MORE: How F1 helped shape the new Mercedes-AMG C63
“With AMG technology, let’s call it, when we went from V8 to supercharged, supercharged to turbo, every time there was concern,” he said. “The difference is now, if you want a V8, we have other models with V8s.
“We’ve got more to come. V8 is still part of our portfolio. So there are still options. If you really want a V8 AMG, we have one. We’ve got more to come. Yeah, it’s another model [than the C63]. Yeah, but the C63 sedan tends to introduce the new technology.”
Expect the CLE63 to be revealed before the end of 2024 and arrived in Australia sometime in 2025.
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