2027 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 V8: confirmed plans and what happens to C 63
Mercedes-AMG has acknowledged the appeal of V8 engines and plans a CLE 63 for 2027, while its V12 future remains uncertain.
Four cylinders and 680 metric horsepower have not replaced the old V8 for every Mercedes-AMG buyer. Mercedes-Benz management acknowledges that it underestimated customers’ attachment to eight-cylinder engines. The current C 63 is not promised a V8 conversion; instead, a CLE 63 with a V8 is planned for 2027.
In an October 17 interview with Road & Track, Mercedes-Benz chief Ola Källenius acknowledged that the company underestimated the audience for traditional V8 engines. Despite its sophisticated hybrid powertrain, the four-cylinder C 63 failed to convince everyone who valued the character of the previous engine.
The C 63 S E Performance is not short on power. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and electric drive system deliver 500 kW, or 680 metric hp, and 1,020 Nm. Mercedes quotes 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, making it a particularly powerful performance sedan.
Yet buyers valued the old C 63 for more than acceleration. The 4.0-liter V8 supplied a distinctive sound, throttle response and character. The move to a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain changed that experience, showing that a technical improvement does not necessarily replace emotional appeal.
Mercedes-AMG boss Stefan Weckbach told Road & Track that the brand listens to its customers and will bring V8 engines back where demand is strongest. He confirmed a V8-powered Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 for 2027, while AMG will continue developing electrified and fully electric powertrains.
A V8 has already returned to the CLE family in an exceptional form. September saw the unveiling of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 475 kW, or 646 metric hp, with rear-wheel drive. All 30 examples were sold before the unveiling. This limited Mythos collector model is not the regular CLE 63.
That distinction matters. The four-cylinder C 63 S E Performance is expected to reach the end of its life cycle, while AMG has confirmed work on an inline-six C-Class variant. The possible C 53 name has not been finalized. The future CLE 63 would make a V8 available beyond the exclusive CLE 646, but its price and final specifications remain unknown.
The V12 raises another question. Asked by Road & Track about twelve-cylinder models, Källenius invited readers to watch for further news but revealed no new vehicle. The engine has not vanished: Mercedes confirmed on July 7, 2026 that a V12 remains available in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in selected markets.
The V8-powered CLE 63 therefore has a stated 2027 target, but it is too early to claim an overall reversal of Mercedes-Benz strategy or an imminent new V12 model. The company continues to develop gasoline, hybrid and electric vehicles while seeking to preserve the character AMG customers expect.