02:41 06-05-2026

Mercedes-AMG Revives V8 and Inline-Six Engines in New Lineup

Mercedes-AMG revives V8 and inline-six engines, replacing four-cylinder hybrids for better sound. New GLC 53, C 63, and electric models coming.

Mercedes-AMG is preparing to relaunch nearly its entire lineup over the next 12 months. After a divisive stint with 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrids, the performance division wants to bring back the qualities that made it a favorite: sound, character, V8 engines, and more aggressive styling.

AMG boss Michael Schiebe summed it up bluntly, saying that the brand must become more AMG than ever before.

In his view, it’s not just about output but also about emotion and appearance. For the brand, this is effectively an admission that quick acceleration numbers alone haven’t recreated the feel of old-school AMGs.

The first sign of the new direction is the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53. Out goes the old four-cylinder, and in comes a new 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 442 hp (around 448 PS). Schiebe promises more eager revving and a noticeably more emotional soundtrack thanks to a revised exhaust system. Later this year, the same engine is expected to arrive in the C 63, replacing the controversial plug-in hybrid setup that used a 2.0-litre motor.

V8 power isn’t going away, either. AMG has developed a new twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft that complies with the latest European emissions standards. The first model to receive it hasn’t been named, but it’s expected to appear in the updated GLS, the CLE 63 coupe, the next E 63, and likely the S 63. Engineers have also designed a special camshaft to shape the sound: a flat-plane crank typically sounds different from classic AMG V8s, and the brand is keen to preserve its signature deep, rich timbre.

At the same time, AMG isn’t walking away from hybrids and EVs. The plug-in GLE 53 and E 53 will remain in production, as they represent a necessary compromise in regions with tight emissions rules. In parallel, an all-electric AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is being developed on the new AMG.EA architecture. It’s tipped to offer over 1,000 hp (more than 1,014 PS) and feature a synthesised but specially tuned V8 sound.

Another future entry point to the AMG family is a hot version of the Mercedes CLA, almost certainly electric. With the A 35 and A 45 now gone, the CLA will become the junior AMG model. It’s expected to pack two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and around 450 hp (approximately 456 PS).

The biggest risk for AMG isn’t a shortage of power but the trust of its fans. The C 63 with a four-cylinder hybrid already demonstrated that AMG customers buy more than just 0–100 km/h times. The next litmus test starts with the GLC 53 and the new C 63: if the inline-six returns the sound and the spark, AMG has a shot at putting its most painful controversy of recent years to rest.