Few powertrain options contrast as starkly with an all-electric motor as the large, fuel-thirsty V8. While there are engines with even more cylinders and higher emissions, the V8 has been a staple across various vehicle types.
From family sedans and wagons to SUVs, this engine has remained prevalent, and Aston Martin even managed to squeeze one into its compact Cygnet hatchback a few years back.
Stricter emissions regulations have led to a gradual reduction of V8 engines in mainstream production, with Mercedes-Benz among the manufacturers moving away from them. However, this doesn’t mean the brand intends to eliminate the V8 entirely anytime soon.
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Mercedes-AMG’s Commitment to the V8
Speaking with American publication Road & Track, Mercedes-AMG chief Philipp Scheimer confirmed that the eight-cylinder engine still has a future—at least within Mercedes’ lineup.
“I think there will be a future, yes,” he said, specifically referencing the company’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
“I think for the next ten years we will see V8s, for sure. We have a lot of customers who love their cars and I still think that we will see those people buying the cars for a long time. We have really a very high demand all over the world.”
Even though Mercedes has been gradually phasing out V8 engines from some models—such as replacing the next-generation AMG C 63’s V8 with a turbocharged four-cylinder—it continues refining its 4.0-liter version.
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Electrification and the Future of AMG V8s
The latest evolution of this engine was introduced in the GT 63 S E-Performance, marking the debut of a plug-in hybrid variant. With an output of 620kW, this model now holds the title of the most powerful AMG ever built.
Scheimer’s comments suggest that future AMG models will likely feature electrified versions of the 4.0-liter V8. This upgraded powertrain is expected to make its way into the rest of the AMG GT lineup, as well as upcoming versions of the S 63 and E 63.