Is the Handcrafted Mercedes-AMG® V8 Coming Back? Here’s What We Know About the Future of the AMG® 63 Models.

For decades, one of the defining characteristics of a Mercedes-AMG® “63” model has been the handcrafted V8 engine under the hood. From the thunderous C 63 and E 63 to the GLC 63, GLE 63, and SL 63, these engines have delivered an unmistakable combination of power, sound, and emotion that helped make AMG® one of the world’s most respected performance brands.

When Mercedes-AMG® introduced the latest C 63 S E PERFORMANCE with a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, reactions were mixed. While the new model produced incredible horsepower and cutting-edge technology, many enthusiasts felt that something essential had been lost.

Now, it appears Mercedes-AMG® is listening.

Recent reports suggest the legendary handcrafted V8 is preparing for a return—not only in future AMG® models, but potentially in the very vehicles that enthusiasts have long associated with the famous “63” badge.

Why Is Mercedes-AMG® Bringing the V8 Back?

Mercedes-AMG®’s decision to move away from the V8 wasn’t made lightly. Stricter global emissions regulations, increasing efficiency standards, and the industry’s rapid shift toward electrification required manufacturers to rethink traditional performance engines.

The current Mercedes-AMG® C 63 demonstrates just how far engineering has advanced. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with an advanced plug-in hybrid system, produces well over 650 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful four-cylinder production vehicles ever built.

On paper, the numbers are remarkable.

However, buying an AMG® has never been about horsepower alone.

Owners expect instant torque, a distinctive exhaust note, effortless acceleration, and the handcrafted character that has defined AMG® performance for generations. While the current powertrain excels technologically, many longtime AMG® enthusiasts simply miss the experience of driving a V8.

Industry publications now report that Mercedes-AMG® has acknowledged this demand and is actively developing a new generation of V8 engines that can meet future emissions requirements while preserving the driving experience customers expect.

A New Generation of Handcrafted V8 Engines

According to several automotive publications, Mercedes-AMG® isn’t simply bringing back its previous engine unchanged. Instead, engineers are developing an updated version of the company’s renowned twin-turbocharged V8 that incorporates modern hybrid technology and improved efficiency.

Although Mercedes-Benz has not released complete technical specifications, reports indicate the new engine will continue AMG®’s famous “One Man, One Engine” philosophy. Every engine will still be assembled by hand in Affalterbach, Germany, and signed by the technician who built it—a tradition that has become one of AMG®’s defining characteristics.

The updated V8 is also expected to incorporate mild-hybrid technology, improving throttle response, efficiency, and everyday drivability while preserving the unmistakable sound and character enthusiasts have come to love.

Rather than replacing performance with electrification, Mercedes-AMG® appears to be using electrification to enhance the V8 experience.

Which AMG® Models Could Receive the Handcrafted V8?

Mercedes-AMG® has not officially announced which vehicles will receive the new powertrain, but current reporting points toward several likely candidates.

Mercedes-AMG® C 63

Perhaps no vehicle has generated more discussion than the C 63.

For years, the C 63 earned a reputation as one of the most entertaining performance sedans on the road thanks to its naturally aspirated and later twin-turbocharged V8 engines. Recent reports suggest the next evolution of the C 63 could once again feature handcrafted V8 power, marking a return to the formula that made the model a favorite among enthusiasts.

Mercedes-AMG® E 63

The E 63 has long represented the perfect balance between executive luxury and supercar performance. While earlier rumors suggested a six-cylinder hybrid future, more recent reports indicate the E 63 could once again receive V8 power as Mercedes-AMG® refines its long-term strategy.

Other AMG® 63 Models

Larger AMG® SUVs and grand touring models are also expected to continue benefiting from V8 performance. These may include vehicles such as the GLE 63, GLS 63, SL 63, GT 63, and S 63, all of which have become closely associated with handcrafted V8 engines.

When Will the V8 Return?

While Mercedes-AMG® has confirmed development of its next-generation V8 engine, the company has not announced official production dates for each model.

Based on current industry reporting, here’s what enthusiasts can reasonably expect:

• Additional details and technical announcements are likely to emerge during 2026.
• The first production vehicles equipped with the updated V8 could begin arriving as 2027 model-year vehicles.
• Additional AMG® 63 models may transition to the new engine as future redesigns and model updates are introduced.

As always, production timing can change as Mercedes-Benz continues to develop its future product lineup.

Why This Matters to Mercedes-AMG® Enthusiasts

The possible return of the handcrafted V8 is about much more than adding two extra cylinders.

For many drivers, the engine is the heart of every AMG®. It’s the deep exhaust note at startup, the effortless surge of acceleration when you press the throttle, and the knowledge that your engine was assembled by a single master technician.

Those characteristics have defined Mercedes-AMG® for decades.

Modern hybrid technology undoubtedly has an important place in the future of performance vehicles, but recent reports suggest Mercedes-AMG® believes there’s still room for the emotional appeal of a handcrafted V8 alongside those innovations.

The Best of Both Worlds

The future of AMG® performance is unlikely to be a choice between electrification and V8 power. Instead, Mercedes-AMG® appears to be pursuing a balance that combines the strengths of both.

If current reports prove accurate, future AMG® 63 models may offer the instant response and improved efficiency of hybrid assistance while retaining the handcrafted V8 engine that enthusiasts have celebrated for generations.

For drivers who have been hoping the unmistakable rumble of an AMG® V8 wasn’t gone forever, that is welcome news.

As Mercedes-Benz releases additional details, we’ll continue to follow the latest developments and share updates on when the next generation of handcrafted AMG® V8 models is expected to arrive.

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