Muscle car fans and old-school mechanical engineering enthusiasts can rejoice, as Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it is going to introduce a new V8 in 2026, and even V12 engines will continue in some markets.
In a statement sent out on February 20, Mercedes-Benz said it is planning a major transformation, aimed at making the brand “leaner, faster and stronger” than its current self. This will include a new design language described as being a “coherent, status-oriented” theme across the showroom.
There’s also a modular operating system (MB.OS) which will take care of all sectors of the vehicle, including infotainment and automated driving functions, while electric motors and batteries will be modular and scalable for different segments.
And then we get to combustion engines. Mercedes-Benz says it is planning to “expand and protect the share of Top-End Vehicles (TEV)” which means stuff like the G-Class and Maybach models. The brand officially confirms the smaller G-Class as reported earlier. Mercedes said: “The legendary G-Class family will be expanded with a new smaller version.”
Mercedes-AMG is aiming to “outgrow the performance” market with a “heavily refreshed” range from 2026. These will feature “next-generation, high-tech electrified V8” options. Dedicated electric AMG models will be introduced as well, based on the AMG.EA platform.
Not only will the V8 return/continue, Mercedes-Benz mentions a comprehensive portfolio of combustion-engine models, featuring EU-7-compliant units from four-cylinders to V8s. It also said: “In selected markets, 12-cylinder engines will continue to be offered.”
One of the first of these new models is set to be the CLE 63 AMG, featuring a V8. This will essentially slot somewhere in between the old C 63 and E 63 coupes, featuring a hybrid or mild-hybrid twin-turbo V8. Prototypes have been spotted out and about, including on the Nurburgring showcasing an iconic soundtrack.
According to an Autocar report, a V8 will also be introduced in a revised C 63 in 2026. Take-up for the current four-cylinder hybrid has fallen under expectations. The CLE is expected to arrive first however, in the first half of next year.
Mercedes-Benz will also introduce its new CLA, which will debut the MB.OS technology as well as a new MBUX Virtual Assistant system, including “multi-agent AI” functionalities. SAE Level 2++ autonomous driving capabilities will be included, with navigation guidance even in dense traffic. It’ll be available in the USA and China, with other markets to follow when permitted.
