Mercedes Is Keeping the V-8 and V-12 Engines

Mercedes held its annual results conference this week, outlining how it intends to become “leaner, faster, and stronger.” The theme of its new roadmap is “mastering transformation,” and it’s not just marketing fluff. The three-pointed star has a busy agenda, which includes planning electric C-Class, GLC, and E-Class models and a “major upgrade” for the S-Class. The flagship will retain one of its most important assets–the V-12 engine.

The German luxury brand is expressing its long-term commitment to the venerable twelve-cylinder powerhouse, but the twin-turbo 6.0-liter engine will continue only in “selected markets.” Presumably, in regions of the world where emissions regulations are more relaxed. Mercedes installs its largest combustion engine in the Maybach S-Class S680 and the armored S-Class Guard. Separately, AMG supplies a V-12 to Pagani for its Utopia hypercar.

Mercedes is the only brand from the German luxury trio to retain the twelve-cylinder mill in its portfolio. BMW killed the M760i in 2022 with the previous-generation 7 Series in the limited-run Final Edition flavor exclusive to the United States. As for Audi, the W-12 died after the previous-generation A8 was retired in 2017. The current model was supposed to get the 6.0-liter unit, but the Four Rings had a change of heart, although prototypes based on the “D5” generation were built.

Back to Mercedes, we’re happy to report that the V-8 is also staying. AMG is developing a “next-generation, high-tech electrified V-8” for future models riding on its in-house AMG.EA platform. The announcement tells us the new architecture will also support combustion engines rather than being EV-only. The new/updated engine has been developed to meet future Euro 7 regulations, so thankfully, it won’t be outlawed in the 27 countries of the European Union.

There’s no word about the fate of the inline-six, but since the bigger engines are staying, logic tells us Mercedes won’t give up on the 3.0-liter unit either. Moving down the range, get ready for a “48-volt electrified high-tech four-cylinder engine.” It debuts next month in the new CLA, in which the small 1.5-liter unit will be hooked up to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes developed the smaller engine but the four-pot will be “industrialized with a partner in China.”

Mercedes projects that plug-in hybrids and EVs will account for only 30% of its total sales by 2027. The other 70% will be ICE cars, many with 48V technology. This reality check shows the company was overly ambitious with its previous electric goals. As early as 2030, the company had intended to go purely electric “where market conditions allow.” That’s not happening anymore, as the world just isn’t ready to go all-in on electric cars.