Mercedes-Benz plans to preserve the defining character of the G-Class as it develops the SUV’s next generation, according to Mercedes-AMG CEO Stefan Weckbach. The automaker is working to bring the iconic model into the future without losing its identity, while also acknowledging that it underestimated customer demand for traditional V8-powered AMG models.

The company’s latest comments signal an emphasis on maintaining the qualities that loyal customers value rather than making sweeping changes to established models. Mercedes executives also confirmed that the upcoming CLE63 will return to V8 power, with a launch scheduled for next year, while leaving the door open to further developments involving V12 engines.

Mercedes-Benz Wants the G-Class to Keep Its Identity

Mercedes-Benz faces an important challenge as it prepares the next generation of the G-Class: introducing future-ready improvements without changing the character that has made the full-size SUV a recognizable status symbol for the brand.

A complete redesign could risk alienating longtime fans, particularly given how closely the G-Class is associated with Mercedes-Benz’s identity. The automaker has also faced criticism from enthusiasts over its hybrid AMG models, prompting renewed attention to what existing customers expect from the brand.

During a recent media roundtable attended by Road and Track and other members of the media, Mercedes executives discussed the company’s future direction, including plans for the G-Class.

Weckbach, who serves as CEO of Mercedes-AMG and oversees the G-Class and Maybach businesses, emphasized the importance of preserving the SUV’s defining qualities.

“For the G-Class, we need to make sure that it’s going to be transferred to the future, but not losing its soul. And this is a big challenge. We’re working currently on the next-generation, and we will make sure that it stays a G-Class,” Weckbach said.

The statement reinforces the company’s intention to retain the G-Class’s established character as it develops the next generation. For years, the SUV has remained largely unchanged in appearance, with updates focused on powertrains, features, and safety standards.

Mercedes-Benz Emphasizes Customer Expectations

Mercedes executives indicated that the approach to the G-Class reflects a broader philosophy for the company’s lineup. The brand intends to preserve core attributes such as “safety, quality, ride and drive, longevity” while paying closer attention to the expectations of its existing customer base.

The emphasis on customer feedback follows criticism of some of Mercedes-Benz’s recent models. Company executives acknowledged that certain product decisions did not fully align with the preferences of their intended audiences.

That recognition was particularly evident in the discussion about AMG’s four-cylinder hybrid C63, which became a focal point during the media roundtable.

Mercedes-AMG Confirms a Return to V8 Power

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius defended the technical achievement behind the four-cylinder hybrid C63 but acknowledged that the company had underestimated the appeal of traditional V8 engines among AMG customers.

“What we perhaps underestimated at the time was the good old V-8 crowd is a pretty good crowd. So you did not get the whole tribe with you,” Källenius said.

Weckbach subsequently confirmed that Mercedes-AMG is returning to V8 power for the upcoming CLE63, signaling a shift toward the engine configuration many of the brand’s enthusiasts continue to favor.

“We learn from the reaction of our customers, so we go back to what our customers love: the V-8 AMGs,” Weckbach said.

The new CLE63 is scheduled to launch next year, according to Weckbach. The confirmation marks another indication that Mercedes-AMG is responding to customer feedback as it determines the direction of its future performance models.

Could V12 Engines Have a Future at Mercedes-Benz?

The discussion also touched on the possibility of future offerings for customers who favor V12-powered Mercedes-Benz models.

When the subject of V12 buyers came up, Källenius responded with a brief but suggestive statement: “watch this space.”

His comment did not confirm a specific V12-powered model or provide further details, leaving the company’s plans for that engine configuration unclear.

Mercedes-Benz Signals a Shift Toward Its Core Fans

Mercedes-Benz’s latest comments point to a renewed focus on preserving established model identities and responding more closely to customer preferences. For the next-generation G-Class, that means moving the SUV forward without sacrificing the characteristics that define it.

Meanwhile, the planned return of V8 power in the CLE63 demonstrates the company’s willingness to reconsider its approach to AMG performance models following customer feedback. Mercedes executives have also left open the possibility of further developments involving V12 engines, although no specific plans have been confirmed.