Mercedes-Benz is developing an all-new CLE63 coupe and convertible equipped with a powerful V-8 engine, executives say. The automaker has not confirmed a release date, but early prototypes have been driven and company leaders describe the car as “phenomenal.”
Adam Chamberlain, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said the CLE63 is designed specifically for the North American market, where about 95 percent of CLE63 sales are expected. He added that the car will be worth the wait.
The CLE63 will use a new family of V-8 engines that combine high performance with lower emissions. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, already available in the 2027 S-Class, will also power the 2027 GLE580 and GLS580 SUVs, producing 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. AMG plans to tune performance variants of the engine for the CLE63.
It remains unclear whether this V-8 will appear in future high-performance E-Class or C-Class models. Chamberlain noted that while enthusiasts may desire an E63 wagon, the business case is uncertain with North America as the primary market. Buyers currently have the E53 wagon, powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six plug-in hybrid producing 577 horsepower.
The current top CLE model, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, uses a 443-horsepower six-cylinder engine without a plug-in hybrid system. Any future CLE63 is expected to deliver higher output through AMG-tuned enhancements to the new V-8.
Chamberlain emphasized that the CLE63 reflects Mercedes’ renewed focus on North America, where V-8 cars remain highly desirable. Two or three additional models tailored for the region are also in development on a new platform that could support a V-8.
The effort is part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader global plan to introduce 40 vehicles in three years across Mercedes-Benz, AMG, and Maybach brands, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, and fully electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius said investing in V-8 engines demonstrates a commitment to U.S. customers, where the V-8 has long been a hallmark of high-performance models. He described the new S-Class V-8 as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” with AMG variants delivering full high-performance power. “V-8 fans in the U.S. are absolutely going to love that,” Källenius said.
