Mercedes-AMG is bringing V8 power back to its lineup, with new models expected to arrive before the end of 2026. AMG CEO Michael Scheibe told media that the division is doubling down on combustion engines again, reversing a strategy that had seen V8s disappear from several models.

Mercedes-AMG V8 Models Are Coming Back

SUVs are expected to receive the new V8 first, followed by cars. The C-Class will not be part of the return, as that model is switching to a six-cylinder AMG variant, ending the era of an eight-cylinder compact Mercedes.

The new engine is expected to be a higher-output version of the flat-plane-crank 4.0-liter turbo V8 already used in the S-Class and GLS, where it currently produces 530 horsepower.

Reports indicate that the CLE 63 Coupe will receive the engine first, with a more performance-focused Mythos edition following closely behind. The GLE 63 S and GLS 63 already produce up to 603 horsepower from the same engine family, establishing the benchmark for the rest of the lineup.

The move represents a reversal for AMG after the high-performance division embraced downsizing. The four-cylinder hybrid C63 faced strong criticism from AMG buyers, and Mercedes is now moving back toward V8 power.

BMW Took a Different Approach to the V8

While Mercedes experimented with downsizing, BMW retained its V8 and added electrification rather than replacing the engine. BMW also replaced the N63 with an engine developed by its M division, the S68.

In the new G90 M5, BMW combines a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for a total of 717 horsepower. V8 engines also remain standard in the X5 M, X6 M and X7 M60i.

That gave BMW a different position in the performance market while Mercedes appeared to be moving away from the V8 category. For buyers considering models such as the G90 M5 against an E63 or the X5 M against a GLE 63, the engine remains a major part of the vehicle’s appeal.

AMG Loyalists Could Have More V8 Choices Again

It is possible that some AMG loyalists who disliked the C63’s move to a four-cylinder hybrid may have considered BMW instead. However, there are no sales figures establishing that connection, and neither company publishes data identifying customers lost specifically because of cylinder count.

Other factors can influence a purchase decision, including styling, lease terms, dealer relationships and years of brand loyalty. Reducing those decisions to engine configuration alone would overlook those other considerations.

Still, the issue has remained a recurring topic in comment sections and enthusiast forums over the past two years.

Mercedes-AMG and BMW Prepare for Another V8 Battle

With AMG’s V8 return confirmed, the focus is shifting from which brand moved away from combustion power to which V8 delivers the stronger proposition.

Mercedes and BMW have competed directly in this area before, with the E63 and M5 trading blows through much of the 2010s. The next phase will take a different form, with BMW retaining its V8 and adding hybrid assistance while AMG returns from its downsizing strategy with a setup that is closer to pure combustion power in at least some models.

That approach could appeal to buyers who view the M5’s additional hybrid weight and complexity as a trade-off.

The V8 Comeback Goes Beyond Mercedes and BMW

The broader performance-car market is also showing signs of a move back toward larger engines. Stellantis brought the Hemi back after discontinuing it, while Lamborghini continues to publicly recommit to its naturally aspirated V12 despite regulatory pressures.

Several performance brands pushed downsizing aggressively, faced strong criticism from their most vocal customers and are now backing away from that approach.

What Comes Next for AMG and BMW

The coming years could bring renewed competition between Mercedes-AMG and BMW across several segments. Potential matchups include the CLE 63 against the M4, a possible E63 revival against the G90 M5, and eventually the GLE 63 S against the X5 M.

AMG moved toward downsizing with the C63, while BMW retained its V8 strategy. With Mercedes now reversing course, the response from buyers who may have chosen BMW during the transition will become clearer once the new AMG V8 models reach showrooms.