Despite electrification: Mercedes returns to V8 and V12 engines

While other manufacturers are already burying the classic internal combustion engine, Mercedes is betting on its return alternator bosch pret.

Despite electrification: Mercedes returns to V8 and V12 engines

Back to the future: Mercedes remains faithful to the internal combustion engine! While many manufacturers are burying the internal combustion engine, Mercedes is choosing the opposite strategy: the V8 and V12 engines are to remain an integral part of the model range – and will even be improved!

At its last annual press conference, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer announced under the motto "Mastering the Transformation" that it would work on more economical, faster and more powerful internal combustion engines as the automotive world transforms - and that it would not bet on an all-electric future.

Fans of the twelve-cylinder engine in particular should rejoice: the legendary 6-liter biturbo V12 remains in the brand's lineup. Although only in selected markets, it will continue to roar majestically in the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S 680 or the armored S-Class Guard – even at a time when CO₂ reduction is the main goal.

The 12 cylinders: Mercedes' last bastion

While BMW has long since abandoned the 12-cylinder (the limited-edition M760i, destined only for the US, was discontinued in 2022) and Audi said goodbye to the W12 in the A8 in 2017, Mercedes remains the only German premium manufacturer to retain the V12 legend. And not only that: the 12-cylinder unit from Affalterbach will continue to be supplied to Italian hypercar specialist Pagani – for the new Utopia supercar.

AMG launches new V8

But the people from Stuttgart will not only rely on past successes: the V8 will be modernized. And AMG is already working on a completely new 8-cylinder engine with electric assistance for future models that will use the new AMG.EA platform. This unit should not only be powerful, but also meet the future Euro 7 standard.

The inline "six" remains - 4-cylinder with a 48-volt "mild hybrid" system

While no official statements have been made about the future of the inline-six engine, there is some evidence to suggest that it will be retained. At the same time, Mercedes has announced that it will introduce a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

The small, powerful engine will soon celebrate its premiere in the new CLA – in combination with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The drive was developed in Stuttgart together with a partner from China.

One thing is certain: for the time being, big electrification plans are being shelved. While other manufacturers continue to rely entirely on electric drives, the Stuttgart-based company expects that by 2027, 70 percent of customers will still choose models with internal combustion engines and 48-volt technology. By then, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will only account for around 30 percent of sales.

The Stuttgart-based company originally planned to sell only electric cars from 2030 onwards – “where the market allows it.” But given current demand, that plan is (at least for now) history.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Back to the future: Mercedes remains faithful to the internal combustion engine! While many manufacturers are burying the internal combustion engine, Mercedes is choosing the opposite strategy: the V8 and V12 engines are to remain an integral part of the model range – and will even be improved!

At its last annual press conference, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer announced under the motto "Mastering the Transformation" that it would work on more economical, faster and more powerful internal combustion engines as the automotive world transforms - and that it would not bet on an all-electric future