Mercedes And BMW Plan To Keep The V8 Alive
There is a clear industry-wide move toward EVs, but the demand for high-performance combustion engines remains significant in certain segments. While the move toward EVs is certainly in motion, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are making serious moves to keep the V8 alive. With rumors of a new V8-powered C63 hitting the market next year and BMW publicly committing to the ICE engine, is the ever-exciting eight-cylinder sticking around?
Mercedes-Benz hood ornament
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz And BMW Commit To The V8 Engine
Mercedes-Benz
The luxury automaker has outlined plans to retain and develop its V8 engines, even as it expands its electric vehicle offerings. In a recent announcement, the company confirmed the development of a next-generation, electrified V8 powertrain. This new engine is designed to meet stringent emission standards, including the forthcoming Euro 7 regulations, ensuring its viability in various markets. The integration of electrification aims to enhance performance while adhering to environmental requirements.
BMW also confirmed earlier this month that it would keep the V8 because that's what American buyers want. Frank Weber from BMW also noted that markets like the Middle East will also continue getting the V8 option because "customers like the smoothness, sound, and feeling of a V8."
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Present And Future Models Sporting A V8 (And A V12)
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce a new V8 in the CLE 63 that's expected later this year, giving it a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with mild-hybrid tech. On top of that, there are rumors that the 2026 C63 will also get some form of this engine when it hits the pavement. A few models still have the 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 in 2025, like the AMG GT, AMG S 63 E Performance, and AMG G 63.
It also sounds like Mercedes might keep the V12 around for some of its flagship models, but no word on changes to that engine yet. Right now, the 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is really the only model with the V12.
For BMW, we expect the X5 M60 to get the latest 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, along with the new versions of the X6 and X7. Some rumors suggest a new Alpina B8 will also have a V8, but that remains unconfirmed. BMW's S68 V8 gets 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, but there is some wiggle room for more.
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There Is Hope
BMW
While many European markets have strict plans to ban internal combustion engines by 2030 and 2035, we aren't quite there yet. With Mercedes and BMW developing a new generation of V8s in some form, they aren't ready to let go yet. While we don't think these engines will pop up in every market, it certainly sounds like the US is one of them.
The automotive industry is undeniably progressing toward an all-electric future, but manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW recognize the appeal of the V8 engine. Their efforts to sustain and evolve these powertrains reflect a strategic approach that honors their legacies while adapting to the changing landscape of automotive technology. And if that means we get a few more years of the V8 and V12, then so be it.
