Why Is Mercedes-AMG Still Betting on V8 Engines When Everyone Else Is Downsizing?
It’s a question that’s been on the minds of car enthusiasts and industry watchers alike: with most automakers pivoting to smaller engines or electrification, why is Mercedes-AMG doubling down on the V8? The answer, it turns out, is a mix of tradition, customer demand, and a dash of German engineering stubbornness—in the best possible way.
While Ferrari and other high-performance brands are moving to V6s or hybridized four-cylinders, Mercedes-AMG is bucking the trend. Despite the recent controversy over the C 63 S swapping its iconic V8 for a four-cylinder hybrid, AMG’s engineers in Affalterbach are hard at work on a new generation of eight-cylinder engines. According to Steffen Jastrow, AMG’s head of vehicle development, the goal is to deliver more power and better fuel efficiency—a rare combo in the world of big engines.
What’s Changing Under the Hood: Flat-Plane Crankshafts and Higher Revs
The most significant technical leap for the upcoming AMG V8 is the switch to a flat-plane crankshaft. For those less familiar, this design is more common in exotic sports cars and allows the engine to rev higher, improving responsiveness and delivering a more thrilling drive. The trade-off? The traditional deep, guttural roar of the current 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will give way to a sharper, higher-pitched scream. Some purists might miss the old soundtrack, but the promise of even more exhilarating performance is hard to ignore.
This isn’t just about making noise for the sake of it. Flat-plane crank V8s are lighter and can help reduce emissions—a crucial factor as global regulations tighten. Mercedes-AMG is aiming for an engine that’s not just more powerful, but also more efficient, keeping the V8 relevant in a world increasingly focused on sustainability.
Which Mercedes-AMG Models Will Get the New V8?
Here’s where things get a bit mysterious. AMG hasn’t officially announced which models will receive the new V8, or exactly when it will debut. However, executives have hinted that the next wave of AMG vehicles will push power boundaries even further, with the new engine sitting at the top of the performance range. If history is any guide, expect to see it in flagship models like the GT and possibly a future C 63 or E-Class variant.
What’s clear is that AMG is listening to its customers. As CEO Michael Schiebe put it, “If there are continuous demands for V8s, then producing them within regulations should be our engineering target.” In other words, as long as people want V8s—and are willing to pay for them—AMG will find a way to deliver.
How Is AMG Balancing V8s With the Shift to Electric Performance?
Mercedes-AMG isn’t putting all its eggs in the internal combustion basket. In parallel with V8 development, the brand is preparing to launch the AMG XX, an all-electric sedan designed to rival the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT. The concept version of this car recently set multiple records, covering nearly 25,000 miles in a single week—a testament to AMG’s commitment to electric performance.
This dual-track approach is smart. It allows AMG to serve die-hard petrolheads while also appealing to early adopters of EV technology. The brand’s leaders are clear: AMG’s main objective is serving its customers, whether they crave the visceral thrill of a V8 or the silent punch of electric torque.
Will the New V8s Be More Efficient—and Does That Really Matter?
Efficiency is more than a buzzword. With stricter emissions standards looming in Europe, North America, and Asia, even performance brands like AMG have to adapt. The new V8s are expected to deliver better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, thanks in part to advanced engineering like the flat-plane crankshaft and improved combustion technology.
But let’s be honest—most AMG buyers aren’t cross-shopping for fuel economy. What matters is that they can enjoy the unique character of a V8 without feeling like they’re driving a dinosaur. By making the engine cleaner and more efficient, AMG is future-proofing its lineup and keeping regulators at bay.
What Does This Mean for the Future of High-Performance Cars?
AMG’s commitment to the V8 is a bold statement in an era of rapid change. It shows that there’s still room for big, emotional engines—even as the industry pivots toward electrification. At the same time, the brand’s investment in electric models like the AMG XX signals a willingness to embrace the future.
For enthusiasts, this is the best of both worlds. You get the option of a screaming, high-revving V8 or a cutting-edge electric sedan, depending on your mood (and maybe your conscience). It’s a reminder that performance isn’t about sticking to one formula—it’s about pushing boundaries, whether with pistons or batteries.
The big takeaway? The future of AMG isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re a die-hard V8 fan or ready to plug in, Mercedes-AMG is making sure there’s something thrilling for everyone.