Will Mercedes Really Keep the V12 Alive Beyond 2030?
If you’re a car enthusiast, the V12 engine probably holds a special place in your heart. There’s just something about the effortless power, the buttery smoothness, and that unmistakable sound. But with stricter emissions rules rolling in, especially in Europe, it’s fair to wonder: is the V12 on borrowed time? Surprisingly, Mercedes-Benz says no. Let’s dig into what’s really happening—and why it matters.
What’s Driving the Decision to Keep the V12?
You might think Mercedes would quietly retire the V12 as electric cars and hybrids take over. But according to Markus Schäfer, the company’s technology chief, the V12 isn’t going anywhere just yet. Speaking at the Munich Motor Show, Schäfer confirmed that Mercedes will keep offering V12 engines into the next decade, wherever regulations allow.
Why? It’s not just nostalgia. For Mercedes, the V12 is a symbol of ultimate luxury and engineering prowess. It’s the heart of their flagship Maybach S680 limousine, a car that caters to a clientele who expect nothing but the best. There’s still demand for this kind of engine—especially in markets where emissions rules aren’t as strict.
How Will Mercedes Make the V12 Compliant With New Emissions Laws?
Here’s where things get interesting. The new Euro 7 emissions standards, set to kick in at the end of next year, are some of the toughest yet. They’ve already forced many automakers to shrink engines or go hybrid. Schäfer was tight-lipped about the technical details, but he hinted that Mercedes has a plan to keep the V12 compliant, at least in some regions.
This isn’t just wishful thinking. Mercedes has a track record of investing heavily to keep its engines ahead of the curve. In fact, Schäfer mentioned that the company has almost finished making a new high-performance V8 engine that meets Euro 7 standards. If they can do it with a V8, there’s every reason to believe they’ll find a way for the V12—at least for a while.
Which Mercedes Models Will Still Get a V12?
Right now, the only Mercedes model to feature a V12 is the Maybach S680. In the past, you could find V12s in AMG’s S65, the CL 65, and the SL 600. Will those models get the V12 treatment again? Mercedes isn’t saying. But it’s likely that, moving forward, the V12 will be reserved for the most exclusive, high-end models—think limousines and special editions, not your everyday sedan.
It’s also possible that V12-powered Mercedes cars will only be available in select markets. The US and Europe are phasing out combustion engines by 2035, but other regions—like the Middle East and China—are expected to keep them around longer. For customers in those areas, the V12 could remain an option well into the next decade.
What Does This Mean for Mercedes’ Broader Engine Strategy?
The V12 isn’t the only engine Mercedes is rethinking. The company plans to phase out its controversial four-cylinder plug-in hybrid setup in performance models like the C63 and GLC 63. Instead, they’re bringing back updated straight-six engines and introducing that all-new V8. This shift signals a renewed focus on performance and refinement, even as the industry moves toward electrification.
AMG boss Michael Schiebe put it bluntly: Mercedes will keep making petrol engines “as long as possible, where regulations allow.” That’s a pragmatic approach, recognizing that the global market is anything but uniform. While Europe and the US are tightening the noose on combustion engines, other regions are moving at their own pace.
Are There Real-World Examples of V12 Demand?
Absolutely. Take the Middle East, for example. Ultra-luxury sedans and SUVs with V12 engines remain status symbols in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In China, too, there’s a segment of buyers who want the best of the best—regardless of what’s under the hood. For these customers, the V12 isn’t just an engine; it’s a statement.
According to a 2023 report from the International Energy Agency, while electric vehicle adoption is surging in Europe and North America, internal combustion engines still dominate luxury segments in many emerging markets. Mercedes is clearly betting that this demand will stick around, at least for the next decade.
What’s the Takeaway for Car Lovers and Buyers?
If you’re worried that the V12 is about to disappear forever, you can breathe a little easier—at least for now. Mercedes is committed to keeping this legendary engine alive, even as the automotive world changes at breakneck speed. But don’t expect to see V12s everywhere. They’ll become even more exclusive, reserved for the most luxurious models and the most passionate buyers in select markets.
The bottom line? The V12’s days may be numbered in some parts of the world, but its legacy is far from over. For those who crave the pinnacle of automotive engineering, Mercedes is making sure the dream lives on—one glorious, twelve-cylinder engine at a time.