In a current flip of occasions, Automotive and Driver advised Mercedes would possibly reintroduce the V8 engine for its C63 and E63 fashions by 2026. But, after we approached Mercedes, the German luxurious titan remained tight-lipped, declining to debate upcoming choices. In distinction, a recent perception from Auto Motor und Sport challenges this, implying the eight-cylinder powerhouse won’t make its comeback.

An “worker acquainted with product improvement” labelled the preliminary information as “pure nonsense”, highlighting that the V8’s reintroduction to the C63 and E63 was off the desk. In consequence, it appears the elite C-Class will seemingly keep on with its hybrid four-cylinder configuration. Furthermore, the premium E-Class may also expertise an engine discount. The uncertainty stays: will the subsequent E63 undertake an inline-six, or transfer to a four-cylinder? Nonetheless, Autocar believes the six-cylinder choice is probably going.

For these dreaming of the V8’s grand resurgence, particularly inside the European Union, the prospects seem bleak. Mounting emissions requirements pose vital challenges for automotive producers producing sizeable engines. The looming Euro 7 rules, set for 2025, additional solid shadows over the massive ICE’s future.

Moreover, the burden of rising taxes has made high-performance vehicles much less accessible. Had it not been for stringent insurance policies, manufacturers like AMG, BMW M, and Audi Sport might need sustained their famend six- and eight-cylinder engines with out pivoting to electrical and smaller designs.

Many criticise automotive producers for decreasing engine sizes and integrating hybrid know-how. But, it’s arguably the only real avenue to protect the essence of efficiency automobiles. Admittedly, a four-cylinder AMG C63 isn’t universally interesting. Nonetheless, it’s arguably preferable to a non-existent AMG C63. Moreover, BMW M has declared its intent to impress future fashions, whereas Audi Sport’s pure petrol RS automobiles would possibly quickly be historical past.

Selling petrol-only sports activities vehicles exterior the EU appears impractical, given the immense European market share for manufacturers like Mercedes and its rivals. Such a method would elevate manufacturing bills and notably shrink the goal market post-excluding European nations.