- The Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 is ditching its earlier plug-in hybrid blueprint in favor of a mild-hybrid V8.
- The shift in powertrain comes hot on the heels of Mercedes’ earlier decision to give more priority to its internal combustion engine units (ICE) and postpone its electrification goals beyond 2030.
Citing unnamed senior officials from Mercedes-Benz, Autocar claimed the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 coupe and convertible will be adopting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This will be a major departure from its maker’s original plan to equip the high-performance car with a plug-in hybrid power unit copying the AMG C 63 and AMG GLC 63.
Despite the V8 configuration’s lower output at 585 bhp compared to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid unit’s 670 bhp, the sources said Mercedes is sticking with the new strategy to meet consumer demand for ICEs. It also arrives as a response to the dwindling sales of its electric vehicles (EVs) as well as the disappointing delivery numbers of the AMG C 63 and AMG GLC 63. In addition, the company seems to be heeding the feedback of its global dealer network, advising that dialing back to a four-cylinder hybrid to the AMG CLE 63 after the AMG CLE 53’s six-cylinder setup might confuse potential buyers.
The V8-powered AMG CLE 63 will not come in its raw form though like its past iterations before Mercedes started fusing its cars with electric motors. Instead, it will be assisted by a mild-hybrid technology to ensure its performance.
It should be noted that Mercedes CTO Markus Schäfer has hinted previously that they have been monitoring the reception of the new AMG C 63 and the AMG GLC 63 as calls for Mercedes to bring back the V8s have been significantly gaining traction. During the Beijing Auto Show last month, he emphasized that it will be up to the customers to decide whether the German luxury automaker will continue making downsized petrol-electric hybrids.
Now, it seems the majority has spoken.
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