Earlier this yr Mercedes-Benz mixed the C-Class and E-Class coupes into a brand new automotive the CLE. On Tuesday it launched a extra efficiency oriented model referred to as the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, set to go on sale within the US someday in 2024.
Power Details
Under the hood of the brand new coupe is the AMG-enhanced turbocharged M256M 3.0-liter inline-six engine. It cranks out 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque that may soar to 443 lb-ft of twist for a 12-second interval due to an overboost perform. Mercedes estimates the CLE53 can hit 60 miles per hour from a standstill in a clear 4.0 seconds. Top velocity is electronically restricted to 155 mph.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE more like a pumped-up C-Class or a slimmed-down E-Class? At first glance, its size might lead you to think it’s more like the former.
However, once you step inside, it becomes obvious that the CLE’s interior is derived from the C-Class. The distinctive quartic air vents, tapering fascia panel, and glossy black center stack and transmission tunnel all give away its C-Class roots. It may disappoint those hoping for the wider and more expansive fascia of the E-Class.
The lower fascia plastics also lack the tactile material quality of an E-Class, with a hint of hard and reflective cheapness. Mercedes tries to distract you from this with its usual flashy chrome and gloss carbon fiber. Overall, the ambience is rich enough but not as lavish and expensive-feeling as some might expect.
However, the CLE boasts impressive digital technology. It features the new E-Class’s third-generation MBUX infotainment system, which has a more powerful processor and a simplified top-level menu system with larger icons. It also offers fully integrated and connected compatibility with Android apps like TikTok, Webex, and Zoom (note that video conferencing apps only work when the car is parked). The revised home screen layout improves usability.
While owners of the E-Class Coupe may find the material quality in the CLE not up to par with their old car, they will appreciate the digital technology that Mercedes emphasizes. The car also provides decent usable space. The front seats offer generous elbow and headroom, even for taller adults. In the back, it’s more suitable for smaller adults or children, but it’s still an improvement from the cramped C-Class Coupe and slightly better than its main rivals: Audi A5 Coupe and BMW 4-Series Coupe.
Mercedes-AMG is considering reintroducing V-8 engines in their C-Class and E-Class models, potentially bringing back the raw power and performance that enthusiasts love.
The rumored V-8 hybrid configuration could launch as early as 2026, satisfying the desire for a powerful engine while also incorporating greener technology.
Mercedes recognizes the importance of the V-8 engine in its brand’s reputation and dominance in the luxury market, and the reintroduction of this engine could help attract customers back to its vehicles.
In a striking turn of events for performance drivers, a seismic shift might be on the horizon for Mercedes-AMG’s acclaimed C-Class and E-Class models. Amidst speculation and insider murmurs, the resounding opinion suggests that the V-8 engine could soon reclaim its throne in these high-octane marques, rekindling our passion for raw power and exhilarating performance. Mercedes-AMG, renowned for pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, is considering the revival of the V-8 powertrain in their C-Class and E-Class iterations.
Whispers of this exciting endeavor with the AMG GT63 S E Performance and AMG S63, where the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine combines with an electrifying hybrid configuration. Insiders reveal that these V-8 entrants could make a comeback as early as 2026, unleashing performance that resonates through the very soul of Mercedes buyers. Yet, as anticipation mounts, so does skepticism within the AMG community, which yearns for the original V-8 engine that once dominated the C and E-Class models.
Again, Mercedes has been somewhat lock and key regarding this idea, but countless outlets are reporting and alluding to the V-8 engine being reintroduced into these hybrid designs.
Mercedes Could Be Adding A V-8 Engine Back Into Its C-Class And E-Class Models
Mercedes
In a shocking turn of events, Mercedes-AMG has been considering adding a V-8 hybrid engine back into its highly-successful C-Class and E-Class models, which would be a blast from the past we all would enjoy. Not only is this being speculated and discussed, but it’s even rumored that these V-8-powered hybrids could launch as soon as 2026. Considering OG, Mercedes drivers remember when the C-Class and E-Class had V-8 engines, with them being swapped out in 2022. Many drivers weren’t thrilled with this decision by the company, which could have led to these current discussions.
After all, consumers generally have the largest voice when dealing with automakers of this caliber. Mercedes are known for their finely tuned, well-calibrated, and potent engines. One of the reasons people happily spend so much for their Mercedes-made cars is the long-standing reputation they have acquired, which the V-8 heavily contributed to. A C-Class or E-Class without a V-8 engine doesn’t purr the same or perform as we’d all prefer: and Mercedes knows it. Luckily, with 2026 only a few years away, we could witness the rebirth of C and E-Class vehicles powered by both electric and V-8 engines before our very own eyes.
How Mercedes Shifting Hybrid Could Give Us Back Our Powerful V-8 C-Class And E-Class
Mercedes-Benz
It’s rumored that the 2026 C-Class and E-Class will be reintroduced with the M177 4.0-liter V-8 engine.
It’s worth noting that because Mercedes is in talks of shifting greener, this could also come with a few gas-powered benefits. Of course, we’d love to see further initiatives by the German automaker to go 100 percent electric with most, if not all, of its model: but that’s not logical for the present market. People aren’t ready to let go of their loud, high-performance vehicles, and we don’t blame them. A significant market that Mercedes dominates is the higher-tier sportscar customer, which would otherwise shift to Porsche, BMW, Audi, or Ferrari. Again, the C and E-Class aren’t comparable to some of these brands’ most prestigious cars but are a favorite among wealthier drivers.
Mercedes, a global powerhouse brand, has aligned with the high-performance engine, so eliminating the V-8 configuration in 2022 up until 2026 or later will hurt the company. Regardless, with the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 returning with its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and an expected release of an E-Class with the V-8 rather than V-6, Mercedes could grab hold of the luxury market once again in massive numbers. The magic about the hybridization of Mercedes is giving us the best of both worlds in more ways than one. The brand could realize that with a V-6 engine and hybrid electric capability, its cars won’t be as loud or impressive as with the initial V-8.
Again, that’s not to say V-6 engines aren’t good for the brand, but with a hybrid build, they may not be exciting enough to grab hold of customers. Another theory that’s circling is that Mercedes did this on purpose, pulling back on V-8 only to reintroduce it with a more premium hybrid model.
Future Hybrid Mercedes C-Class And E-Class Sedans Won’t Need Much Exterior Tweaking
Mercedes
Another critical point to remember is that with the C-Class and E-Class embarking on a hybrid x V-8 overhaul, many speculate the two models won’t need much change appearance-wise. With minor adjustments, both models can easily fit the twin-turbo V-8 under the hood along with the motor, battery, and other plug-in hybrid components: all good signs for this happening. After all, many brands are forced into eco-friendly designs for their highest-performing cars because governments and consumers want this.
Mercedes is currently testing the V-8 hybrid configuration to pass Euro 7 emissions standards requirements: so we’d expect a press release in the next year or so. Mercedes doesn’t want to get our hopes up, and we respect the secrecy (for now). Again, we’re seeing brands like Maserati ditch their V-8 range with special edition limited production models, as they can’t comply with the European manufacturing standards for cleaner driving. Europe being harsher on its car companies is ultimately setting the world up for a different landscape come 2030, 2040, and 2050, so it’s best these brands cooperate and evolve rather than fight the change. As we’re learning now with Mercedes’ ambitious V-8 hybrid plan: this is possible.
We’re Seeing The Inevitable Electrification Of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA
Even though Mercedes hasn’t jumped straight into the idea of electric driving, this brand has made significant strides in shifting to hybrid/electric design from traditional gas-powered. According to a press release from the company, Mercedes has an ambitious plan to go fully electric by the end of this decade. That would mean the next release of a V-8 engine could be one of its final: ever. From 2025 onwards, the brand has promised to nearly entirely shift its designs to electric rather than hybrids or gas-powered luxury sedans, SUVs, etc.
That said, with murmurs of this hybrid V-8 C-Class and E-Class models coming to market within the decade, what could this mean for Mercedes’ ultimate vision? It’s undoubtedly curious especially considering this press release has been updated into 2023, and the company continues to push the message of green, emission-free driving into 2030.
Moreover, here are the three electric-only architectures MB has mentioned creating by 2025:
MB.EA will cover all medium to large size passenger cars, establishing a scalable modular system as the electric backbone for the future EV portfolio.
AMG.EA will be a dedicated performance electric vehicle platform addressing technology and performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG customers.
VAN.EA ushers in a new era for purpose-made electric vans and Light Commercial Vehicles, which will contribute to emission-free transportation and cities in the future.
So, we’ll have to wait and see if Mercedes can somehow fulfill this promise of electric architecture while also giving us a V-8 hybrid like currently speculated. Things are set to become more interesting in the world of European-created vehicles.
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