Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 to get V8; Ditch C63's 4-pot PHEV

The V8 powertrain will produce 585 BHP, making the CLE 63 a direct rival to the BMW M4

According to media reports, senior officials at Mercedes' AMG division have confirmed that the CLE 63 AMG will be powered by the brand's 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 will not get the 4-cylinder PHEV powertrain used on the C63 AMG and GLC 63 AMG.

As per reports, the change in decision comes amidst the lukewarm response and feedback from the brand's global dealer network. The dealers also reportedly mentioned that positioning a 4-cylinder CLE63 above a 6-cylinder CLE 53 would lead to confusion among customers.

Reports state that the latest version of the M177 V8 engine will feature mild-hybrid technology. The V8 powertrain will produce 585 BHP, making the CLE 63 a direct rival to the BMW M4, which offers 542 BHP from its 3.0-litre straight-six engine.

Markus Schafer, R&D Operations Head, Mercedes-Benz, stated that it would be "up to customers to decide" whether AMG continues to downsize its petrol powertrain. He further added, "We will stay close to the feedback of people and customers, and then we will go from that."

Source: Autocar UK