Upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Will Have A V8, Not 4-cyl PHEV

New W206-gen Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance pictured. Reception of this super-saloon's 4-cyl PHEV powertrain has been lukewarm despite its class-leading outputs.

When the new W206-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance debuted, staunch fans were up in arms at the German automaker’s decision to ditch its signature V8 for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4-cyl setup. Thankfully, the follow-up to this super-saloon’s coupe twin will reportedly not go down this path.

As the replacement to both the C205-gen C-Class Coupe and C238-gen E-Class Coupe models, the new C236-gen CLE Coupe is set to see its hot 63-badged Mercedes-AMG performance flagship version harness said Affaltertbach-based performance arm’s signature V8 heart.

Mercedes-AMG's signature M177 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo mill as seen in the latest second-gen Mercedes-AMG GT . The same mill will be present in the upcoming CLE 63.

This was confirmed by senior officials from within the three-point star marque’s management by UK title Autocar. The same sources confirmed with the title that the upcoming CLE 63 model will see the return of AMG’s familiar hand-built M177 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo (twin-turbo) mill with mild-hybrid (MHEV) assist.

The decision to prime the CLE with a V8 reportedly stems firstly from both the lukewarm responses garnered by the new PHEV-powered C63 saloon. Feedback from the automaker’s global dealer network also noted how positioning a 4-cyl CLE 63 range-topper above the 6-cyl CLE 53 would confuse prospects.

All-new C236 CLE model in CLE 300 4Matic form shown locally not too long ago. As a refresher, this new mid-sized GT coupe (and cabrio) stand as replacement to the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe models.

Despite delivering class-leading performance, traditional AMG buyers haven’t taken to the E-Performance PHEV drivetrain. As a refresher, said package combines a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo lifted from the A45 S AMG hyper-hatch with a rear-axle mounted e-motor and battery system. Evidently, sales are reportedly well below its V8 predecessor presently.

Nevertheless, retaining a V8 in what is set to become the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe’s replacement might be perceived as a sound move. As a refresher, said W205-gen coupe-based predecessor saw its M177 mill shell out 503 HP and 700 NM to drive all four wheels (AWD), altogether enabling 0-100 KM/H in 3.9 secs.

Presently, the most potent iteration of the the C236-based coupe (top, left) and A236-based cabriolet (top, right) versions of the CLE packs an AMG-tuned 3.0-litre in-line 6-cyl turbo MHEV setup outputting 449 HP and 560 NM. 

In contrast, the new C236-gen CLE model’s most potent offering available now comes in the form of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ guise. This one packs an AMG-fettled – NOT AMG-built – 3.0-litre in-line 6-cyl MHEV turbo heart outputting 449 HP and 560 NM.

Paired with a trick AWD setup primed with a ‘Drift Mode’, this sportier version of the new CLE coupe – also available in open-top form – despatches 0-100 KM/H in just 4.2 secs. Expect the V8-powered flagship 63-badged version set to slot above which to offer significantly higher outputs and speeds.

As for release date, Mercedes-Benz naturally remains coy about this, but camouflaged prototypes have been spotted undergoing road tests in recent months. This suggests that we may not have too long to wait for this performance flagship’s global reveal – perhaps by year-end latest.