Mercedes-AMG CLE 63’s Twin-Turbo V8 May Not Be As Thunderous As We Hoped

Mercedes-AMG is working on a new CLE 63 Coupe, and unlike the C63 and its controversial 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid, the new coupe will rock a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. However, while it should provide the same driving thrills as some of Mercedes’ great other V8 sports cars, a new spy shot video suggests it may not sound as rowdy as some might have hoped.

Building and selling a big V8 in this day and age isn’t as easy as it was a few short years ago, and Mercedes-AMG has likely had to install extra petrol particulate features to ensure it meets stringent emissions standards, particularly in Europe. While these OPFs will allow AMG to offer a V8, they mute the sound considerably.

Read: Thank God The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Has A Roaring V8

Several Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe prototypes were recently filmed on the move at the Nurburgring. While it’s hard to know how hard the engineers were revving their engines, none of them are as brutish as AMGs of yesteryear.

Several current Mercedes-AMG models pump synthetic engine sounds into their cabins, and we wouldn’t put it past the brand doing the same with the CLE 63, hopefully making it sound more thrilling from behind the wheel.

Interestingly, there is some speculation that the new model could be offered with an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to the four-cylinder found in the C63. One of the prototypes featured in this clip – finished in red – may have this powertrain as it features a small yellow sticker on the rear window.  These stickers are used to notify first responders of the presence of an electrified powertrain. None of the other prototypes have this sticker.

There’s no word on how much power the V8-powered model will pump out, but in the SL 63, it’s good for 577 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm). Mercedes could conceivably lift horsepower to beyond the 600 mark. As for the possible PHEV variant, it may pump out the same 671 hp as the current C63 S.