Mercedes-AMG CLE 63’s twin-turbo V8 might not be as powerful

Mercedes-AMG is developing a new CLE 63 Coupe, which, unlike the C63 and its controversial 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid, will be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. However, while it should offer the same driving thrills as some of Mercedes’ other great V8 sports cars, a new spy video suggests it might not sound as rowdy as some would like.

In this day and age, building and selling big V8 engines isn’t as easy as it was a few years ago, and Mercedes-AMG may have to install additional gasoline particulate functions to ensure it meets strict emissions standards, especially in Europe. While these OPFs will allow AMG to offer a V8 engine, they will significantly dampen the sound.

Read: Thank God, 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 has a roaring V8

Several Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe prototypes were recently photographed on the Nürburgring track. While it’s hard to know how hard the engineers worked to rev their engines, none of them were as brutal as AMGs of the past.

Several current Mercedes-AMG models inject synthetic engine sounds into their cabins, and we wouldn’t think the brand has done the same with the CLE 63, hoping to make the sound more exciting while driving.

Interestingly, there is speculation that the new model could come with an optional plug-in hybrid system, similar to the four-cylinder engine in the C63. One of the prototypes in this clip (finished in red) may have this powertrain, as it has a small yellow sticker on its rear window. These stickers are used to notify first responders of the presence of an electric powertrain. None of the other prototypes have this sticker.

There’s no word yet on how much power the V8-powered model will put out, but in the SL 63, it puts out 577 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Mercedes could boost the horsepower to over 600 hp. As for the possible PHEV version, it could put out the same 671 horsepower as the current C63 S.