The V8 lives on! 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT hero to keep V8 as others such as the Mercedes-AMG C63 go for four-cylinder turbo plug-in hybrid power

Mercedes-AMG is bringing back a fan favourite.

After more than a year of criticism for switching its iconic C63 sports sedan from V8 to a four-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid power, the brand is bringing V8 power in its coming AMG GT .

Mercedes-Benz Australia’s Head of Media Relations, Jerry Stamoulis hinted something V8-powered was around the corner, which points to the ferocious V8 coupe's imminent arrival.

Stamoulis acknowledged some “concern” from customers over the downsized engine switch, but said AMG not only has existing V8 models but more are coming soon.

“With AMG technology, let's call it, when we went from V8 to supercharged, supercharged to turbo, every time there was concern,” he explained. “The difference is now, if you want a V8, we have other models with V8s.

“We've got more to come. V8 is still part of our portfolio. So there are still options. If you really want a V8 AMG, we have one. We've got more to come. Yeah, it's another model [than the C63]. Yeah, but the C63 sedan tends to introduce the new technology.”

The new model in question is almost certainly the AMG GT, but the coming CLE63 is also rumoured to get V8 power, too. The V8 engine is the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that previously powered the C63 sedan. It’s expected to produce about 435kW, which is less power than the 500kW four-cylinder, but should keep buyers happy. Previously the C63 Coupe was one of AMG’s best-selling models in Australia, so ensuring buyers remain happy with that powertrain in that car is critical to the brand’s sales hopes.

Recently installed Mercedes Australia CEO, Jaime Cohen, admitted the transition from V8 to four-cylinder in the C63 sedan hasn’t been smooth, but acknowledged this kind of substantial change can take some time to work itself out with customers. But he is confident the move to the four-cylinder hybrid is ultimately the right choice.

“That's very interesting because of course the V8 has this halo,” Cohen said. “If you look at the performance, and that's what should be the real topic here, it's great. So it's more of a paradigm change [for buyers].

“Look, I'll give you an example. So in Mexico they still drive these trucks with manual transmissions. Why? Because they like the click, click, click. And they don't need them, but we’ll struggle to make that change to even an automatic transmission that's completely secure, that really works, or even a 10 speed manual transmission.

“So a lot of that is paradigm changes. It will happen. The customer just has to experience it and see that,  ‘Hey, I'm getting the same or even better performance than what I had with the V8.’ “We just need a little time, yeah… it's going to take time to convince.”