Mercedes-Benz is signaling a continued commitment to internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid powertrains, despite the global shift toward electric vehicles. While the German luxury carmaker is actively expanding its electric vehicle portfolio, it plans to maintain its larger-displacement engines, including the V8 and V12.
During its recent annual results conference, Mercedes-Benz outlined its strategy to become more efficient and agile. The company detailed plans to launch electric versions of its C-Class, GLC, and E-Class models. In addition, the S-Class, the brand’s flagship sedan, will retain its V12 engine.
Mercedes-Benz has stated its long-term commitment to the V12 engine, which is expected to remain available in select markets. These markets will likely be those where emission regulations are less stringent. The V12 currently powers the Maybach S-Class S680 and certain armored S-Class Guard models. Additionally, Mercedes-AMG supplies the V12 to Pagani for its Utopia hypercar.
Mercedes-Benz projects that plug-in hybrids and EVs will account for only 30% of its total sales by 2027, with the remaining 70% being ICE cars, many incorporating 48V technology. This shift reflects a more pragmatic approach, as the company had initially aimed for an all-electric lineup by 2030 “where market conditions allow”.
Unlike competitors such as BMW and Audi, Mercedes-Benz is not abandoning its larger combustion engines. BMW discontinued the M760i in 2022 with the previous-generation 7 Series, while Audi ceased production of its W12 engine after the prior-generation A8 sedan was retired in 2017. The current Audi A8 was originally slated to receive the 6.0-liter W12 engine, but those plans were ultimately scrapped.
At the same time, the Mercedes-AMG performance division is developing a new, electrified V8 engine. This motor will be part of the automaker’s in-house AMG.EA architecture, which will support both combustion engines and electric powertrains. Mercedes-Benz also plans to continue offering its 3.0-liter V6 engine, along with a 48-volt electrified four-cylinder engine, which is expected to debut in the new CLA model next month.
