- Mercedes-AMG’s track-ready CLE 63 will make 646 hp, new report claims.
- Future lineup, including crossover EVs and G63 cabrio, was revealed to dealers.
- North America is targeted as growth engine while China demand flattens out.
Mercedes-AMG might be talking a big EV game, but behind closed doors, it’s the return of a fire-breathing V8 that’s really getting hearts racing.
One of the biggest, rarest stars of the coming model blitz is the new CLE 63, and AMG isn’t playing it safe. Just 30 examples will reportedly be built worldwide, each believed to be equipped with a seriously spicy version of Benz’s new flat-plane crank V8. The intel claims an output of 646 hp (655 PS), though since the Germans love their nice round kW figures, we suspect it could be 637 SAE hp, which would be 475 kW or 646 PS.
Related: AMG’s New Super Sedan Reveals Components Not Seen On Other Testers
Whatever the true number, enthusiasts will be thrilled to see it debut after the whole four-cylinder C63 experiment fell flat on its face. And this AMG-ized version of the V8, already doing business in the latest S-Class, won’t be restricted to just 30 CLE hot rods. It’s expected to spread across the lineup, potentially finding its way into future models, like the next C 63 sedan. Hopefully it’ll find its way into the new two-door GT Black Series that the same report also says is coming.
What Are AMG’s New EVs?
Of course, AMG isn’t ditching electrification. Far from it. Dealers were shown a trio of upcoming electric GT models, according to Auto News, including the sleek four-door GT coupe and two crossovers riding on a dedicated AMG platform. One has a stance similar to a Cayenne, while the other sits lower with a sportier, sloping roofline.
They sound quick, with strong range figures in the region of 400 miles (644 km) of range for the coupe and at least 300 (483 km) for the utilities, but not everyone’s convinced. Some dealers are already worried that three closely related electric AMGs could crowd showrooms and dilute the brand’s edge.
G-Class Blows Its Top
But all dealers need to do to reassure customers AMG is still bad-ass is show them the G-Class Cabriolet, which returns after a three-decade absence, and this time it’s finally heading to the US. The G 63 Cabriolet skips EV power, as it goes for the current G 63’s twin-turbo V8, and swaps in a fabric roof for maximum Insta flex.
G Cabrio production is expected to kick off in 2027, with American buyers firmly in focus. And that’s really the bigger story here. This entire product blitz is aimed squarely at North America, because with China flatlining, the US and Canada are the only hopes for growth for both Mercedes and AMG.
