Mercedes-Benz tech boss Markus Schafer has confirmed to Autocar UK that the brand will continue to offer V12 engines into the next decade. As Euro 7 emissions norms are coming into effect next year, it had put the future of the V12 engine – Merc’s largest internal combustion unit – into doubt.
- Merc’s V12 engine expected to be made Euro 7 compliant
- Currently only used in the Maybach S 680
- New V8 to replace 4-cyl plug-in hybrid on C 63 and GLC 63
Mercedes V12 engine future
China and Middle East among markets where V12 is expected to be on offer.
At the ongoing Munich motor show, Shafer said that Mercedes “will continue to offer V12s”. While he didn’t outright confirm that it will be Euro 7 compliant, he hinted that it will be available in Europe, saying, “I will not say more, but it is coming”. However, based on the current plan to have only EVs on sale in Europe by 2035, Mercedes will have to discontinue the engine in those markets by then. On the other hand, the V12 engine is expected to be offered in select markets such as China, India and the Middle-East, where emissions norms are expected to see ICE models continue even after 2035.
At the moment, there are no details on how Mercedes would make the V12 compliant with the new norms, or which models will use the engine. Currently, the only Mercedes to use a V12 is the 612hp Maybach S 680, but it was previously offered in international-spec AMG models like the S 65, CL 65 and SL 600.
New Mercedes V8 engine to replace 4-cyl PHEV
New V8 engine expected to debut in Mercedes-AMG C 63 facelift.
As we’ve reported earlier, Mercedes-AMG has axed its four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain used in models like the C 63 and GLC 63. Instead, these performance models will use a new V8 engine. “We have invested quite a lot to update the entire portfolio,” said Schafer. “On top, we have created a new V8 that has almost finished Euro 7 compliance. It is a high-performance V8; it’s brand new.” This new engine is likely to make its debut in the upcoming 2026 C 63 facelift.
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