We’ll believe it when we see it, but the Mercedes-AMG C 63 might be reunited with its beloved V-8 as soon as 2026.

Enthusiasts cried foul after the Mercedes-AMG C63 downsized from a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 to a hybrid system built around a 2.0-liter turbo-four. Executives initially replied with “deal with it,

Days after revealing it was working on a new V8 engine, Mercedes-AMG is reportedly set to install it in multiple future models.

While Merc's change of heart regarding AMG's top powertrains is welcome, there's an audible twist coming that old-school V8 lovers might not like

With an efficient and powerful hybrid powertrain, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance is technological marvel, and great fun to drive.

The all-wheel-drive AMG CLE53 4Matic+ costs $22,300 more than a BMW M440i xDrive which retails for $136,600 before on-road costs – but the Mercedes-AMG has an additional 45kW and 60Nm, and the standard fitment of the AMG Dynamic Plus package in Australia, for a 4.0-second 0-100km/h acceleration time compared to the BMW's 4.5s claim.

AMG has played with smaller engines in the recent past, controversially swapping the V8 out of the C63 for a four-cylinder powerplant. Downsizing is a common trend nowadays in the auto industry, but it was received with varying degrees of love from the brand's faithful as they yearned for that V8 grit.

After flirting with a 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain for some of its 63-series models, Mercedes-Benz AMG now looks to be returning to a V-8.

The new CLE63 will reportedly debut an all-new mild-hybrid V8, and it could also be offered alongside the divisive PHEV powertrain in the C63.