Euro 7 Norm

Mercedes Ensures the Future of its V8 and V12 Engines

The announcement has just dropped: Mercedes has officially validated the conformity of its range of combustion engines to the Euro 7 standard, which will come into effect in 2027. This is excellent news for enthusiasts of fine mechanics, especially since the V8 and V12 engines will continue to exist, accompanied by mild hybridization. At WOT, we can only rejoice to see that the future will not be exclusively electric and that driving pleasure still has its place.

Retooled Engines to Continue the Story

While the European Union has adapted its approach to make Euro 7 more accessible to manufacturers, Mercedes has been proactive. Markus Schäfer, the brand's Chief Technology Officer, has confirmed that the entire engine range, from four-cylinders to V12s, is already ready to meet environmental requirements. The introduction five years ago of a new engine family facilitated their upgrade, which today allows Mercedes to maintain a diversified combustion engine offering.

Regarding the V8 and V12 engines, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that their architecture has been extensively reworked. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 will thus (normally) make its return in the CLE 63 with technical adjustments aimed at reducing emissions. Hybridization and the use of a new crankshaft are among the developments implemented to guarantee a future for these iconic engines. For the V12, the same philosophy applies: the high cost of these models makes it possible to amortize more advanced technological solutions and perpetuate the tradition of luxury and performance.

Small Models in Danger, a Strategy Taking Shape

While high performance has been saved, entry-level models may not survive Euro 7. Bringing combustion engines into compliance involves high costs that are difficult to amortize on more affordable vehicles. Mercedes could thus reduce its range by not renewing certain models such as the A-Class or the B-Class.

For the time being, the brand is relying on a new 1.5L four-cylinder engine developed to be compatible with these new standards. It will notably equip the CLA and other models based on the MMA platform. However, we know that enthusiasts have never really had an affinity for these small engines... Proof of this is the Mercedes C63 AMG, which abandoned its V8 for a hybrid 4-cylinder and is struggling to convince purists, who are now turning to BMW to find an engine in line with their expectations.

The Future of Reprogramming: Between Homologation and Passion

At WOT, we have always believed that the future of reprogramming would involve homologation and the sustainability of combustion engines. Seeing a manufacturer like Mercedes maintain V8s and V12s in its catalog reinforces this vision. If these engines can still exist, it is because there is strong demand and modern engineering can still find solutions to reconcile pleasure and environmental standards.

An imposed electric-only future has never been a satisfactory solution for enthusiasts of mechanics and performance. But with hybrid V8s, V10s, and V12s, we retain an exciting future and reprogramming remains relevant. At WOT, we are ready to continue optimizing these engines to guarantee driving pleasure and performance, while remaining compliant with current standards.

Passionate motoring still exists, and as long as manufacturers continue to offer engines worthy of the name, we will be there to make the most of them.