The next Mercedes-Benz CLS won’t have a V8 on offer, with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines set to account for the entire engine lineup.
The new CLS will ride on a lengthened version of the current Mercedes E-Class platform and will also share its engine lineup with the recently launched mid-size sedan. That means a range of four- and six-cylinder engines will power standard versions of the svelte four-door coupe, with a new 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine with 450 horsepower making its way into the AMG variant.
Mercedes has likely opted to leave the V8 engine out of the next CLS AMG in order to further differentiate it from the AMG GT four door that is coming to challenge the Porsche Panamera.
Just like the CLS, the Panamera fighter is expected to arrive sometime in 2018. It’s sole engine option will be AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, so it’s easy to see how a V8 powered CLS AMG might step on its toes. The AMG GT four-door will also be shorter and lighter than the CLS, making it a more appropriate starting point for a performance sedan.
A forum community dedicated to Mercedes-Benz owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more for all Mercedes-Benz and AMG models!