AMG lines up turbo V8 for CLE 63

Performance arm U-turns on unpopular PHEV power for coupé range-topper

- GREG KABLE AND MARK TISSHAW

The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 will receive a twin-turbocharged 4.0litre V8 petrol engine developing up to 585bhp, senior officials at the division's Mercedes-Benz parent company have confirmed.

The decision reverses an earlier plan to give the hot new coupé and cabriolet the same 670bhp plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the latest C63 and GLC 63, due to slow sales of the saloon, estate and SUV.

Despite its class-leading performance, traditional AMG buyers haven't taken to the E-Performance PHEV drivetrain, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a rear-axle mounted electric motor. Sales of the models are currently well below those of their V8 predecessors across AMG's global markets.

The latest version of AMG's M177 V8 engine, which features mild-hybrid technology, will power the most potent versions of the new CLE as a result, Autocar has been told.