2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS won’t be offered with V8 option – report
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS will reportedly not be offered with a V8 engine option because AMG is planning to launch its own ‘four-door coupe’.
According to Autocar, the CLS replacement will be powered by a range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, but will do without V8 motivation.
The new car’s range will be topped by an AMG CLS50 variant powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine with around 335kW of power.
The deletion of the V8 option is reportedly to give the new Mercedes-AMG GT ‘four-door coupe’ a bit of breathing room. That car will be available with a version of the AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
Previewed by the recent Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, the new addition to the AMG range is thought to be pencilled in for a 2018 debut. Styled to resemble the GT coupe and convertible, the more practical GT is believed to be based on the mainstream MRA platform, rather the unique underpinnings used by the two-door GT range.
It’s still not clear whether the CLS replacement will retain the nameplate that has served it well over two generations, or whether it will be rebadged as the CLE to reflect its E-Class underpinnings.
Rumour has it that the new car will retain the CLS badge, despite its E-Class mechanicals, as it features a longer wheelbase than the standard E-Class sold in most markets outside of China.
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