The venerable 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 will be replaced by a new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, according to Mercedes-Benz. Despite a smaller capacity, the new flagship engine produces more power and torque, and consumes less fuel.
Paired to Mercedes-Benz’s seven-speed MCT transmission, the 5.5-litre V8 generates 536 bhp at 5500 rpm and 800 Nm between 2000–4500 rpm, which compare favourably against the 6.2-litre V8’s 518 bhp at 6800 rpm and 629 Nm at 5200 rpm. Fuel economy improves to 9.5 km/litre from the current 6.9 km/litre.
Available from the third quarter of 2010, the 5.5-litre V8 will likely take the 6.2-litre V8’s place in the C 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG, E 63 AMG and S 63 AMG.
A more powerful version of the 5.5-litre V8 with 563 bhp and 900 Nm will be made optional as part of a performance package upgrade for the S 63 AMG. A 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8, on which the 5.5-litre V8 is based, will also make its way into lower-end CLS and S-Class models.
Tags: Buyer's Guide • Car Tech • Germany • Mercedes-Benz • Mercedes-Benz C-Class • Mercedes-Benz Cars • Mercedes-Benz CL-Class • Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class • Mercedes-Benz E-Class • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
