Next-Gen Mercedes CLS to Ditch V8 Option

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.

This intel resonates with previous reports that the next CLS was to split into two models, one being catered more to the luxury crowd and the other positioned to take on the Porsche Panamera. Seeing as the next CLS AMG may only make around 450 horsepower, it’s likely it won’t get the full blown ‘CLS 63’ moniker, but will instead be called ‘CLS 43’ or something of that sort.

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The new CLS is expected to make its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The 2017 E-Class serves as the best indication of what to expect from the next-generation four-door, with the two vehicles expected to share not only a platform and engine range but safety features and interior design details as well.

[Source: LeftLaneNews via Autocar]