Mercedes tests wild AMG V8 coupe at the Nürburgring

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – As we learned earlier this week, unfortunately the V8 will not make a comeback in the C 63 for now. However, Mercedes will soon have an eight-cylinder coupe based on the C-Class in its lineup. The delightfully uncompromising CLE is expected to become the second member of the ultra-exclusive Mythos series from the Swabians, following the PureSpeed based on the SL introduced a few years ago.

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According to YouTuber Carspotter Jeroen, who recorded the video, Mercedes rented the Nürburgring for a private test session with the CLE in Mythos trim. This gave the company the track all to itself, without possible interference from prototypes of other manufacturers. Booking the Nordschleife for exclusive test drives usually happens rather late in the development process, so the world premiere is likely approaching.

Whether a record attempt was also made is unclear. However, there is no pressure to chase records, as the AMG One remains the undisputed king among production cars with an outstanding lap time of 6:29.09 minutes.

More than 600 hp possible

The camouflaged prototype is much more than a sharpened CLE. It gives the impression that Affalterbach was able to draw fully from its upgrades. From the stacked tailpipes to the massive rear wing, the next Mythos model makes it unmistakably clear what it’s about. Added to this is a large hood bulge that is supposed to help cool the new V8 with flat-plane crankshaft. Rumor has it that it will produce around 650 hp.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Mythos at the Nürburgring

Dealers invited to a private meeting in Sindelfingen claim that Mercedes only wants to build 30 units worldwide. This has not been confirmed so far. Equally conceivable would be a CLE 63 Black Series with a higher production volume. This would presumably be cheaper, as it probably wouldn’t be quite as extreme as the Mythos.

In fact, some test prototypes spotted in recent months appeared far less extravagant than this specimen. They may have given a preview of the less radical version—if one can even speak of such a thing with a Black Series model. Either way, the CLE will definitely get the V8 in some form, which hopefully means that one day an E 63 with the proper cylinder count will return.

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Until then, the Mythos is likely to whet the appetite for more V8 models. It is expected to be unveiled in the coming months before deliveries begin in 2027. If Mercedes really only builds 30 vehicles, it would not be surprising if they are already all allocated.

Motor1 says: The new Mythos is likely to show AMG at its best: without downsizing and without electrification, instead with an honest V8. Even before the official debut, it is clear that the CLE has been significantly slimmed down and simultaneously gained muscle—similar to what BMW demonstrated a few years ago with the M4 CSL. In addition, a lot of aerodynamic fine-tuning seems to have gone into it, far beyond the eye-catching rear wing.

Although the price tag is still unknown, the car will very likely be astronomically expensive and push deep into the six-figure range—with a significant premium over the CLE 53, which currently starts at 85,746 euros. Whether the Mythos will cost twice, three times, or even more remains open. Since Mythos is positioned above everything else in the Mercedes hierarchy, the model is aimed exclusively at the wealthiest customers of the brand.

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Source: Carspotter Jeroen / YouTube