Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its legendary V12 engines will remain in production well into the next decade, despite looming European emissions legislation that many believed would spell the end of the iconic powerplant.
A Bold Commitment at Munich Motor Show
At the Munich Motor Show, Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ Chief Technology Officer, confirmed that the company is not abandoning its largest combustion engines. “We will continue to offer V12s,” Schäfer said when asked directly about the future of the flagship motor. He stopped short of explaining how the engine will meet strict Euro 7 emissions regulations, set to take effect at the end of next year, but teased: “I will not say more, but it is coming.”
That short statement signals Mercedes’ determination to keep its heritage alive, even as regulatory pressures mount across Europe.
The Current Home of the V12
Right now, the V12 engine is reserved exclusively for the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S680 limousine. Powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit producing 603 bhp, it is one of the most opulent and powerful chauffeur-driven cars available today. In the past, however, Mercedes offered V12 power in performance icons such as the AMG S65, the CL 65 coupe, and the SL 600 roadster.
Industry watchers believe that while the Maybach remains the most likely candidate for ongoing V12 use, select AMG halo models could once again benefit from the powerhouse in the future—at least in certain regions.
Euro 7 and the Challenge Ahead
The uncertainty surrounding the V12 has largely stemmed from the incoming Euro 7 rules, designed to slash tailpipe emissions and push automakers toward electrification. These rules have already influenced Mercedes’ strategy for smaller engines, with Schäfer revealing that the company is phasing out the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrains in the AMG C63 and GLC 63.
Instead, those cars will switch to either updated versions of Mercedes’ straight-six or an all-new V8 engine, both designed to meet Euro 7 requirements. “We have invested quite a lot to update the entire portfolio,” Schäfer said. “On top, we have created a new V8 that has almost finished EU7 compliance. It is a high-performance V8; it’s brand new.”
A Global Strategy for Combustion Power
Mercedes executives are realistic about the regulatory landscape. In Europe and the United States, new rules will ban sales of combustion-powered cars from 2035. AMG boss Michael Schiebe acknowledged that these deadlines cannot be ignored. “Of course, in the US and in Europe, the regulation is that you cannot sell combustion engines any more from 2035, and we have to comply with that,” he said.
However, he emphasized that not all markets are moving at the same pace. Regions such as the Middle East and China, where ultra-luxury vehicles continue to see strong demand, are expected to keep welcoming combustion engines well beyond 2035. This global variation creates space for the V12 to survive in select markets, even as electrification dominates others.
What It Means for Enthusiasts
For fans of large-capacity engines, Mercedes’ announcement is a rare piece of good news. Many rivals, including BMW and Audi, have already phased out their V12 programs, focusing instead on hybridized V8s or full electrification. The continuation of Mercedes’ V12 not only secures a slice of automotive heritage but also provides buyers with a statement of exclusivity.
The exact details—whether the engine remains solely in Maybach models or expands back into AMG’s high-performance portfolio—remain under wraps. But one thing is certain: the V12, once thought to be on life support, will roar into the next decade under the three-pointed star.
