Mercedes-Benz has delivered a clear nod to tradition amid the rising tide of electrification—its beloved V12 engine isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, not only is it being preserved, it’s being future-proofed for the next decade and beyond.
Euro 7 Readiness and Regulatory Resilience
In March 2025, Auto Express reported that Mercedes’ engineering chief confirmed the automaker’s entire internal combustion engine (ICE) portfolio—including four-, six-, V8, and V12 cylinders—is ready for the stringent Euro 7 emissions standards that are set to kick in around 2027. This means that the V12 has already been engineered with upcoming regulations in mind.
A Commitment Extending Beyond 2030
The Drive revealed a headline-making update from the IAA Mobility show in Munich: Mercedes’ CEO boldly stated that the V12 will “stay alive past 2030”. Even though the method of compliance was kept under wraps, the company hinted that the engine might persist in markets with less stringent emission rules—like parts of the Middle East and China—even as Europe pushes forward with combustion engine bans by 2035.
Confirmation from Munich Motor Show
More recently, on September 8, 2025, Autocar reported that Mercedes’ technology chief Markus Schäfer affirmed the V12 will indeed remain part of the lineup into the next decade. Asked about Euro 7 compatibility, he offered only, “I will not say more, but it is coming,” a strategic statement signaling that the V12 will likely meet the new standards and continue to be available in Europe.
Currently, the V12 is most prominently featured in the Maybach S 680 (6.0L twin‑turbo V12), though it previously powered AMG variants like the S 65, CL 65, and SL 600. Its revival seems tailored to exclusive luxury markets where demand remains robust.
Strategy: Hybrid V8s, Select V12 Continuance
While the V12 holds firm, Mercedes is simultaneously pursuing an electrified future—just more gradually. Reports indicate that the performance brand, Mercedes‑AMG, is developing a new hybridized V8, designed to meet Euro 7 regulations and slated for inclusion in upcoming models like the CLE 63 and possibly a revamped C 63.
Multiple outlets, including Car and Bike, Autoguide, Paultan, and HT Auto, confirm that the automaker will maintain a broad portfolio of ICE powertrains—from four cylinders up to the V12—across selected markets.
Production Expansion at Mannheim
Reassuring fans even further, Mercedes‑AMG is expanding V12 engine production to the Mannheim plant. This strategic shift—while preserving the “one man, one engine” assembly philosophy—allows the Affalterbach facility to reallocate space toward V8 production, signaling strong ongoing demand for V12s.
Why the V12 Still Matters
Among the German luxury trio—Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi—only Mercedes continues to offer a V12 in its portfolio. BMW discontinued its M760i in 2022, and Audi phased out the W12 in 2017. Even Rolls‑Royce, under BMW, is eyeing full electrification by the decade’s end.
This positioning is strategic. Mercedes recognizes that, despite EV momentum, a significant portion of its customer base—especially in high-end luxury segments—still craves the unmistakable power, noise, and prestige of a V12. It’s a differentiator that strengthens the brand’s appeal in markets with delayed EV adoption and continues to feed demand for iconic performance.
The Road Ahead: Dual Powertrain Strategy
Mercedes-Benz is embracing a dual-pronged approach:
- Electrified Future where possible: A suite of 48‑volt mild‑hybrid powertrains, next‑generation plug‑in hybrids, and full EVs—accompanied by electrified V8s.
- Selective ICE Perseverance: Continued availability of V12s alongside traditional engines, tailored for markets where regulations permit and demand remains strong.
Final Thoughts
Mercedes-Benz is signaling to the automotive world that the V12 is far from extinct. With regulatory readiness, committed production lines, and strategic geographic targeting, the 12-cylinder legend looks poised to weather the electrified storm. In doing so, Mercedes is not just preserving engine history—it’s proving that luxury and emotion still matter in a world racing toward silent and green.
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