Mercedes-Benz is ready for the inevitable change from internal combustion to electrification. Last year it announced that it wants to be an all-electric manufacturer by 2030, with the first primary goal set for 2025. Earlier this year, the German brand stated that it wanted 50% of all sales to be PHEV or EV. On the manufacturing side, it wants dedicated EV factories in operation by the decade's second half.

The German giant is now backpedaling slightly, which is good news for AMG fans. Mercedes may have been making concrete statements before, but recent reports reveal that it's not ready to give up on the V8 just yet.

Joerg Bartels, vice president for vehicle development, recently spoke to Australian publication Carsales, revealing that there is still room for its V8 beyond 2030.

Bartels was unwilling to commit to an end-of-production date for the famous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which is still used in several ICE products like the S-Class and G-Class and a plethora of AMG products including the AMG GT 4-door. But the final decision hinges on a few things.

"In the end, it has to fulfill our overall CO₂ strategy, and we have a clear path on that one: Being CO₂ neutral at the end of the 2030s. And from 2030, we just want to be pure electric," said Bartels. "But if there's still a customer demand [for gasoline V8s] in some regions, and it's still part of our offering, why should we stop it?"

Bartels mentioned that it all boils down to emissions regulations and whether a customer is willing to pay for the privilege.

The USA, UK, and Europe have all taken a strong stance against internal combustion. Locally, the Biden administration is pushing for 50% EV sales by 2030 and is forcing manufacturers' hands via the Inflation Reduction Act.

Still, Mercedes-Benz can't ignore its own sales figures. In January 2022, Mercedes released its sales figures, and though overall sales were down by 5%, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-AMG, and the G-Class all had record years. Mercedes only introduced the first EV AMG product this year, so these figures are still for good old-fashioned, gas-guzzling, tire-shredding V8 models.

Since the profit margins on these high-end models are so high, it should be no surprise that Merc will do its best to find a way around various governments' legislation.

"I think we're going to have challenges on the diesel [...] and [gasoline] sides," said Bartels. "But some customers will still demand six or eight cylinders." Speaking of the cost associated with the V8s going forward, he says, "You can find technical solutions for every request and every regulation, but sometimes it's combined with higher costs, and the customer is not always willing to pay for it."

Bartels is likely referring to cars like the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, now that the next-generation C63 has been confirmed as a hybrid four-cylinder, and the E53 is rumored to follow the same path.

The AMG GT 63 S E Performance combines the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric drive unit on the rear axle, resulting in a combined power output of 831 horsepower and 1,084 lb-ft of torque.

Whatever the results, the fact that Mercedes is unwilling to cull the V8, or is at least willing to continue it should the demand and legislation allow, is good news for ICE enthusiasts.