What has long been whispered in the corridors of auto shows has become an official fact. Mercedes-Benz is discontinuing the sale of its monumental V12 engine in the European Union markets. The legendary 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged unit has become another victim of the regulators' environmental ambitions, which leave no chance for large engines without serious electrification.
A company representative confirmed that the main 'executioner' for the twelve-cylinder engine was the impending strict Euro 7 standard. It is simpler for the manufacturer to abandon the niche unit rather than invest colossal funds in its modernization to comply with the new emission standards. This decision affects not only EU countries but also states adhering to European conformity certificates, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Even the Indian market is bidding farewell to the engine that has faithfully served flagship models for over ten years.
V8 as the New Luxury Standard
For customers in Europe, the updated V8 will become the new pinnacle of the lineup. Mercedes-Benz assures that Maybach owners will not feel deprived. The new eight-cylinder engine delivers 450 kW (603 hp), which is practically equal to the power of the current V12. Interestingly, the S 680 badge will remain on the body, but under the hood in the European versions, a smaller 'heart' will now beat.
Where the 'Twelve' Still Holds Fort
Despite the European finale, the M 279 engine is not going down in history completely. It will continue to live in markets where environmental legislation is more lenient towards large volumes: in China, the USA, and Middle Eastern countries. Moreover, the American version of the S 680 will retain not only the number of cylinders but also an advantage in power — there the engine produces 621 hp and 900 Nm of torque, which is 50 Nm more than the new top V8.
The situation in the sedan market with V12 is becoming increasingly dismal. The Bentley Flying Spur has already bid farewell to the W12, BMW has sent its V12 into retirement along with the previous generation 7 series (although it still powers the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom). Mercedes-Maybach remains one of the few options in this exclusive club, although the entry price remains astronomical — the price is expected to start from $250,000.
Interestingly, Mercedes' developments in this area continue to be utilized by third-party manufacturers. For example, the Pagani Utopia is equipped with the M 158 engine, created by the AMG division, which once again emphasizes the engineering level of these units, which are now becoming a historical asset for the mass luxury segment.
