Meistech Monthly | October 2026 — The V8 Fights Back, AMG's Electric Future and the End of an A45 S Era

The latest Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG news, launches, performance developments, technology and motorsport - brought to you by Meistech.

October brings another fascinating collection of news from Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG.

And this month, there's a particularly interesting contrast emerging.

While Mercedes continues its transition towards electrification, advanced vehicle software and increasingly sophisticated driving technology, AMG has also revealed something that will undoubtedly put a smile on the faces of traditional performance enthusiasts.

A lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered coupé.

For those who read our earlier article questioning whether Mercedes-AMG had lost its way with the four-cylinder C63, the timing couldn't be more interesting.

Meanwhile, the extraordinary A45 S is approaching the end of its production journey, Mercedes is introducing steer-by-wire technology, and the AMG GT3 continues to demonstrate its capabilities on the international motorsport stage.

So, let's take a closer look at the latest developments.

1. The V8 Fights Back — Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung

646PS. A 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Rear-wheel drive.

Now we're talking.

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, an exclusive addition to its Mythos Series.

And this is a very different proposition from some of the increasingly complicated hybrid performance machinery we've seen in recent years.

At the heart of the CLE 646 sits AMG's 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, developing an impressive 646PS (475kW).

Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels, while extensive lightweight engineering has reduced the vehicle's weight by approximately 170kg.

The car also features a bespoke wide-body design, carefully developed aerodynamics and a new coilover suspension system.

But it's the philosophy behind the car that really interests us.

Rather than concentrating purely on electrification or headline power figures, AMG has developed a machine focused on traditional driving enjoyment.

Engine character. Throttle response. Chassis balance. Driver involvement.

All the things that helped establish AMG's reputation.

Of course, the CLE 646 is a strictly limited model, so we shouldn't interpret its arrival as confirmation that V8 power is returning throughout the AMG range.

Nevertheless, it's an encouraging reminder that AMG still recognises the appeal of a great combustion engine.

At Meistech, we've always believed that performance is about more than horsepower.

The soundtrack and driving experience are just as important.

And this particular AMG appears to understand that perfectly.

Image: © Mercedes-Benz AG

2. The Electric AMG GT 4-Door — Redefining Performance?

At the opposite end of the AMG spectrum sits the new electric AMG GT 4-Door Coupé.

Developed around the dedicated AMG.EA platform, this represents a major change in how Mercedes-AMG approaches high-performance vehicle engineering.

Unlike a conventional combustion-powered AMG, the new GT has been designed specifically around electric propulsion.

That means its powertrain, chassis, battery systems and thermal management can be developed as an integrated package.

And that's important.

Electric motors can produce extraordinary torque almost instantly, but creating a truly capable performance car involves considerably more than achieving impressive acceleration figures.

Maintaining battery and motor temperatures, managing power delivery, controlling torque distribution and delivering consistent performance are all significant engineering challenges.

AMG has already demonstrated its ambitions through the Concept AMG GT XX and its advanced axial-flux motor technology.

The new production GT 4-Door represents the next stage in bringing that technology to customers.

But for traditional AMG enthusiasts, one question remains.

Can an electric AMG deliver the same emotional involvement as a V8-powered performance car?

There's no doubt that electric powertrains can deliver exceptional performance.

But the character of a powerful combustion engine has always been an important part of AMG ownership.

For us, the most interesting aspect of the new GT won't simply be its acceleration.

It will be how successfully AMG translates its performance heritage into an entirely different driving experience.

Image: © Mercedes-Benz AG

3. The A45 S Final Edition — The End of a Remarkable Chapter

This particular story is especially relevant to us here at Meistech.

Mercedes-AMG has introduced the A45 S Final Edition, celebrating one of the most extraordinary performance hatchbacks ever produced.

And it's a car we're fortunate enough to know particularly well.

Our own red Mercedes-AMG A45 S is the Meistech development vehicle, providing us with a platform for evaluating performance products and exploring the potential of the W177.

Under the bonnet sits the remarkable AMG M139 engine.

A hand-built, 1,991cc turbocharged four-cylinder producing:

• 421PS (310kW)

• 500Nm of torque

• 0–62mph in 3.9 seconds

• 168mph electronically limited top speed

Mercedes-AMG describes the M139 as the world's most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbocharged engine to date.

An extraordinary achievement from just two litres of displacement.

But the A45 S is about considerably more than engine output.

Its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, sophisticated rear-axle torque distribution and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission create a package capable of performance that would once have been associated with considerably more exotic machinery.

The Final Edition introduces distinctive styling, exclusive finishes and special interior details to celebrate the model.

Mechanically, however, the underlying formula remains the same.

And we think that's a good thing.

Image: © Mercedes-Benz AG

The Meistech A45 S Development Vehicle

For us, the A45 S isn't simply a car we admire.

It's a platform we're using to understand and evaluate the products we offer.

From exhaust systems and intake improvements to suspension, braking, cooling and chassis upgrades, our development vehicle allows us to examine fitment, installation quality and the effect of modifications on the complete car.

Starting with 421PS certainly gives us an impressive foundation.

But increasing horsepower isn't our only objective.

Understanding how modifications work together, maintaining reliability and improving the overall driving experience are equally important.

As the A45 S approaches the end of production, we believe it will remain a highly desirable performance platform for years to come.

And we're looking forward to continuing the development of ours.

4. Mercedes-Benz Introduces Steer-by-Wire Technology

Not every important Mercedes development involves a new engine or performance model.

On 6 October, Mercedes-Benz announced the availability of steer-by-wire technology for the new EQS Saloon.

And from an engineering perspective, this is a significant step.

Traditional steering systems rely on a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the road wheels.

Steer-by-wire replaces that conventional arrangement with electronically controlled steering inputs.

The driver's movements are interpreted by electronic systems, which then control the steering mechanism.

This creates several potential advantages, including variable steering response, reduced steering effort during manoeuvring and new possibilities for interior design.

Naturally, safety is a major consideration, and Mercedes has developed redundant systems to maintain steering functionality in the event of certain faults.

Why This Matters to Independent Specialists

For workshops, the increasing use of electronically controlled vehicle systems presents new technical challenges.

Steering, braking, suspension and powertrain systems are becoming increasingly integrated.

Accurate diagnosis requires an understanding of control modules, communication networks, calibration procedures and software compatibility.

And as Mercedes continues to introduce new technology, that knowledge becomes increasingly important.

The modern Mercedes specialist needs to understand both the mechanical and electronic aspects of the vehicle.

At Meistech, we believe that combination will be fundamental to the future of independent Mercedes servicing and repair.

Image: © Mercedes-Benz AG

5. Paris Motor Show 2026 — Mercedes Prepares Its Next Wave of Models

Mercedes-Benz is preparing a substantial showcase at the Paris Motor Show, taking place from 12–18 October.

Among the vehicles scheduled to appear are the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, updated GLE, electric AMG GT 4-Door Coupé and the new electric VLE.

The manufacturer's latest S-Class and other electrified models will also feature.

For UK Mercedes owners, several of these developments are particularly interesting.

The GLA and GLE remain important models within the Mercedes SUV range, while the electric CLA 45 represents a significant shift in compact AMG performance.

For years, models such as the A45 and CLA 45 have demonstrated what's possible with highly developed turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The move towards electric propulsion changes that formula fundamentally.

Advanced electric motors, sophisticated torque management and increasingly software-controlled vehicle dynamics will shape the next generation of AMG performance.

And while the technology is undoubtedly impressive, we suspect plenty of enthusiasts will continue to appreciate the character of the outgoing M139-powered A45 S.

We'll be following the Paris announcements closely, particularly any new technical details that could influence future servicing, diagnostics and performance development.

Image: © Mercedes-Benz AG

6. Mercedes-AMG Motorsport — Another Championship for the GT3

Mercedes-AMG's customer racing programme continues to demonstrate the strength of its performance engineering.

Winward Racing has secured a remarkable third consecutive IMSA GTD championship, completing the achievement with victory at Petit Le Mans in early October.

Philip Ellis and Russell Ward, joined by Indy Dontje for the endurance event, delivered another outstanding result for the Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Winning a championship is impressive.

Winning three consecutive championships requires exceptional consistency.

And that's perhaps the most important aspect of this achievement.

Motorsport success isn't simply about producing the fastest car over a single lap.

It's about reliability, braking performance, thermal management, chassis balance and the ability to deliver consistent results under demanding conditions.

Those principles are equally relevant when developing performance road cars.

At Meistech, we believe a well-engineered vehicle should perform as a complete package.

Not simply produce an impressive dyno figure.

The continued success of the AMG GT3 demonstrates why Mercedes-AMG's motorsport heritage remains such an important part of the brand.

Image: © Mercedes-Benz AG

MEISTECH INSIGHT — Two Very Different Futures for AMG

If there's one thing this month's news demonstrates, it's that Mercedes-AMG is navigating a particularly interesting period in its history.

On one hand, we have the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung.

A powerful V8.

Rear-wheel drive.

Reduced weight.

A car focused on the traditional qualities that made AMG famous.

On the other, we have the electric AMG GT 4-Door.

Advanced electric propulsion.

Sophisticated torque control.

High-voltage battery technology.

And increasingly software-led vehicle dynamics.

Two very different approaches to achieving exceptional performance.

And somewhere between them sits a car that's particularly close to us.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S.

A compact performance hatchback powered by one of the most remarkable four-cylinder engines ever fitted to a production car.

It combines extraordinary engineering with the kind of character that makes enthusiasts want to get behind the wheel.

And that's ultimately what we believe performance cars should be about.

What Does This Mean for Meistech?

As an independent Mercedes-Benz and AMG specialist, we see the automotive industry evolving rapidly.

Established combustion-powered AMG models continue to attract enthusiastic owners, while new Mercedes vehicles are introducing increasingly sophisticated electronic systems.

That means the technical demands placed on independent specialists are changing.

Advanced diagnostics.

Complex control systems.

Software integration.

High-voltage technology.

And increasingly sophisticated performance components.

But regardless of the technology involved, our philosophy remains the same.

Understand the vehicle.

Select the right components.

Maintain it correctly.

And focus on improvements that genuinely enhance the ownership and driving experience.

Whether we're working with an established V8-powered AMG or developing our own A45 S performance range, those principles remain fundamental to what we do.

Because ultimately, performance should always be about more than the numbers.

It's about how the car makes you feel.

And that's something we hope AMG never forgets.

MEISTECH

Performance Perfected.

Meistech is an independent Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG specialist and is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz AG. Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and associated model names and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.