Thought Mercedes-Benz’s V12 engine was dead in the water? Well, think again, according to new reported comments from the head of Daimler...

Speaking to GTspirit, Daimler CEO Ola Källenius reportedly confirmed the V12 would live on in the next-generation S-Class, despite the Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition model seemingly signalling the end of the line for the twin-turbo 6,0-litre unit (and all S65 variants recently being pulled from the local range).

Set to hit the market in 2021, Källenius reportedly suggested the flagship versions of the next-gen S-Class would again boast V12 power, with the publication speculating the firm would reengineer the current engine to meet Europe's ever-tightening emissions regulations.

Interestingly, though, Källenius ruled out twelve-cylinder power for the recently revealed Mercedes-Maybach GLS, saying “we have no plans for a Maybach GLS V12”. He did, however, confirm there would be a six-cylinder version “in due time”.

The Maybach-badged version of Stuttgart’s range-topping SUV is offered in GLS600 guise, with power coming from a 410 kW twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 rather than a V12.

Original article from Car