The car will reportedly feature a potent V8

Mercedes-Benz is already putting the next Mythos model through its paces.

The German marque announced it has begun cold-weather testing for the next release from ultra-exclusive sub-brand. The car, which the automaker calls “extreme” multiple times in the press release, is based on an upcoming high-performance version of the CLE and will reportedly feature a potent V-8.

When Mercedes first started teasing the Mythos line in 2022, the automaker said it would be the home for its very best models. The company said that vehicles from the sub-brand would offer the opulent comforts of a Maybach along with the hair-raising performance of an AMG. That may have sounded ambitious at the time, but the AMG Purespeed, which debuted in late 2024, showed that it was also possible.

We’ll have to wait to learn more about the open-top speed machine’s successor, which will have AMG in its name like the Purespeed, but we now know that that car is currently being subjected to rigorous testing in Sweden during the height of winter. The company says the tests are needed to ensure the performance and reliability of its components even at the lowest of temperatures.

Tuesday’s announcement was also accompanied by the first photos of the car. The vehicle, as tends to be the case with teases like this, is covered in a camouflage wrap, its still possible to make out some intriguing details. The body seems beefier than that of the standard grand tourer, its grille larger, and its rear wing even bigger. All this suggests something that’ll be quite fast on public roads or the race track.

Which also helps explain why there is reporting that the next Mythos will be available with a powerful V-8 engine. This is noteworthy since the CLE has only been available with a four- or six-cylinder mill since its launch in 2024. Motor1.com reports that it could make up to 650 hp, which would make the coupe even more powerful than the Purespeed.

So, when will we know more? That remains to be seen, but the inclusion of photos with the announcement suggests the car’s debut isn’t that far off.. When it does arrive, expect the second Mythos car to be expensive and rare. The Purespeed, after all, is rumoured to have cost around US$1 million and was limited to just 250 examples.

This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by Mercedes-Benz