M157 Engine

Specifications

The Mercedes-AMG M157 engine is a powerful and technologically advanced 5.5-liter V8 BiTurbo engine developed by Mercedes-AMG for its high-performance AMG models produced between 2011 and 2018. Built with a 90-degree V8 cylinder configuration, the engine combines twin-turbocharging with advanced BlueDIRECT direct fuel injection to deliver exceptional power, efficiency, and throttle response. It features a 98 mm bore and 90.5 mm stroke, paired with a 10:1 compression ratio, allowing the engine to produce a remarkable 518 to 577 horsepower and 516 to 664 lb-ft of torque, depending on the specific AMG application. Constructed with a lightweight yet durable aluminum block and cylinder heads, the M157 Mercedes engine balances strength with reduced weight for improved vehicle dynamics. 

The engine uses a DOHC valve train with four valves per cylinder, ensuring optimal airflow and precise valve timing for high-performance operation. Capable of reaching a maximum engine speed of 6,400 RPM, the M157 is engineered to provide strong low-end torque, smooth mid-range acceleration, and sustained high-speed performance. Known for its robust design and signature AMG power delivery, the M157 engine became a cornerstone of AMG’s modern performance lineup, delivering the blend of luxury, reliability, and raw power expected from Mercedes-AMG engineering.

Engine Variants

M157 DE 40 LA (924/925)

The M157 DE 40 LA is the base configuration of the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged M157 engine. The 924 version was typically used in high-end non-AMG performance applications, including certain export versions of luxury models such as the Mercedes-Benz S550 and Mercedes-Benz E550. The 925 variant served as the primary AMG performance version and powered several core AMG models, including the Mercedes-AMG E 63, Mercedes-AMG CLS 63, and Mercedes-AMG SL 63, delivering the signature high-output performance and torque that defined AMG’s V8 lineup during the 2010s.

M157 DE 40 LA + CDA

The M157 DE 40 LA + CDA is an updated evolution of the base M157 engine that incorporates Cylinder Deactivation (CDA) technology to enhance fuel efficiency during light-load driving conditions. By temporarily shutting down selected cylinders while cruising, the engine reduces fuel consumption without sacrificing overall performance. This version was commonly used in later high-performance AMG models, particularly the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, where it balanced extreme performance with improved long-distance cruising efficiency.

M157 DE 40 ML (926)

The M157 DE 40 ML (926) is a premium-tuned version of the M157 engine developed specifically for flagship AMG luxury-performance vehicles. It was primarily used in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 (W222) and Mercedes-AMG CL 63. This variant features a reinforced dry-sump lubrication system, allowing the engine to maintain stable oil pressure during aggressive driving and high-G cornering, making it particularly suitable for large luxury performance sedans and coupes.

M157 DE 40 LE

The M157 DE 40 LE is an exclusive Long Engine variant engineered for ultra-luxury applications. It was specifically developed for the Mercedes-Maybach S 650, featuring a lengthened engine block designed to accommodate unique mounting requirements and optimize weight distribution within the Maybach chassis. This configuration ensured the smooth power delivery and refinement expected from Mercedes-Maybach while retaining the strong performance characteristics of the M157 platform.

M157.982

The M157.982 is a late-production internal engine code used for updated versions of the M157 engine in large AMG SUVs. This variant was implemented in models such as the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, and Mercedes-AMG G 63. It represents one of the final iterations of the M157 engine platform before AMG transitioned to newer engine architectures, maintaining the powerful twin-turbo V8 performance while adapting to the demands of larger and heavier performance SUVs.   

Frequently Asked Questions