From the 1950s through the early 1990s, Mercedes-Benz made its name around the globe with rock-solid chassis engineering in large sedans, coupes, and wagons designed to see the end of the world.

Even as the auto industry lurches toward electrification with all the grace of a three-legged shopping cart, Mercedes-AMG is reminding everyone that the V8 still has a pulse. The German brand copped a ...