Oh, yes!

The 3.8 was indeed a v8, and that engine was responsible for the whole Mercedes gray market getting started for the Euro 500s in this country.

With only 155hp the 380 could barely get out of its own way. If you ever drove one, you would understand. But for 1981 to 1983 it was the biggest engine you could buy at a Mercedes dealer in the states...

The 560 engine was produced starting in 1986 for the SEL/SEC because the Americans wanted still more power, and engineered to KILL the desire in American shoppers to get themselves new gray market 500 Euros.
The 500 Euro was really brawny and muscular compared to them.

The 560 was 348 cubic inches - just like the Chevy V8 from the late 50's.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)