Earlier this decade, the future of AMG seemed to lean heavily towards downsized combustion engines complemented by robust electrification. Models like the C63, with their intricate four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrains, were promoted as the natural progression. However, sales didn’t quite meet Affalterbach’s expectations, as a significant number of buyers expressed a strong desire for the classic, thunderous V8 engines of years past.
Thankfully, Mercedes’ performance division has listened intently. A new engine is set to bring back eight-cylinder power to specific models, though don’t hold your breath for it to appear in a new C63. Instead, this new V8 will be reserved for models positioned higher in the lineup, rather than at the entry level. The era of getting a C-Class with eight cylinders is likely gone forever.
The V8 will make its home in larger, more premium models. AMG CEO Michael Scheibe informed Car Magazine that the engine will debut in SUVs towards the end of this year, before making its way into cars. The high-performance, CLE Coupe-based special edition from the Mythos series is a prime candidate for the eight-cylinder treatment. In fact, rumors are already circulating that it will boast a robust 646 horsepower, all generated by the combustion engine.
The recently teased GT-based Black Series is also a strong contender to receive the V8. And if Mercedes-AMG intends to bring back an E63 to rival the BMW M5 and the upcoming Audi RS6 Sedan/Avant, it absolutely needs an eight-cylinder powerplant. While AMG has kept details about the new V8 under wraps, the company’s head has stated it will deliver even more power.
It’s reasonable to infer that engineers have been developing a high-performance variant of the flat-plane crank V8 already seen in the refreshed 2027 S-Class and GLS. In those full-size luxury vehicles, the turbocharged 4.0-liter engine produces a solid 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, expect even higher output in AMG-badged applications, where the “M177 Evo” unit will be pushed to its limits.
Mercedes-AMG has yet to make a definitive decision on whether the plug-in hybrid four-cylinder setup will continue to be utilized in future models. Scheibe acknowledged that sticking with V8 power might be a better strategy for weight management, as the battery and associated hybrid components add “a lot of weight—if you want a lightweight car, sometimes it’s best to have a V8-only car.”
View Price on AmazonThat said, performance Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) aren’t disappearing entirely. Models such as the GLE 53 and E53 will persist, viewed as a “good compromise” in regions with more stringent emissions regulations, particularly in Europe.
What about the C-Class? Scheibe confirmed that the updated sedan will feature an AMG variant powered by a “free-revving” six-cylinder engine. This comes as little surprise, given that the new GLC 53 has already implicitly superseded the 43 and 63 models with an inline-six. The “M256M” generates 443 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an overboost function that delivers 472 lb-ft for a duration of 10 seconds.
All things considered, anticipate a “more AMG than ever before,” as Scheibe promises the company is “doubling down on internal combustion engine cars again.” The upcoming lineup will showcase a broad spectrum of inline-six and V8 models, in addition to a V12 in the Maybach S-Class. However, the 6.0-liter V12 engine will only continue to be offered in regions with more relaxed CO2 regulations.
Motor1's Take:
Developing large-displacement engines while simultaneously adhering to the EU’s strict emissions standards is an impressive feat, and AMG asserts that they have achieved it. It’s certainly encouraging news that, even with Euro 7 regulations on the horizon, a new V8 is in development, and the inline-six powertrains are progressively replacing the electrified four-cylinder setups.
With the EU mandating a 90 percent reduction in fleet-wide emissions by 2035 compared to 2021 levels, internal combustion engines face an inevitable phase-out within Europe. Nevertheless, this doesn’t necessarily mean that six- and eight-cylinder powertrains are on borrowed time globally. AMG could potentially continue selling ICE-powered cars outside the EU well into the 2030s, and possibly even beyond.
RIP C63:
Source: motor1.com
