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Report: Mercedes-Benz C63 And E63 Getting The V8 Powerplant By 2026
Good news to all AMG lovers as Mercedes-Benz has stated that by 2026, the C63 and E63 will be getting the 4.0 twin-turbo V8 powerplant.
The all-new C63 is infamously powered by a turbocharged plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, while the next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 is rumored to adopt a PHEV turbocharged inline-six. Apparently, these engines are not good enough to compete with what Audi and BMW have in store. The fate of the next-generation M3/M4 is unknown, but the current M5’s successor will retain its V8 engine while adding a healthy dose of electric power. Audi’s upcoming performance models will also be PHEVs, but they won’t drop down to four cylinders.
According to senior engineers directly involved in the matter, both the C-class and E-class need only minor bodywork changes to accommodate the twin-turbo powerplant, the PHEV battery plus electric motor, and the auxiliary equipment. Since the C- and E-class are under evaluation for a life-cycle extension beyond 2028, the hardcore AMG versions may remain in production well into the next decade.
Why the sudden change of heart? Mercedes went to great lengths to design its divisive 670-horsepower four-pot and defended it in the media, calling it “revolutionary.” While we agree that the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is a technological masterpiece, we can’t ignore that it weighs just under 4,500 lbs. As Colin Chapman taught us, weight spoils everything. Plus, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder lacks the theater an AMG deserves.
