Is Mercedes-AMG planning on bringing back a V8 to its hotted-up C-Class?
Car & Driver reports word from two unnamed sources that a V8-powered AMG C-Class, along with a V8-powered E-Class, will arrive as soon as 2026.
The sports sedans could use a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 plug-in hybrid set-up, like that in the AMG GT 63 S E Performance and AMG S63.
The American outlet reports that, according to senior engineers directly involved in the matter, the C-Class and E-Class need only minor bodywork changes to accommodate the twin-turbo engine, battery, electric motor and auxiliary equipment.
C63 S E Performance
Moreover, as the current-generation models are expected to live beyond 2028 and the V8 is reportedly being modified to meet tougher EU7 emissions standards, these V8 super sedans could remain in production well into the next decade.
Mercedes-Benz has previously said it will go electric-only from 2030 “where market conditions allow”. Those four words open the door for combustion-powered models to stick around into the next decade in various markets.
Mercedes-AMG controversially switched from a twin-turbocharged V8 engine in its last C63 to a 2.0-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain in its new C63 S E Performance.
That’s in stark contrast with the rival BMW M3, which continues to use a twin-turbocharged inline-six, and the Audi RS4/RS5, which uses a twin-turbo V6 and will reportedly continue to do so in its upcoming next generation.
The four-cylinder C63 uses a version of the A45 S’ M139 engine, with outputs bumped up to 350kW and 545Nm. It’s mated with a 150kW/320Nm electric motor and a 6.1kWh battery, with total system outputs swelling to 500kW and 1020Nm.
That’s significantly more powerful than its 375kW/750Nm V8-powered predecessor, but it’s also heavier: at 2165kg, it’s 392kg heavier than before.
The new E63 has yet to be revealed, but will reportedly use a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Again, the rival Bimmer will outdo it on cylinder count. The next M5 is expected to use a twin-turbocharged plug-in hybrid V8.
GT 63 S E Performance
Mercedes-AMG hasn’t abandoned V8s.
The new AMG GT 63 S E Performance, which has just gone on sale in Australia, blends a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor for total system outputs of 620kW of power and a staggering 1400Nm of torque. This also makes it the most powerful series production car Mercedes-AMG has ever produced.
The recently revealed S63 E Performance has a similar set-up, albeit with less power (590kW) but more torque (1430Nm).
You can also still get a V8 engine, sans electrification, in the AMG G63 and new AMG SL 63.
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