Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has categorically ruled out a return to V8 power for the Mercedes-AMG C63, as well as a V8 engine for the next E63.
He told The Drive he can “definitively deny” any rumours of V8 power for the current C63 or next E63. The latter is expected to be switching to an electrified inline-six.
“I don’t like to talk about other manufacturers, but it seems like there are many more performance hybrids coming to the market now. Or at least they’ve been announced,” said Mr Schiebe.
“So I think we were right when we said, let’s go in that direction.”
Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
He noted Mercedes-AMG is “still improving the ICE cars”, and models like the new Mercedes-AMG GT, SL and S63 sedan will stick with V8s for as long as possible.
Talk of new-gen V8-powered C63 and E63 models sprang from a report by US publication Car & Driver, which said a new V8-powered C63 would debut in 2026.
Mercedes-AMG sources familiar with the company’s product development subsequently told German publication Auto Motor und Sport “this is pure nonsense”.
The US report had said both models would have used a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre plug-in hybrid V8.
Car & Driver reported 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.
Moreover, Car & Driver reported that 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-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, due here in the second half of this year.
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.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance
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 – and also be outdone by BMW on cylinder count.
The next M5 is expected to use a twin-turbocharged plug-in hybrid V8, as seen in the new XM SUV.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63
Mercedes-AMG hasn’t abandoned V8s entirely.
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, new AMG SL 63, and upcoming GT coupe.
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