Mercedes-AMG Has Finally Axed The C63’s V8 – For A Four-Pot Hybrid

Having hung on to the legendarily over-engined C63’s core ethos for as long as it could, AMG has cited changing consumer demands as the trigger for one hell of a powertrain swap
Mercedes-AMG Has Finally Axed The C63’s V8 – For A Four-Pot Hybrid

The Mercedes-AMG C63 will exchange its glorious 4.0-litre V8 for a turbocharged and hybridised 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric setup when the next all-new version arrives, in what has to be the most dramatic drivetrain switcheroo we’ve yet seen from any of the major manufacturers.

A report in Autocar says the new, variable four-wheel drive machine is already in testing at AMG’s headquarters and will be good for over 500bhp. AMG will just have to hope that its future customers are more interested in electric drive capability than the noise and character that continues to define the brand’s very identity.

The 4.0-litre V8 doesn't have long left
The 4.0-litre V8 doesn't have long left

Advantages cited by the brand apparently include lighter weight than the V8 – although not by much, once the hybrid systems are added – and a lower centre of gravity for better overall handling. The real reason for the swap is lower emissions, of course. Mercedes is battling hard to reduce its fleet CO2 output before the EU imposes fines for non-compliance with incoming 2021 rules requiring an average of 95g/km.

This new C63 will use the same M139 four-pot that is in transverse service in the A45, but mounted longitudinally and with a significant amount of hybrid boosting. The engine alone develops 416bhp in the latest A-Class performance flagship, along with 369lb ft of torque. Versions of the electrified update will see service not just in the C63 and presumably a C63 S, but also in the ‘43’ sub-ranges thanks to a planned de-tune.

Remote video URL

The hybrid setup will be based around a 48-volt integrated alternator-starter motor similar to the one used by the straight-six ‘53’ models, we understand. Mounted on the gearbox, it currently pumps 22bhp but 184bhp straight into the drive line. AMG is said to be cranking the power figure in particular right up for the future C63.

Power will travel through the familiar nine-speed torque converter already available. It is expected to use only a small hybrid battery and won’t have any exceptional electric-only driving capability, but it will use a potentially F1-derived advanced energy-recovery system that harvests otherwise wasted power from each wheel.

Arrival of the all-new and very different C63 is slated for 2022, so if you want a brand new one with a sledgehammer twin-turbo V8, now is the time to start saving – hard.

Sponsored Posts

Comments

Anonymous

That’s pretty gay if you ask me.

10/17/2019 - 14:30 |
8 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

is retarded tbh

10/18/2019 - 05:12 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Joe…

10/18/2019 - 07:16 |
0 | 0
MrLeo

Make it a hybrid 2liter v8 for all I care, but keep it a v8

10/17/2019 - 16:31 |
0 | 4
Anonymous

Just turn it in an electric already
I would rather have it die has a hero than to see it live long enough to become a villan

10/17/2019 - 17:47 |
10 | 0
A.Jelinek

This really doesn’t make sense to me. Why they want to use the tiny four-pot for the top of the range when they can use the newly developed inline 6, which in many ways would be easier and acceptable.

10/17/2019 - 18:01 |
2 | 2

Money🤷🏼‍♂️

10/17/2019 - 18:51 |
2 | 2
Twopoint0

Not much longer and I’ll axe myself

10/18/2019 - 04:39 |
2 | 0
EJ22 (A&P Performance co-owner)

What, no.

10/18/2019 - 04:59 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

Aw yeaaa! Finally.

10/18/2019 - 08:55 |
0 | 6
Anonymous

I remember the time Mercedes model names actually meant something. Like when the C63 actually meant it had a 6.3l engine. Now they seem to have gone the Audi route. Shame.. Shame..

10/18/2019 - 12:17 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I would say BMW route

10/20/2019 - 07:34 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

prices on low mileage C63 w205 and especially w204 will go up. Time to buy one

10/18/2019 - 13:57 |
0 | 0
PorscheBoi996

This comment section is a warzone of offenders and offendies

10/19/2019 - 06:36 |
0 | 0