The Mercedes-AMG C63 Will Have Its V-8 Back by 2026, Report Claims
We'll believe it when we see it, but the Mercedes-AMG C 63 might be reunited with its beloved V-8 as soon as 2026.
A new report from Autocar, citing anonymous 'sources within the German brand,' claims that a new eight-cylinder AMG motor is coming for various models — the most notable one, for now, being the C63 that's currently motivated by a four-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. The new V-8 is reportedly pegged to first see the light in the upcoming AMG CLE 63 — which has been spotted in camouflaged form boasting a characteristic eight-cylinder sound — then roll out to other models.
The details of the engine in the report give us even more reason for excitement than the added cylinders. Autocar claims AMG will use its familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, but switch to a flat-plane crank design like that featured in the AMG GT Black Series. The reasoning? It would make for a more compact package, allowing the engine to fit in vehicles that weren't engineered with an eight-cylinder motor in mind. Mercedes is also rumored to use a mild-hybrid system to aid efficiency and providing an extra electric boost, to boot.
Could all of this be smoke and mirrors? Sure, but we think it has a decent chance of being on the level, because just last week Mercedes-Benz confirmed it was developing a 'next-generation, high-tech electrified V-8." It did not go so far as to specify which models said V-8 would be found in, but vehicles like the upcoming CLE63 and C63 certainly would make sense as potential homes. (Road & Track asked Mercedes if it could provide any additional details about its plans; we'll update this post upon hearing back.)
Autocar's story also suggests that even though some AMGs would be powered by V-8s, artificial sound generation could be even bolder than before. If Mercedes does go with a flat-plane crank design, the engine note will likely be higher-pitched than the cross-plane V-8s most AMG buyers are accustomed to. The additional artificial sound would theoretically make up for the deep chop-chop and burbles associated with cars like the previous generation E63 and C63.
Time will tell if AMG really does go back to V-8s, though. But in the meantime, make sure you check out our thoughts on the four-cylinder-powered C63 S E Performance on sale today.
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