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Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mercedes-AMG's Most Hated Engine Is Being Replaced
In 2025, there's still no replacement for displacement In a recent interview, Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Shiebe admitted that converting fans of the brand's old V8 to the newer four-cylinder plug-in hybrid in the C63 has been a challenge. Prior to that, he said some customers have been lost in the midst of the brand's downsizing exercise. No intention to formally discontinue the four-pot engine was proposed, but that now seems to be happening, with a senior insider confirming that this unloved powertrain will be phased out in favor of larger inline-six and V8 mills. 2025 Audi S3 VS 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: Which one comes out on top? Watch More Mercedes-AMG Finally Admits Defeat 'Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car,' said the source who spoke to Autocar. 'It's also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We've recognized that.' Mercedes would not necessarily have to develop a new engine from scratch for smaller AMG models. In the E53 AMG, for instance, the company uses a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged hybrid that produces 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It's not a direct BMW M5 rival, but it's not far off in terms of performance, either. This engine in a smaller AMG model could make for a special performance car. More exciting is the possibility of a new flat-plane crank V8, not dissimilar from the one in the GT Black Series. Whatever replaces the four-cylinder unit, it's sure to mark a return to the emotional character that has defined AMG models for so long. The current C63 S E Performance is a heck of a performer, boasting 671 hp and 752 lb-ft, but the previous V8-powered C63 set a high bar that it hasn't been able to surpass, no matter how quick it is. Other AMG Models Should Benefit From Bigger Engines Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The GLC 63 S E Performance shares the C63's 671-hp four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, so is also in line to get either a bigger six- or eight-cylinder engine in the years ahead. A notch below these full-fat AMG models are the AMG SL 43 Roadster and C43 sedan, both of which use a 416-hp version of the M139 four-cylinder engine. In a car of the SL's caliber and price, the use of a four-cylinder has been especially contentious, so we expect these models to ditch the 2.0L engine for a larger Six. Other than its more ordinary soundtrack, there's another reason to phase out the M139: It won't be easy or cost-effective to get it to comply with new Euro 7 emissions regulations. 'There's no doubt about its potential – this is one of the most sophisticated engines we've ever built – but the investment to make it EU7-compliant is very high,' said the insider. Markus Schäfer, Mercedes CTO, said at the same event that EVs and hybrid gas engines will continue being developed in tandem, and that the new V8 'will support upcoming emissions regulations.' Both six- and eight-cylinder engines will use either 48V or full hybrid systems. Ultimately, Merc's four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain looks like it will only last for a single generation, although a specific timeline wasn't given. Over time, it may come to be regarded as a rare misstep in AMG's legacy. That's only if you're a cylinder snob like most enthusiasts, of course; the current C63 and GLC 63 are brilliant performance vehicles in many respects. But their incredible technical achievements came at the expense of the emotional qualities of their predecessors. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Mercedes-AMG's Most Hated Engine Is Being Replaced
In a recent interview, Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Shiebe admitted that converting fans of the brand's old V8 to the newer four-cylinder plug-in hybrid in the C63 has been a challenge. Prior to that, he said some customers have been lost in the midst of the brand's downsizing exercise. No intention to formally discontinue the four-pot engine was proposed, but that now seems to be happening, with a senior insider confirming that this unloved powertrain will be phased out in favor of larger inline-six and V8 mills. "Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car," said the source who spoke to Autocar. "It's also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We've recognized that." Mercedes would not necessarily have to develop a new engine from scratch for smaller AMG models. In the E53 AMG, for instance, the company uses a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged hybrid that produces 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It's not a direct BMW M5 rival, but it's not far off in terms of performance, either. This engine in a smaller AMG model could make for a special performance car. More exciting is the possibility of a new flat-plane crank V8, not dissimilar from the one in the GT Black Series. Whatever replaces the four-cylinder unit, it's sure to mark a return to the emotional character that has defined AMG models for so long. The current C63 S E Performance is a heck of a performer, boasting 671 hp and 752 lb-ft, but the previous V8-powered C63 set a high bar that it hasn't been able to surpass, no matter how quick it is. The GLC 63 S E Performance shares the C63's 671-hp four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, so is also in line to get either a bigger six- or eight-cylinder engine in the years ahead. A notch below these full-fat AMG models are the AMG SL 43 Roadster and C43 sedan, both of which use a 416-hp version of the M139 four-cylinder engine. In a car of the SL's caliber and price, the use of a four-cylinder has been especially contentious, so we expect these models to ditch the 2.0L engine for a larger Six. Other than its more ordinary soundtrack, there's another reason to phase out the M139: It won't be easy or cost-effective to get it to comply with new Euro 7 emissions regulations. "There's no doubt about its potential - this is one of the most sophisticated engines we've ever built - but the investment to make it EU7-compliant is very high," said the insider. Related: 2025 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance First Drive: Overkill through complexity Markus Schäfer, Mercedes CTO, said at the same event that EVs and hybrid gas engines will continue being developed in tandem, and that the new V8 "will support upcoming emissions regulations." Both six- and eight-cylinder engines will use either 48V or full hybrid systems. Ultimately, Merc's four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain looks like it will only last for a single generation, although a specific timeline wasn't given. Over time, it may come to be regarded as a rare misstep in AMG's legacy. That's only if you're a cylinder snob like most enthusiasts, of course; the current C63 and GLC 63 are brilliant performance vehicles in many respects. But their incredible technical achievements came at the expense of the emotional qualities of their predecessors. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53: Here's My Brutally Honest Review
A moment of nostalgia Staring at the misty green metallic 2025 Mercedes AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ sedan in the fading light of a summer's day in mid-state New York, I'm almost getting verklempt. You see, I own this car's father—or perhaps it's more accurate to say grandfather, the mighty 2005 E55 AMG. Exactly two decades ago, that supercharged, no-nonsense beast was the fastest sedan in the world, and with its 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it could look at a Ferrari 550 Maranello and simply smirk. The E53 is right at home in both town and country. — Source: Marco della Cava Back in its day, my 2005 E55 AMG was a world beater, so how will this E53 compare? Today, our silver E55 AMG, which we bought with 36,000 miles in 2013, has around 126,000 miles on the clock and thousands in upkeep receipts, but it is still a wonderfully capable, safe, communicative, and entertaining machine to unleash on unsuspecting supercar owners. To say our two twentysomething boys adore it would be a grand understatement. Sure, the E55's 0 to 60 dash of 4.5 seconds pales in comparison to today's 2-second EV-and-ICE-powered blasts, but it's as swift as most mortals need a car, let alone a practical four-door with a truly massive trunk, to be. In 2005, the Mercedes E55 AMG was one of the fastest cars on the planet. — Source: Marco della Cava The E53 features tech and touches that the old E55 could only dream about All that to say, this brand new AMG E53 had some big emotional shoes to fill as I slipped its black fob into my pocket and hit the keyless start button. Over the next four days, I would come to appreciate the many technological advancements inherent in any car cobbled together in 2025, while also mulling what might have been lost in the process of turning an automotive hammer into a four-wheeled spaceship. Design lines that say 'sports sedan' are marred only by one addition Parked in an empty lot just off the New York State Thruway, the AMG E53 offers a lot to take in. From a distance, let's call it 25 feet, it's a marvelous design that combines true four-passenger practicality with enough taught design lines to set itself apart from Euro-peers such as the Maserati Ghibli, Audi A6, and Porsche Panamera. The AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ hits the road. — Source: Mercedes-Benz The nose is particularly arresting, with its large gaping mouth and three-pointed star emblem, and its various scoops, ducts, and spoiler cladding are a tactful balance between purposeful aero and boy-racer excess. One nit here: I could do without the small wing on the trunk, as it likely doesn't add much downforce at normal driving speeds and detracts from one of the most special aspects of many AMGs, namely their very stealthy dual nature. For example, with our E55, you're not sure if I'm in an E350 until I've mashed the pedal and vanished. That's giddy fun, and a rear spoiler just telegraphs that surprise away. A sedan with truly room for four adults is welcome these days With room for four large adults, the AMG E53 offers no compromises as a sports sedan. — Source: Marco della Cava Inside, this press car came with a rather unsubtle two-tone leather, grey with black, that also detracts from the car's multiple personalities. The seating is sporty, which means on the firmer side, perhaps perfect for track time but less so on long highway cruises. You get the belabored point here: I adore cars that confuse you a bit, whose appearances suggest understated elegance while hiding Jekyll-and-Hyde fearsomeness. But let's talk about the back seats. Praise Mercedes for not making this area an afterthought. In fact, there's more than plenty of room to host two large adults and even three medium-sized ones in a pinch. That's in contrast to, for example, another stunningly designed sedan, the Porsche Taycan, whose rear seat passengers risk bruised knees if the front passengers are six-footers. Best to spend time reading the manual before sitting behind an E53 wheel It's worth spending time with the AMG E53 manual before you take to the road, given the myriad of features. — Source: Marco della Cava For drivers, the cockpit of an AMG E53 is a serious place to be. The purposeful three-spoke steering wheel features the usual array of buttons and even touch-sensitive controls (for example, to make music louder, you slide a finger up that tab) that can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance. That goes ditto for the circular steering wheel knobs that grant control over the car's myriad suspension and performance settings. It's worth a read up on all that before hitting the road to max out on this car's serious capabilities, all of which make my E55 seem like a frighteningly fast Fred Flintstone-mobile. Obviously, it's 2025, so analog gauges of any kind are verboten. The screens front and center do all the communicating now. Yes, sorry, the sweep of a digital tach just doesn't compare with an old-school needle racing up to a painted red line, but that ship has long since sailed. Deal with it. Yes, the AMG E63 is a sedan of a different stripe and price The AMG E53 mates an inline six with electric power to deliver nearly 600 hp. — Source: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes AMG aficionados will know that for some years now, the flagship sedan has usually carried the name E63, not 53. That remains the case. The 2025 AMG E63 E Performance is a completely different beast than its little brother in many respects, from its price (loaded, it'll easily crest $220,000) to performance (a turbocharged V8 coupled with electric motors takes horsepower and torque to the 1,000 range, and 60 mph comes in 2.6 seconds). The good news here is that those who want far more than a basic Mercedes four-door can park a bona fide AMG in their garage for far less money without feeling like they're driving something that pales in comparison. For just over $100,000, the AMG E53 packs a lot of dazzle per dollar Fully charged, the AMG E53 can run on electrons only for up to 42 miles. — Source: Mercedes-Benz Our test car started out at $88,000, which includes a 3-liter in-line six cylinder – a Mercedes hallmark for decades now – that is turbocharged and augmented by a plug-in hybrid engine that combines for 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The car's electric battery can provide at full charge upwards of 42 miles of travel without waking up the gas engine, while also assisting said powerplant to an mpg efficiency of up to 59. No small thing with gas prices refusing to drop anytime soon. Also standard on this E53 was AMG Ride Control, which grants the driver access to a range of damper settings, from comfort to very firm. Additionally, it features rear axle steering to improve turn-in and the company's 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system for enhanced security in inclement weather. True track demons have a special E53 package waiting for them The interior of the AMG E53 is both sporting and high-tech. — Source: Mercedes-Benz The usual complement of safety features is standard as well, including active brake assist and blind spot assist, as well as high beam and parking assist. However, a few items quickly drove the car's final price tag to $108,300, including the special two-tone leather interior, cross-spoke 21-inch rims, upgraded seating and trim, and the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which offers a higher top speed, Race Start mode, and an enhanced exhaust sound. This is an AMG after all, so why not load up on racing fare? The E53 is ready to deliver whatever on-road experience you want Among the many luxury touches in the AMG E53 is the Burmester stereo. — Source: Mercedes-Benz So, at about half the cost of a loaded AMG E63, is the AMG E53 half the sedan? Not by a long shot. Time behind the wheel of this car, both during hours on a highway and winding farm-country roads, reveals that the car possesses the same dual nature as my E55, and even more so. Where the old AMG from 20 years ago toggles between aggressive and angry, the AMG E53 is capable of truly deception. Keep everything in auto mode and you'll simply float to your destination accompanied by your favorite music wafting across the excellent Burmester stereo system. But dial in performance-mode settings and put your foot in it, and there is no mistaking the E53's connection to that storied AMG racing heritage. Final thoughts Parked in front of a traditional Ukrainian church in the Catskills of New York, the AMG E53 cuts a dashing figure. — Source: Marco della Cava For just over $100,000, there are a number of great four-door vehicles one could mull over, either in sedan, crossover, or SUV form. For those who still enjoy being closer to the pavement, sedans are the only way to go, and in that realm, one is hard-pressed to find a more versatile vehicle on the market. Sure, my 2005 E55 feels a tad more like a caged beast than its 2025 counterpart, and perhaps would have more genetic connections to the current E63 hypersedan. But frankly, it's just fantastic to know that for true drivers, there remains a car out there that can both satisfy the wanna-be George Russell in you while also taking the kids to school and the grandparents to that recital. So long live this Mercedes and all those wonderful wolves in sheep's clothing. All due respect to the growing legion of robocars, but machines like the AMG E53 make driving the joy that we all know it can and should be. About the Author Marco Della Cava View Profile
