Latest news with #C63
Auto Blog
15 hours 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
16 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.
Motor 1
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Mercedes-AMG Admits The Four-Cylinder Hybrid 'Failed to Resonate' With Buyers: Report
Mercedes-AMG has gone on record to announce it's developing a new V-8 engine , but ghosts of the past still haunt the offices in Affalterbach. The latest chapter in the four-cylinder C63 saga involves a senior company official admitting the electrified 2.0-liter engine didn't catch on with buyers. Speaking under the protection of anonymity, the high-ranking official acknowledged the downsized hybrid powertrain 'failed to resonate with our traditional customers.' According to Autocar , the executive said Mercedes has learned its lesson: 'We've recognized that [people didn't like it],' despite it being 'one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car.' The longitudinally mounted M139l isn't just used in the C63 and GLC63 but also powers more exotic models like the SL43 and GT43. Photo by: Chris Rosales / Motor1 The intricate four-cylinder won't be phased out immediately. It's sticking around for an unspecified period, but it will 'eventually' be axed. That's not only because it's alienating longtime AMG fans but also due to its high cost. Apparently, reworking the small gas engine to meet stricter Euro 7 emissions standards is prohibitively expensive. That honestly comes as a big surprise, since we were under the impression that the main reason the C63 ditched its V-8 in favor of a plug-in hybrid setup was to comply with EU regulations. Autocar cites the same source, saying: '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.' With the M139l already living on borrowed time, what's next? Beyond the V-8 we mentioned earlier, Mercedes-AMG plans to develop its inline-six engine further. Expect some form of hybridization, either mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, since the days of pure combustion engines are gradually coming to an end in Europe and elsewhere. Ironically, an engine with more cylinders has a better shot at meeting tougher emissions rules, but we're happy with that. The future of the C63 remains uncertain. On one hand, Mercedes-AMG told us earlier this year that a V-8 version of the current generation isn't planned . On the other hand, a juicy rumor suggests the C63 (and the C43) could be retired earlier than expected. Both are reportedly set to be replaced by a six-cylinder C53 using the M256M powertrain, a 3.0-liter mild-hybrid engine currently found in models like the E53 and CLE53. Whatever happens, it seems Mercedes-AMG has heard the criticism and is pivoting back toward larger engines. That's a complete reversal from earlier statements. Mercedes Australia CEO Jaime Cohen once said we'd embrace four-cylinder AMGs like smartphones , while AMG CEO Michael Schiebe praised the current C63 and its 'very, very progressive' drivetrain . But even Schiebe conceded that the company 'probably could have better explained' the highly complex plug-in hybrid setup, admitting that the switch alienated V-8 loyalists. He added that traditional customers 'take time to really be excited for the technology' and that 'it's important to be open-minded when it comes to technology," but that hasn't gone well. Maybe it wasn't just the engine choice that hurt sales. If they had named it the C53 and priced it accordingly, the backlash might've been softer. The fact that purists can buy a six-cylinder BMW M3 with no electrification and a manual gearbox for less money certainly didn't help the C63's case. Heck, even the more powerful M3 Competition xDrive won't cost you more than a C63. Source: Autocar Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mercedes-AMG C63 a step closer to dropping four-cylinder PHEV
Latest report confirms previous speculation of the C63 reverting to six-cylinders, also with a plug-in hybrid setup, instead of reviving the V8. Mercedes-AMG is reportedly soon to revert to six-cylinders for the C63. Image: Mercedes-AMG With rumours of its move away from four-cylinders continuing to mount, a senior Mercedes-AMG employee has let slip that the controversial plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in the C63 will indeed be phased-out based on poor reception and slumping sales. No, yes? First mentioned in 2023 following a report from US publication Car and Driver that the 2.0-litre based unit has received significant backlash despite being powerful than the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 it replaced, an AMG figure head stated that adapting the V8 for Euro 7 emissions regulations had already taken place in response to dealers struggling to shift units dramatic prices cuts. ALSO READ: Mercedes-AMG C63 set to go six-cylinder PHEV route in 2026 According to the most recent report by Mercedes-Benz dealers in the United Kingdom have offered discounts of up to £9 500 (R233 386) on the C63, bringing its price tag to £90 095 (R2 213 363) or £17 525 (R430 536) less than the sticker price of the BMW M3 Competition. 'We could have explained it better' Similarly, discounts in the States have also been enforced, with AMG CEO, Michael Schiebe, admitting to MotorTrend last month that it 'could have better explained' the system before putting it into the C63. 'There are pure V8 fans, and it's hard to convince them of this four-cylinder hybrid technology. It's my job to do a constant review of our portfolio. I'm pretty confident that we will fulfil our customers' dreams in the next two to three years,' he said. The combination of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and plug-in hybrid hardware has main the biggest point of content with the new Mercedes-AMG C63. Image: Mercedes-AMG Despite Mercedes-AMG debunking the hybrid's withdrawal in a response to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport days after the Car and Driver statement, an unnamed executive has admitted to Britain's Autocar that the setup has 'failed to resonate' with buyers. 'Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It's also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We've recognised that,' the source told the publication. In spite of its combined outputs of 500kW/1 020Nm, 125kW/270Nm more than the V8-engined C63, the newcomer' 2 165 kg kerb mass has been cited as another reason for its slump in sales, with recent evaluations in Europe and the States also criticising the battery pack getting hot at over 200 km/h. Return of six In confirmation with the most recent Autocar report in April, the unnamed source said the plug-in hybrid 2.0-litre will give away to a six-cylinder in the reported form of a 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid modelled on the mild-hybrid configuration that powers the AMG CLE 53. Seemingly not earmarked for a return is the 4.0-litre V8, which will produce a reported 478kW/880Nm with mild-hybrid assistance in the forthcoming AMG CLE 63. While no official word from Mercedes-AMG has yet been made confirming the move to back six-cylinders for its flagship C-Class since the supercharged C32 AMG made from 2000 to 2004, expect possible clearer details to emerge throughout the rest of the year. NOW READ: Mercedes-AMG C63 V8 return blasted as German sales tumble
7NEWS
a day ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Mercedes-AMG to phase out its controversial V8-replacing four-cylinder PHEV powertrain
The future of Mercedes-AMG's downsized four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is looking murkier than ever, and ironically it's emissions regulations that could see it dropped in favour of a six or V8. 'Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It's also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We've recognised that,' a senior insider told Autocar. The C63 S E Performance and GLC63 S E Performance – which entered production in 2022 and 2023, respectively – are the only Mercedes-AMG models that use the turbocharged 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain, and it's reportedly now set to be phased out. Instead, Autocar says future Mercedes-AMG models using a petrol engine will be powered by either an updated version of the performance brand's inline six, or an all-new flat-plane crank V8. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. '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,' the source said of the M139 turbo four at the heart of the C63 and GLC63's PHEV powertrain. The German automaker will reportedly therefore axe the M139 engine, which is also used in models like the A45 hot hatch and CLA45 sports sedan, and that could also see the SL43 roadster – the first four-cylinder SL in more than 60 years – move to a six-cylinder engine. That would see Mercedes-AMG vehicles feature either a six- or eight-cylinder engine, or an electric powertrain. 'AMG will continue with a dual strategy – two pillars. The electric pillar will grow significantly. But the second pillar – hybridised internal-combustion engines – will also remain,' Mercedes-Benz chief technology officer Markus Schäfer told journalists recently. 'AMG and Mercedes are working together on a brand-new V8 engine. That engine will support upcoming emissions regulations. There will still be six- and eight-cylinder units, all electrified with either 48V systems or full hybrid set-ups.' Autocar previously reported the C63 could adopt a 3.0-litre inline-six plug-in hybrid powertrain – like that in the E53 – as soon as 2026, potentially with outputs exceeding those of the current four-cylinder C63 (500kW of power and 1020Nm of torque). In the E53, the inline six produces 330kW and 560Nm, and is mated with a 120kW/480Nm electric motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic transmission, for total system outputs of up to 450kW/750Nm. However, the current C63 apparently won't support the new V8, even though the related CLE63 is said to be in line for it. 'It requires more space, not just in terms of physical dimensions but also for associated cooling systems and crash protection measures,' Autocar was reportedly told. Mercedes-AMG has previously acknowledged it has lost customers in the switch from a twin-turbo V8 to a plug-in hybrid turbo four in its BMW M3 -rivalling C63. 'We see that some of our very loyal customers struggle a bit with the concept. Of course, no doubt we have also lost some customers who are just into V8s,' Mercedes-AMG boss Michael Schiebe told Car earlier this year. 'The C63 is a very important car in our portfolio. It used to be, it is and it will be. We decided with the current version to really go for the latest technology. We wanted something new and that's why we put the F1 powertrain into a street-legal car. 'We jumped far ahead with this technology, but we should have explained the technology more to our salespeople and customers. We will continue to do that and further improve.'
