“Mercedes-AMG C63 and E63 will still get a V8”

There is no denying that the youngest Mercedes AMG C63 has an impressive piece of technology on board. A 2.0 four-cylinder with up to 476 hp, in combination with an electric motor, pumps out a system power of 680 hp. All predecessors pale in comparison. However, that would not be enough to satisfy the AMG enthusiasts. Car and Driver understands from sources within Mercedes-AMG that a pretty rigorous change is in the pipeline. The Mercedes-AMG C63 would still receive (a further development of) the V8 that served in its predecessor. Not only that; the new Mercedes-AMG E63, still shrouded in mystery, would also get it, instead of a six-cylinder. The eight-cylinder would still receive support from an electric motor, so the sporty top models will remain plug-in hybrids.

Such a turnaround would be remarkable, to say the least. The C-class is by definition not available with engines larger than a four-cylinder, so a lot needs to be done. It is said that it is relatively easy to make room for the V8, which is now almost ready for the Euro7 requirements. We already know that with that V8 in combination with electric power, quite a bit of horsepower is possible; for example, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door 63 SE Performance delivers a system power of no less than 843 hp. It will probably be – if it really comes to that – a bit less extreme with the C63 and E63. The fact that the Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance was unveiled almost a year ago and even has a price tag makes it all a lot more confusing. We will see. If it really turns out that way, there is a good chance that the GLC 63 and CLE will also go to the eight-cylinder.