Latest news with #Autocar
Motor 1
a day 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 ( )
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.'
Perth Now
a day ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
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. Supplied Credit: CarExpert '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.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert 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. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 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.'
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
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." Content originally sourced from: 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." Content originally sourced from: 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." Content originally sourced from: 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." Content originally sourced from:
Auto Car
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
WATCH: McLaren Artura, Porsche 911 S/T, Lamborghini Revuelto Track Test
Close What do the Lamborghini Revuelto, McLaren Artura and Porsche 911 S/T all have in common? They're all winners at the Autocar Awards 2025. And all for different reasons. Recently we named the McLaren Artura as our winner in the Britain's Best Driver's Car shootout. The Porsche 911 S/T scored a rare and coveted Five Stars in its Autocar Road Test. And the extraordinary 1001bhp Lamborghini Revuelto was named our Dream Car. Now they're together on track. Not for a conventional group test - these cars are here to be celebrated, not compared - but join Matt Prior in the video above as he takes them out on circuit to get under their skin and find out why they're all Autocar Awards winners. And for more on all of the people and cars that won at the 2025 Autocar Awards, join us at .
