Latest news with #C63SEPerformance
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mercedes AMG to phase out 4 cylinder plug-in hybrids: Report
The Mercedes AMG C 63 S E-Performance gets hybrid technology taken from the company's F1 division Check Offers Mercedes-AMG is to phase out its contentious four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains deployed in its new C 63 and GLC 63 models. The step represents a strategic reversal as the performance division of Mercedes-Benz responds to customer criticism and the impending expense of having to adapt these sophisticated motors to achieve compliance with tougher Euro 7 emissions rules. Four cylinder hybrid strategy fails The plug-in hybrid setup in the C 63 S E Performance and its SUV sibling, the GLC 63, was intended as a technological leap—offering a complex, high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with electric assistance for a combined 671 bhp. Nonetheless, while it has its performance credentials, the powertrain never struck a chord with traditional AMG purchasers, who were in large part pining for an unfiltered V8 experience. Also Read : Mercedes-AMG GT 63 and GT 63 PRO launched at ₹ 3 crore. Bookings open A senior AMG executive conceded in a report by Autocar that though the four-cylinder hybrid is one of the most sophisticated systems ever produced by the company, it hasn't achieved success on the customer acceptance front. "Technically brilliant, but misunderstood" was the verdict, leading the brand to reconsider its engine roadmap. Inline six and V8 powertrains to comeback In a return to its roots, AMG is now expected to reintroduce inline six-cylinder and V8 powertrains in future performance models. These will be electrified through 48V mild-hybrid or full-hybrid systems to balance performance with emissions compliance. These new configurations will likely appear in next-generation models aligned with the rollout of Euro 7 standards later this decade. AMG's 3.0-litre inline-six engine, currently found in the CLE 53 and E 53, is expected to form the backbone of future 43- and 53-badged cars, replacing the four-cylinder units used in the C 43 and SL 43. Meanwhile, a new V8 is reportedly in development for top-tier AMG variants such as the anticipated CLE 63. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz rethinks EV plans, will retain combustion engines due to slower adoption Small AMG cars to go electric or disappear While the larger AMG offerings shift back to bigger engines, the future of smaller performance models looks electric—or uncertain. The A 45 hot hatch will not be replaced, and the CLA 45's successor is expected to be an all-electric performance sedan. The 2.0-litre hand-built four-cylinder engine, once a point of pride for AMG, will be confined to standard models like the CLA, GLA, and GLB, but not in AMG form. The SL43, which uses this engine, may also transition to either a six-cylinder or a detuned version of the 4.0-litre V8 found in the SL 55 and SL 63 roadsters. No immediate timeline Although a specific timeline for the transition hasn't been confirmed, industry insiders suggest that the change will coincide with the arrival of Euro 7 norms or the next generation of C and GLC Class models. In the meantime, the current four-cylinder hybrids will continue to be sold, despite their limited commercial success. Mercedes-AMG's decision signals a strategic recalibration: one that balances future regulatory demands with the emotional appeal that has traditionally defined its performance cars. The V8 may not roar as widely as before, but its return in key models shows that AMG isn't ready to let go of its legacy just yet. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 29 Jun 2025, 08:57 AM IST
7NEWS
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days 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:
