Latest news with #M139
Car and Driver
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Mercedes-AMG to Drop Four-Cylinder for Inline-Sixes and V-8s
Mercedes-AMG is preparing to phase out the plug-in hybrid powertrain that uses the M139 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Acknowledging that the four-cylinder "failed to resonate" with customers, the automaker's performance division will move forward with inline-six and V-8 engines. The four-cylinder PHEV setup is currently found in the C63 sedan and the GLC63 crossover, but has faced criticism from fans of the V-8 engines found in previous iterations of these AMG models. Mercedes-AMG is transitioning away from the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain and back towards the inline-six and V-8 powertrains more traditionally associated with the brand. That isn't to say that AMG had a change of heart concerning the merits of the four-cylinder powertrain, but rather that the automaker is responding to customer criticisms. "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 recognized that," a source at Mercedes told Autocar. The report says that the 671-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain will be phased out of the current C63 and GLC63 models, and that the M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine could also be dropped from other AMG models such as the SL43 in favor of an inline-six. We also know that AMG is moving forward with a new-generation V-8 engine, which will be used in 48-volt hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications. C/D also spoke with AMG chief Michael Schiebe at the reveal of the AMG GT XX electric concept car. Although Schiebe would not confirm the demise of the four-cylinder hybrid setup, when asked about this powertrain he said, "we need to cater to the demands of customers." He emphasized a "two pillar" strategy for AMG going forward, including the continuation of combustion engines such as the new V-8 and the new electric platform called that will underpin the production version of the XX concept sports sedan and an electric SUV variant to follow. AMG Hybrids Are Here to Stay Although the four-cylinder may be on its way out, Schiebe did say AMG remains committed to plug-in hybrids. "There are a lot of advantages of combining electric motors with combustion engines," Schiebe said. "We want to offer different kinds of drivetrain opportunities on the combustion side to our customers, so they can choose for whatever purpose they want to use the car." Mercedes-AMG M139 four-cylinder in the AMG C63 S E Performance Much of the criticism of the C63 and GLC63's powertrain was focused on the lackluster sound when compared with the symphony of a V-8. The M139 drew our ire for sounding "reedy" and "buzzy" in our test of the current C63. The C63's hybrid system also brings the car's curb weight up to nearly 5000 pounds, meaning it didn't provide a meaningful performance boost over its V-8 predecessor despite offering significantly more horsepower. Not long after the debut of the C63, which arrived in the U.S. for the 2024 model year, there were murmurs about the V-8 returning to this model as soon as 2026. AMG wouldn't confirm exactly when the four-cylinder will be phased out, telling Autocar that it will remain in production for the time being before "eventually" being replaced. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
Auto Blog
20 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
20 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.
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.'
