Mercedes-AMG Denies Rumors of V8 Engine Return for C and E-Class
Earlier this month, rumors began circulating that Mercedes-AMG would be reintroducing V8 power for its high-performance variants of the C and E-Class. However, subsequent reports have now suggested that the automaker won’t be bringing back the 4.0-liter M177 V8 after all.
According to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, sources from within the company have denied suggestions that larger engines would be returning to the AMG C and E63. One employee familiar with product development even called the premise “pure nonsense,” leaving everyone tracking the story a little confused.
The issue started when Mercedes began replacing the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter M156 with the smaller 4.0-liter M177 in order to adhere to rising emissions standards in the mid-2010s. While some AMG purists expressed their distaste over the change, the end product retained most of the things people liked about the performance brand’s vehicles.
However, things changed drastically last year when AMG swapped out the V8 engine equipped with the C63 for a 2.0-liter turbo hybrid with four cylinders. The same change was expected for the E63, with rumors suggesting it would be fitted with a hybrid inline-six engine. While the new hybrid powertrain offered more power and better acceleration, it also made the vehicle significantly heavier and removed AMG’s signature V8 sound.
The 4.0-liter V8 yielded 469 or 503 horsepower in older C63 models, while the new hybrid powertrain offers 671 peak horsepower. This technically makes the Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter engine the most powerful production four-banger ever made and has resulted in a vehicle that’s notably faster to 100 mph than its V8-equipped predecessor.
However, fans have expressed mixed opinions about these changes. While more power and better acceleration are appreciated, there are gripes about the increased weight and the fact that the vehicle now boasts a nearly pointless charging port. The battery range of just a few miles under ideal circumstances and the complexity of the vehicle have also raised concerns among enthusiasts.
Complaints have also been made about the hybrid system’s brake regen spoiling pedal feel and the power loss during cool down. But nothing made fans sadder than the absence of the V8 engine’s distinctive sound.
With these changes in mind, sales of the tech-forward C63 are allegedly in danger. German dealers have called the model a “slow seller,” according to the MB Passion Blog. This made any mentions that Mercedes could be bringing back the V8 feel plausible, especially when they were backed by Car and Driver. However, subsequent reports have suggested that the C63 will continue as a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid, with the E-Class AMG likely to go with a hybridized straight six.
While it is unclear what Mercedes’ plans are for its AMG lineup, it seems unlikely that the V8 will become a regional option. The company originally downsized the engine to comply with changing emissions laws in its home market. However, the new powertrain has resulted in varied opinions and potentially damaged sales.
Only time will tell if Mercedes-AMG will bring back the V8 engine or continue with its hybrid powertrains. Until then, fans and enthusiasts will have to wait for an official announcement from the company.
