Mercedes-AMG hasn’t ruled out C63, E63 V8 return
Two of the former best-selling Mercedes-AMG V8-powered models could make a comeback, providing steps are taken first.
V8 power is slowly returning to the Mercedes-AMG lineup, with a new-generation, flat-plane crank engine to be at the centre of its future family.
In the past few years, the twin-turbo V8-powered C63 and E63 AMGs have fallen by the wayside, with the former first transitioning to become a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid before earlier this year being confirmed for execution.
With the ‘63’ monikers departing or already gone, the AMG C53 (upcoming) and E53 (already on sale) versions in their place feature six-cylinder engines, though fans of the brand are consistent in calling for the return of the V8.
Speaking to US publication Car and Driver, Mercedes-Benz board member Mathias Geisen said to "stay tuned" when asked about the return of V8 power in the C63 and E63, but on some conditions.
“One step after the other. First we have to make sure we have a very nice and sophisticated V8, and of course we now look into market demand and have some plans of where else to use it.”
In May, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius told MotorTrend the new V8 engine – which has already debuted in the Benz S-Class – will be offered in three distinct guises: “the Mercedes-Benz [version], the AMG [version], and the ‘go crazy’ AMG [version].”
The M177 Evo powering the S-Class is a revised version of the existing twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, previously featuring a cross-plane crankshaft but has now moved to a flat-plane crank.
The cross-plane M177 has featured extensively in the AMG lineup, from the pre-PHEV C63 to the GLC and GLS.
It’s expected the new AMG V8 will debut in the GLS63, before featuring in other models including the CLE-based ‘Mythos’ series vehicle, teased most recently in May.
While the CLE replaces both the C-Class and E-Class cabriolets as a middle-ground model, it too is without a permanent V8-powered family member for now.
Jordan Mulach
For what it's worth, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has been open about the brand’s mistakes of moving from a V8 to a four-cylinder in the C63.
“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,” Schiebe told Car magazine last year.
“There is a German saying, ‘You never have a second chance at a first impression.’ Maybe we missed out on the first impression, but if you have the opportunity, I’m sure you will be convinced of the technology.”
