The “will they, gained’t they” of Mercedes and AMG’s C63 returning to V8 energy could lastly be coming to a conclusion, but it surely in all probability isn’t the one lovers have been hoping for. Two completely different sources (Autocar and weblog MBPassion) have claimed that MB is ditching the C63’s four-cylinder engine. However there nonetheless, sadly, isn’t a V8 in sight. Experiences point out that the revised mannequin coming in 2026—which can even ditch the C63 badge completely, in favor of a shiny new badge that as a substitute reads C53—will really draw upon six-cylinder energy.
You’re Not Getting a V8-Powered C63 Any Time Quickly
As a substitute of marking a return to good ol’ Affalterbach-sourced V8s, the subsequent iteration of the C63 will, like the present one, depend on a hybrid powertrain. However as a substitute of the present plug-in powertrain, the automobile will reportedly make the most of a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Since some present AMG merchandise, just like the CLE53 and E53, already use a biturbo inline-six that attracts on hybrid energy, there’s definitely an air of credibility to the stories. That’s additionally the place the title suits in. Though, sources appear undecided on precisely what the automobile can be referred to as. At time, t’s known as each the “refreshed C63” and the “C53 4MATIC+.”
Sources universally confirmed that the brand new C63 (or no matter it’s referred to as) will make the most of the M256M engine. In keeping with Autocar, the ability plant will ship as much as 650 pound-feet of torque, with an obvious goal of 650 horsepower when the electrical motor and combustion engine are each working their hardest. That’s up from 577 horsepower (604 in overboost) and 553 pound-feet of torque within the E53, which makes use of ostensibly the identical powertrain.
An essential distinction is that the brand new C63 will allegedly use an electrical motor positioned between the engine and gearbox fairly than an electrical motor mounted on the rear axle. In keeping with a press release provided to Autocar credited to “engineers within the C-Class program,” the V8 is just by no means coming to the present C63 era. They cite dimension, cooling, and crash safety constraints that will require important structural modifications to the automobile. Which, in the end, make it utterly unviable as an answer.
A Step Ahead?
It appears clear that Mercedes is ditching the four-cylinder in hopes of recapturing fanatic market share. Whether or not or not it should work stays to be seen. Importantly, there are some tidbits we don’t have but. The M256M engine isn’t technically an AMG engine—not within the sense that the present M139I engine is, anyway.
The M139I is hand-assembled and revs to 7,200; whereas the M256M is a daily manufacturing engine that’s been breathed upon by AMG. It faucets out round 6,500 rpm, and isn’t as purpose-built. Equally, the M139 weighs simply 354 kilos, and we’re fairly certain the M256M weighs a little bit bit greater than that. Will Mercedes-Benz and AMG lovers tolerate what may very well be seen as but one other departure from custom? We’ll have to attend and see what else leaks out. However at this level, we actually want Benz would simply eat crow and produce again the V8.
Sources: Autocar, MBPassion / Photographs: Mercedes-Benz Press
