AMG versions of the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class could finally be back with a V8
Mercedes could reintroduce the 4.0-litre V8 as a plug-in hybrid on AMG versions of the C-Class and E-Class as early as 2026
Is there no hope without the V8? That’s what you’d be tempted to say, given the glacial reception the latest Mercedes-AMG C63S has received. While the car’s performance is far superior to that of its predecessor, the real bone of contention lies under the bonnet. The 4.0-litre V8 has simply been replaced by a small 2.0-litre hybrid four-cylinder. The future AMG E63 could suffer the same fate, swapping its unctuous V8 for an electrified inline six-cylinder.
A turnaround
This new recipe is rather weak compared to the next M3, which will retain a six-cylinder, and the future M5, which will stick with a melodious V8. Mercedes could therefore backtrack to silence the critics. According to independent sources quoted by the American publication Car and Driver, the 4.0-litre V8 will make its return to the AMG C63 and E63 from 2026. This engine could be accompanied by an electric motor, as on the AMG S63 E-Performance.
The whole unit is currently undergoing homologation to pass the future Euro 7 standard, which will come into force in two years’ time. According to engineers interviewed by Car and Driver, fitting a V8 engine with an electric motor and batteries would not be a problem under the bonnet of the current C-Class and E-Class. The technical modifications that would have to be made to the bodywork and chassis would therefore be minor.
A longer career for the C-Class and E-Class
It now remains to be seen how much power will be delivered by these two models, bearing in mind that this powertrain develops up to 843 PS on the AMG GT 63S E-Performance. A power output of around 700 PS would be more than enough to compete comfortably with BMW and Audi rivals. Finally, the return of the V8 will extend the lifespan of the C-Class and E-Class, which could then have a career beyond 2028.
