Mercedes-AMG will send a clear message that it is adapting to modern demands with the upcoming third-generation C63 by forgoing its long-standing V8 power in favor of an advanced four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain that develops more than 500 HP.
The new C63 will be the first in a number of new AMG models earmarked to receive an electrified version of Mercedes’ new turbocharged 2.0-liter M139 engine when it goes on sale in early 2022.
The four-wheel-drive rival to the Audi RS4 and BMW M3 is already undergoing intensive development at AMG’s Affalterbach engineering headquarters.
Potency
The potent four-cylinder engine kicks out a maximum of 422 HP and 369lb ft of torque in non-electrified form in the new A45 and its related siblings. The unit has already been engineered for longitudinal mounting as well as mild-hybrid electric boosting. It’s destined to be used in not only the next C63 but also, in a less heavily tuned form, in a follow-up to today’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V6-powered C43.
The new C63 will be offered in sedan, coupé and convertible bodystyles, with the next C43 likely to be sold in those three guises as well as an wagon version.
Other AMG models set to run the new electrified driveline include successor models to today’s GLC 43 and GLC 63 SUVs, the GLC 43 Coupé and the GLC 63 Coupé.
48V
Autocar has been told the M139 engine will adopt a 48V integrated starter motor similar to that already used by the turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder M256 unit, which powers the CLS 53 4Matic+ and other recent new AMG models.
In the CLS 53 4Matic+, the gearbox-mounted starter motor provides an additional 22 HP and 184lb ft of electric boosting. In the next C63, however, it is set to be tuned to provide significantly more power in combination with a similar torque loading.
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RIP AMG
Well that's the end of the C63, isn't it. Who is going to want to buy a C63 that whirrs and whooshes. I loved my C63 (with the 6.2 NA V8) and was deeply concerned at the advent of the 4.0 Turbo version, but it went like stink and sounded brilliant as well. Eventually, I had to admit that it was just as good as the 6.2 NA V8.
Take away the sound, however, and you might as well buy a Tesla or Taycan. Sound is one of the most fundamental parts of AMGs; and all of them from the C, E, S and Gs sound better than the equivalent BMW or Audi. Its what separates them. That bombastic voice - we loved it before they made them handle as well as BMW M-series cars, but when they handled as well, there was no reason not to buy them. I didn't mention the A, CLA and GLA 45s in that. 35s as well now. Its a different market; although I'll bet a lot of people bought the Audi RS3 because the five cylinder sounded so good. Ditto the Golf V6 versions.
I won't be buying a C63 with a 4-cylinder hybrid in it. No thank you. RIP AMG as far as I'm concerned. No wonder Tobias walked out, its a shame the rest of them didn't follow; this is the beginning of the end of AMG