The latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance has a load of performance tech and is shockingly quick, but it’s missing the one thing that made its predecessors so much fun to drive: A V8 engine. Its turbo-four can’t match the thrill of AMG’s hand-built eight-cylinder mills, even with all the electronic trickery on board. The next-generation C 63 could return to its roots with an AMG-confirmed updated “high-tech, electrified V8,” but the company hasn’t yet confirmed which cars will get the new engine.
As Motor1 noted, the new eight-cylinder engine could arrive as soon as later this year in the new CLE 63, but an AMG spokesperson could only confirm the engine’s arrival, not where it would land first, saying, “We can confirm that AMG is developing a new V8 engine. However, we ask for your understanding that we do not comment on a detailed rollout plan.” That said, the top AMG C-Class car could receive the updated mill as soon as 2026.
While it seemed like Mercedes and its tuning arm AMG were shying away from the full-fat engines that made them famous, the pair’s tune has shifted as buyers have made it clear they want the “real” powertrains back. The good news is that the new V8 complies with stricter Euro 7 emissions standards, which are coming soon. The company will also retain a V12 engine in the S-Class in some places.
[Images: Mercedes-Benz]
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