- Mercedes confirms the C63 will switch from a four-cylinder to a straight-six engine.
- It’s unclear whether the new AMG will be a hybrid or pure combustion model.
- The 3.0-liter straight-six comes from models like the CLE 53 and E53 AMG.
The much-debated chapter of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance and its polarizing four-cylinder engine looks set to close. AMG is preparing to replace the 2.0-liter turbo with a 3.0-liter straight-six, a move that aligns the C63 more closely with rivals and may help restore its performance credentials.
While there’s no official timeline, Mercedes board member for sales and marketing Mathias Geiser has confirmed the switch for the performance variant of the next-generation C-Class that was recently teased in EV form during the Munich motor show is on the way.
Read: Not Even Mercedes Wants The C63, So They’re Doing Everything To Offload Them In The UK
To be fair, aside from flair, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the current C63. In fact, this engine has been praised for its power and response in the A45 S. However, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is at odds with previous iterations of the C63, all of which have had V8 engines. Additionally, AMG’s move away from a V8 for the C63 came despite BMW and Audi rivals sticking to six-cylinder mills.
A Confirmed Change
Word about the switch from a four-cylinder to a 3.0-liter straight-six has been swirling for many months, and in a recent interview with AutoExpress, Geiser said the switch is being made.
“We will have some options where we had a four-cylinder, which will also be available as a six-cylinder going forward,” he said. “There may or may not be a hybrid, it might be pure-ICE, maybe. We’ll let you know when we’re there.”
What To Expect
While a straight-six may not be a V8, the current G80 M3 and M4 duo prove that a six-cylinder can be every bit as exhilarating as a V8. Mercedes’ most advanced straight-six is found in the CLE 53 Coupe and produces 442 hp when supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The E53 AMG also uses this same basic engine but paired with a plug-in hybrid setup, delivering a combined 603 hp.
More: Mercedes Previews Next C-Class EV With A Face That’s Bound To Start Fights
While both of these figures are well down on the 671 hp delivered by the C63 S’s current plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, the current M3 Competition delivers 523 hp, and you won’t hear anyone complain about it lacking power. Even if the updated C63 S has a similar power output to the BMW and makes all the right sounds, it could get enthusiasts back on AMG’s side.
