Mercedes is preparing a new AMG C 63. Is the end of four cylinders near?
In the article:
Why Mercedes-AMG is giving up on the four-cylinder C 63.
What role the electric AMG C 63 could play.
Why the manufacturer wants to keep internal combustion engines while developing electrification
Mercedes and AMG are seeking a second chance for the C 63
It seemed that Mercedes-AMG knew exactly what the future of sports sedans should look like. The C 63 was equipped with an advanced plug-in hybrid system based on a 2-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, and its power output increased to levels unattainable by previous generations. The problem was that customers didn’t expect record-breaking numbers from the C 63; they wanted excitement.
As Motor1 notes, the latest AMG C 63 tried to redefine its formula with a smaller engine and electrification, but the result failed to convince traditional fans of the brand. Autoevolution, on the other hand, states outright that although the model offered 671 horsepower, demand was so weak that AMG representatives publicly admitted for years that interest in the car was disappointing.
Both powertrains in the game
A turning point came from Mercedes’ head of technology, Jörg Burzer, in an interview with the Australian magazine Drive. When asked about the future of AMG models labeled “63,” he replied briefly: “We are working on both.” According to CarBuzz, this referred to the possibility of developing a gasoline-powered and an electric version simultaneously. When journalists asked whether a future AMG C 63 could be offered with both a gasoline engine and an electric one, Burzer repeated his earlier statement. This is not yet an official confirmation of the market debut for both versions of the C 63, but it is a clear indication that such an option is under consideration.
The four-cylinder C 63 is going into history
One thing seems certain already. The four-cylinder AMG C 63 has no future. Industry media recall that Mercedes-AMG has already confirmed the withdrawal of the current version of this model. It will be replaced by the AMG C 53, powered by a six-cylinder, three-liter turbocharged inline engine.
According to information cited by Autoevolution, this engine is expected to produce around 443 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, with a short-term overboost function capable of increasing torque to 640 Nm.
This move signifies a partial return by the brand to the configuration that customers have long awaited. It is also a sort of admission of error. CarBuzz believes that abandoning the V8 without offering an alternative in the form of a powerful six-cylinder engine effectively discouraged many existing AMG buyers.
The electric AMG C 63 is getting closer
A battery-powered version is also being developed concurrently. Motor1 notes that Mercedes has already unveiled the new generation of the electric C-Class, which paves the way for creating its high-performance AMG-branded version. However, the manufacturer realizes that raw power alone is not enough.
The previous experiment with the hybrid C 63 showed that impressive specifications don’t always translate into customer interest. Therefore, the future electric AMG will need to offer not only performance but also the character for which earlier generations of this model were renowned.
Autoevolution speculates that the electric C 63 could utilize axle-mounted engine technology developed by AMG. According to the site, such a vehicle might have a power output of around 800 horsepower. It’s worth noting, however, that Mercedes has not officially confirmed any technical specifications for the new model.
Mercedes follows in BMW’s footsteps
More and more evidence suggests that Mercedes intends to repeat the strategy adopted by BMW. The Munich-based manufacturer is developing both an upcoming electric M3 and a new generation of gasoline-powered M3 simultaneously.
This approach allows targeting two distinct customer groups. The first wants to take advantage of the benefits of electrification, while the second cannot imagine a sports car without a gasoline engine. Motor1 notes that this would align with Mercedes’ broader strategy of developing both electric and combustion-engine models in parallel, rather than forcing all customers to switch to one type of propulsion.
We still have to wait for the legend’s return
However, fans of the brand should not expect a quick return of the diesel AMG C 63. The current Class C was recently updated, so developing a completely new version would require time and significant financial investment. And if a new diesel C 63 does emerge, its debut might not occur until the next generation of the model. An electric version could appear in the market much earlier.
In other words, at Affalterbach they realized that AMG customers do not buy cars solely for their horsepower.
Oskar Włostowski