Mercedes-AMG is taking a step back in the most discussed engine strategy of recent years. After the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid performance models, the brand focuses on larger engines, more pronounced exhaust sound and more aggressive design. In the new era, V8 engines are returning, six-cylinder units are taking on a wider role and the AMG product range is being seriously renewed in the next 12 months. The V8 era is starting again at Mercedes-AMG.
Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe said that the brand will focus more on emotion and design, not just performance figures. The most striking aspect of this transformation is the return of the V8 engine. According to Schiebe’s statement, the V8 engine will re-enter the AMG product range towards the end of the year. The engine, which will be used in SUV models in the first stage, will later be spread to cars. This decision is actually a significant break from the four-cylinder hybrid performance line that AMG has followed in recent years.
In particular, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system that came with the C 63 S E Performance created serious controversy regarding the engine character and sound expected by the AMG audience, despite producing high power. In the new strategy, six-cylinder and V8 engines fill this gap. The new V8 engine developed by AMG was prepared to comply with current European emission rules. It is reported that the engine has a flat plane crank structure.
This type of crank arrangement can create a different sound profile than the cross-plane crank character in conventional AMG V8s. Mercedes engineers focused on preserving the strong exhaust tone that AMG customers expect by working on the sound character of the engine, including the camshaft. It has not yet been announced in which model the new V8 will be used first. However, it has been confirmed that the engine will first be used in SUV models.
High-end AMG models such as the facelifted GLS, CLE 63 coupe, new E 63 and S 63 are among the options mentioned for this new V8. The V8 option is also expected to be on the agenda on the AMG GT Black Series side. The four-cylinder hybrid system is replaced by six cylinders. AMG’s transformation is not limited to the V8 only. The new GLC 53 was one of the first concrete examples of this change. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine is used instead of the previous four-cylinder structure.
According to the official data of Mercedes-AMG, this engine produces 330 kW of power and reaches up to 640 Nm of torque with overboost. It is stated that this engine will also come to the C-Class AMG side. Thus, the controversial four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system will be replaced by a more traditional, lighter and more characterful six-cylinder structure. Although the C 63’s previous hybrid system offered high power on paper, it received intense criticism for its weight, complexity and AMG feel.
The new six-cylinder solution will offer a performance character closer to AMG’s old line with lower hybrid complexity. Plug-in hybrid systems do not completely leave the product range. This structure will continue in models such as GLE 53 and E 53. AMG will continue to use long-range hybrid systems as an intermediate solution, especially in markets where CO2 restrictions are more pronounced, such as Europe. AMG’s new approach creates three separate powertrain lines.
A purer V8 experience will be offered for customers who want an internal combustion engine. For those who want electric performance, fully electric AMG models will come. Between the two lines, plug-in hybrid models will remain in the product range. Schiebe said that for this reason, they are investing more strongly in electric cars while bringing back the V8. Electric AMG models also have an emphasis on sound. While returning to internal combustion engines, Mercedes-AMG does not abandon electric performance models.
The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe will be one of the brand’s electric models developed on the exclusive AMG.EA platform. It is reported that this model will offer over 1,000 horsepower and will carry an artificial but appropriate sound experience in line with the AMG character to differentiate it from its competitors. Markus Schäfer, former technology manager of Mercedes, said that this electric AMG model will offer an emotional experience not only in terms of acceleration and track performance, but also in terms of acoustics.
This statement shows that AMG will create a more pronounced driving character in electric cars instead of silent acceleration. AMG is also preparing new performance versions on the CLA side. Official technical details about the new CLA 45 have not been shared, but there is a strong possibility that the model will be electric. With the discontinuation of the A 35 and A 45 models, the CLA-based AMG versions will take on a more important role in the brand’s entry-level performance line.
On the design side, a harder AMG line is coming. Schiebe stated that exterior design is an important element in the purchasing decision for AMG customers. A more distinctive, bolder and more aggressive appearance will be used in the new AMG models. This design language will be a continuation of the work prepared during Bastian Baudy’s time in the AMG design team.
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