Could the iconic V-8 engine be staging a comeback for the AMG C63? Despite tougher emissions rules, Mercedes-Benz pledged last week to keep eight-cylinder power alive, even preserving the V-12 for select S-Class markets. With a revamped V-8 ready to meet Euro 7 standards, AMG is teasing a “next-gen, electrified V-8” that’s sparking buzz. According to a fresh report from Autocar, this high-tech powerhouse might not only fuel future models but also revive the current C63 as early as 2026. Here’s the scoop on this exciting shift, why it matters, and what AMG fans can expect.
V-8 Revival: What’s Coming for the C63?
Rumors suggest the new V-8 could debut in the CLE63 later this year before landing in the C63, the crown jewel of the C-Class lineup. We reached out to AMG for clarity, and Communications Specialist Catrin Dunz-Ludwig confirmed, “A new V-8 engine is indeed in development at AMG.” However, she stayed tight-lipped on specifics, leaving us eager for more.
Meanwhile, the C63 is reportedly slated for a 2025 refresh, ditching its polarizing four-cylinder setup. Sources claim the incoming V-8 builds on the twin-turbo 4.0-liter design but swaps in a flat-plane crankshaft—think GT Black Series vibes. Paired with mild-hybrid tech, it could streamline the current plug-in hybrid system, marking a bold pivot from AMG CEO Michael Schiebe’s 2023 stance: “We’re all-in on hybridization with the four-cylinder concept.” Clearly, something’s shifted.
Why the change? Early 2024, Schiebe admitted losing buyers after slashing cylinders, and steep discounts in Germany hint at sluggish C63 sales. Austrian tuner VUK Manufaktur recently proved a V-8 swap is possible after two years of tinkering, while the flat-plane crank’s compact design might just fit the C63’s hood—a space never meant for eight cylinders.
Why the V-8 Matters for AMG Enthusiasts
So, why go back? For starters, it’s about soul. The current C63 boasts big power numbers, but fans crave the rumble and character of a V-8 over a high-tech four-cylinder, no matter how “progressive.” The new engine’s mild-hybrid assist should balance efficiency with performance, potentially echoing the growl of classic AMGs—though fake engine sounds piped through speakers might bridge the gap for its higher-pitched flat-plane roar.
Beyond the C63, whispers suggest the GLC63—an SUV sibling—could also ditch its electrified 2.0-liter for this V-8. Other models may follow, signaling a broader return to eight-cylinder glory. Still, retooling a car mid-cycle isn’t cheap. Mercedes and AMG must believe the investment will lure back buyers who bolted when cylinders dropped.
A Bold Bet on Performance Over Trends
Switching gears to a V-8 mid-stream is a gutsy move, likely driven by lackluster sales and customer backlash. Horsepower alone doesn’t win hearts in this segment—drivers want personality, not just electrified efficiency. If Autocar’s timeline holds, 2026 could mark a triumphant return for the C63, blending cutting-edge tech with the raw thrill AMG diehards demand. For now, we’re left anticipating how this electrified V-8 will redefine Mercedes-AMG’s future.
