In the biggest will-they won’t-they since Ross and Rachel, reports are once again shifting directions on Mercedes-Benz and the return of the V8 to the four-cylinder PHEV high-power sadness that is the latest C63.
The back-and-forth has been going on so long that even we’re having trouble keeping it straight. Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered. Along with the latest on Benz’s plans for big engines and even bigger power, which puts a new V8 in the AMG lineup, but looks like it will not make it into the C63. At least not in this generation.
Four Cylinders Have Been Missing For Almost Four Years
Way back in 2022, a time that feels like a decade ago, Mercedes-Benz launched the Mercedes-AMG C63 with a four-cylinder PHEV system instead of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. It made 671 horsepower, more than 150 ponies better than the V8, but instead of enjoying it, everyone became irate.
Sales flopped. The head of AMG admitted the company lost customers, but said that shoppers needed to give it a chance. “You need to really drive this car. It’s a very convincing product,” he said, trying to convince us.
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It was barely on sale when reports started circulating that the V8 was coming back. The first was back in August 2023, and it hasn’t stopped since. Even though later that same month, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe said a firm no.
Just last week, reports again surfaced saying Mercedes-AMG would be putting a V8 in the C63 once again, along with a refresh for 2026. These reports came along with the news that AMG was building a new V8. This time instead of the traditional 4.0-liter unit Benz has been using for years, it was going to move to a flat-plane crank design.
Yes, There Will Be A New V8; No, It Won’t Go Here
Normally the stuff of screaming-engine race cars, the flat-plane design allows for a smaller engine. A smaller engine that could fit in cars that weren’t designed for a V8. That’s where the C-Class rumors probably came from.
That engine is confirmed, but only for a different model with a C. That’s the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63, a high-performance four-door coupe that’s much larger than the C63. In size and in price.
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Instead, the flat-plane crank is a no-start for the C-Class. Wards Auto had the latest and said that AMG denied the rumors that the engine could be put in the C63. Yes, it’s small, but no, it’s not going in there.
Until it hits the road, anything is possible. But don’t hold your breath on Benz going back to the V8 for the C-Class anytime soon. Especially when its competitors from BMW and Audi both use sixes.
Source: Wards Auto
