The demise of AMG’s twin-turbo V8 from the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class lineups certainly didn’t please enthusiasts, but a new report brings back hope. Insider sources suggest that the V8 could return in both sedans as part of a plug-in hybrid system, as early as 2026.
Currently, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance produces a combined 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a rear-mounted electric motor. Likewise, the upcoming AMG E63 variant of the new E-Class is expected to come fitted with an inline-six PHEV. While both will offer significantly higher outputs than their V8-powered predecessors, there is always room for improvement.
More: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Final Edition Waves Goodbye To The V8
Citing senior engineers “directly involved in the matter, ” Georg Kacher from Car And Driver suggests that the M177 4.0-liter V8 engine is being reworked to meet the significantly stricter Euro 7 emission standards. According to the report, the current generations of the C-Class and the E-Class need “minor bodywork changes” in order to be compatible with a V8-based PHEV.
A similar plug-in hybrid powertrain is already used in the E Performance variants of the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S four-door coupe and S63 sedan flagships, offering a combined 831 hp (620 kW / 843 PS) and 791 hp (590 kW/ 802 PS) respectively. Add the upcoming SL63 E Performance and the entire family of Aston Martin PHEVs into the mix and you’ll get that it makes perfect sense for Mercedes to continue evolving the good-old V8, keeping it up to date with emission regulations.
We don’t know the name of the V8 PHEVs in the C-Class and E-Class lineups, but Mercedes has already trademarked the E73 moniker which sounds like a good candidate for the new performance king. This model could rival the upcoming BMW M5 which is also expected to come fitted with an electrified V8.
