2022 Mercedes-AMG C63 Will Still Be Attractive Even Without V8 Gasoline Engine: Mercedes-Benz

It has been confirmed that the new C63 will lose its powerful 4.0-liter V8 engine. (Image credit: Wheels)

It's no secret that the new generation Mercedes-AMG C63 will be ditching its powerful V8 petrol engine in favor of a hybrid four-cylinder powertrain, but will that make it any less attractive?

Mercedes certainly doesn't think so, according to the brand's Australian PR director Jerry Stamoulis. Cars Guide that the German brand is simply keeping up with the times by offering a greener performance package.

“We'll have to wait and see [if dropping the V8 hurts the C63's appeal]. Usually, when the market moves forward, sometimes the range of products also changes,” he said.

“Until we see what is available to us, what we can offer to Australian consumers, then we will have a better idea.

“The reality is that when we moved to superchargers, people said it was a problem, when we moved to turbochargers, people said the same thing.

"So, we'll have to wait and see what the end result will be, and ultimately sales will tell us."

While the new generation C63 has yet to be revealed, it is expected to be first introduced in 2022 with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

(Image credit: Wheels)

In early 2021, Mercedes announced plans to use a hybrid powertrain combining the powerful A45 S hyperhatchback's 2.0-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery to deliver even more performance than the outgoing V8.

It's a big change in the direction of the C-Class, which has had an AMG-badged flagship with a V8 engine in each of its four generations since '1993.

Taking it apart, here's what the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C63 powerplant is expected to look like.

Under the hood of the A45 S is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 310 kW/500 Nm, while the new C63 is expected to deliver 330 kW.

And with the rear-axle mounted electric motor delivering an extra boost of 150kW/320Nm, total output is expected to be around 410kW/800Nm, truly eclipsing the current C63 S with 375kW/700Nm.

Asked if the switch to a smaller powerplant would lead buyers to rivals such as the BMW M3, Audi RS4/RS5 and Alfa Romeo Giulia QV, all of which are powered by turbocharged six-cylinder engines, Mr. Stamoulis said models would still be on sale. AMG model range to meet the needs of customers who prefer large displacement engines.

“You will still be able to buy a V8 for some time and we have other V8 models,” he said. “If someone is particularly in need of an eight-cylinder car, we will offer eight-cylinder engines for a while.

“But we have a very wide range of vehicles, from the A35 to the Black Series, we have a performance vehicle for everyone in our range.”

Recent rumors suggest that the larger new generation E63 will also ditch the V8 in favor of a petrol-electric hybrid setup, while higher-end models including the GT, GT 4-door coupe and new SL-class are likely to be equipped with with an eight-cylinder power plant.