2026 Mercedes AMG C 63 to switch back to V8 engine
Mercedes-AMG has officially announced that the 2026 C 63 will return to a V8 engine, moving away from the current four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This marks a significant reversal from the latest generation, which had introduced a downsized 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor.
Current Setup: Four-Cylinder Hybrid Powertrain
The latest AMG C 63, launched in India in December 2024, comes with a plug-in hybrid system. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a rear-mounted electric motor. This setup produces a total of 680hp, allowing the sedan to achieve a 0-100kph sprint in just 3.4 seconds.
Return to V8: New Engine Details
The upcoming 2026 C 63 will be equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Unlike earlier AMG V8s that used a cross-plane crankshaft, the new version will feature a flat-plane crankshaft. This alteration is expected to improve throttle response and allow for higher RPMs. However, it may change the characteristic deep growl of AMG’s V8 engines. To compensate, Mercedes-AMG is exploring artificial sound enhancements to maintain the signature exhaust note.
Integration and Performance Expectations
The flat-plane crankshaft design allows for a more compact crankcase, making it easier to fit the V8 engine into models like the C-Class, which were originally designed for smaller engines. While the official power and torque figures are yet to be revealed, the current AMG G 63’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 produces 585hp and 850Nm of torque. The new C 63 is expected to match or surpass these numbers.
Expected Launch Timeline
The return to the V8 will begin with the AMG CLE 63, which is set to receive the new engine later in 2025. Following that, the facelifted C 63 with the V8 powertrain will arrive in 2026.
This move reflects Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles that maintain the brand’s signature driving experience while responding to customer demand for a more powerful and engaging engine.
