Next-Gen Mercedes-AMG C63 Will Get a 4-cylinder Hybrid Engine

• Mercedes-AMG plans to replace the twin-turbo V8 engine in the C63 sedan with a 4-cylinder hybrid drivetrain.

• The Mercedes C63 will be among the first new AMG models to get an electrified version of the new 2L turbocharged M139 engine.

Giving in to the demands of the modern generation, Mercedes-AMG plans to introduce the 4-cylinder hybrid engine in the C63 sedan by replacing the twin-turbo V8 motor.

At present, the non-electrified version of the 4-cylinder 2L turbocharged M139 engine is present in the Mercedes A45. It delivers a power of 422hp along with a torque of 500Nm. The C63 will be the first of a series of AMG models to receive the electrified hybrid version of the engine by 2022. 

The modifications to the M139 engine are already in progress, as it gets a mild hybrid electric boosting. Apart from the C63, the C43 will also receive a tones-down version of the same engine. 

The Mercedes C63 will be available in three designs, convertible, coupe, and sedan, whereas the Mercedes C43 could have an additional variant in the form of an estate version.

Other Mercedes-AMG models that could run on the hybrid engine include the successor models to the present GLC 43 and GLC 63 SUVs and coupes.

Reports say that the M139 engine will have a 48V integrated starter motor like the one present in the 3L 6-cylinder turbocharged M256 unit. This unit powers the CLS 53 4Matic+ and other Mercedes-AMG models. This engine provides an additional power of 22hp and an electric boost of 250Nm. However, the C63 could come with a different tuning configuration.

This new engine will combine with the Mercedes 9-speed torque converter MCT Speedshift transmission system. 

Though there is no official confirmation, the 4-cylinder hybrid engine will match the existing C63 V8 engine. The present engine delivers a maximum power of 510hp despite a 50% reduction in cylinder count and sweat capacity. Coupled with electric boosting, one can expect a torque deliverance of 750Nm, more than what is available on the C63 S 4Matic.

The expectation is that the new drivetrain will come equipped with a Li-ion battery of higher capacity as compared to the 0.9KWh unit available today in the CLS 53 4Matic+. With the introduction of the new electric drivetrain, there will be a reduction in the weight over the front axle.

Another advantage is that the M139 engine weighs 160.5kg, about 48.5kg less than the V8 M77 engine in use today. Despite the addition of the hybrid architecture, the overall weight of the unit will be less.

A positive aspect of the new engine is the attempt to lower the center of gravity to improve the agility and body control. Other developmental plans include the provision of a 4WD system for the next-gen C63 4 Matic+.

It will enable AMG to coordinate specific driving modes of the C63 with the larger model E63. Tobias Moers, MD of AMG, has stated that all the next-gen AMG models will adopt this system.

One of the main reasons for shifting to the 4-cylinder hybrid engine is the need to reduce CO2 emissions. 

In India, the AMG C43 Coupe has priced at Rs 86.25 lakhs, whereas the C63 S is available at Rs 1.60 Crores. The C43 features a 3L twin-turbo V6 petrol engine capable of delivering 390hp, and the C63 comes equipped with a 4L V8 engine producing 510hp.