It's no secret that Mercedes-AMG halved the number of cylinders usually found under the C63's hood. But the German brand added insult to injury by deciding to leave the thumping V8 in the hybridized S63. The result – a monstrosity of a stretched sedan that can also temporarily double as an environmentally-friendly commuting appliance. Let's take a better look at it.
These past few weeks have been quite hectic for AMG enthusiasts. Two sources told Car and Driver that the V8 would make a return on the C63 S E. Days later, a German report stated that the iconic sedan was not finding any customers. That only amplified the confidence in what the two people said about the eight-cylinder making a comeback.
But another story came from Germany stating that Mercedes-Benz's high-performance Affalterbach-based division didn't even think about replacing the four-cylinder with a hybridized V8. So, we're stuck in limbo. The engine that fits the C63 may return, or it may not. At this point, nobody knows for sure what is going to happen.
However, one thing is certain – seeing such a large and important auto company admit that they downsized abruptly for a car they shouldn't have would be great. It would also show that Mercedes-AMG listens to customers, understands it must cater to their demands, and is mature enough to own up to its mishaps.
But the automotive industry is very complicated. It's an intricate and complex business sector. Cars we see on sale today are prepared for years in advance. Thus, it's unlikely that Mercedes-AMG will overhaul the C63 S E as Koenigsegg did with the Gemera. It figured out that a V8 would fit, so it decided to offer the three-cylinder (aka The Friendly Giant – TFG) alongside the hot V8 borrowed from the Jesko. Of course, the three electric motors are non-negotiable. That's how the two-door four-seater can have an absurd power output of 2,300 hp.
Fortunately for AMG fans, the German automaker found a way to keep the V8 alive. A great example confirming that such a solution is feasible is brought forward by the 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance. The handcrafted 4.0-liter powerplant receives help from an electric motor installed at the rear, and a nine-speed transmission makes sure the figures are adequately managed. That's how the wafting behemoth enjoys a drivetrain capable of sending 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft of torque to all the wheels. It can run from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
Photo: RoCars on YouTube
The 13.1-kWh battery may be small, but it's enough to allow the plug-in hybrid to drive around 20 miles exclusively on electricity.
However, all this F1-derived technology that has also been seen on vehicles like the Kia Niro PHEV brings forward a weight penalty – the S63 E Performance weighs 5,721 lb with a full tank of fuel, all the other fluids, and standard equipment. It's just 121 lb lighter than the iconic G63.
But until ditching the internal combustion engine altogether makes sense, Mercedes-Benz and its high-performance division must find ways to adhere to all the fleet emission restrictions without spending too much on carbon credits. Besides, it must play all its cards right because the C63 S E showed that abrupt powertrain decisions could lead to dissatisfaction among loyal buyers.
As such, if you're a V8 enthusiast and love what the three-pointed star brand is doing, the Mercedes-AMG S63 E is the sedan you must buy to enjoy the good ol' gas-powered powerplant, the latest tech, and the best features the brand can offer.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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