Mercedes-AMG to drop 4-cyl and bring back inline-6 and V-8 engines

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Mercedes-AMG is transitioning away from the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain and back towards the inline-six and V-8 powertrains more traditionally associated with the brand. That isn't to say that AMG had a change of heart concerning the merits of the four-cylinder powertrain, but rather that the automaker is responding to customer criticisms. "Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It’s also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We’ve recognized that," a source at Mercedes told Autocar.


The report says that the 671-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain will be phased out of the current C63 and GLC63 models, and that the M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine could also be dropped from other AMG models such as the SL43 in favor of an inline-six. We also know that AMG is moving forward with a new-generation V-8 engine, which will be used in 48-volt hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications.

C/D also spoke with AMG chief Michael Schiebe at the reveal of the AMG GT XX electric concept car. Although Schiebe would not confirm the demise of the four-cylinder hybrid setup, when asked about this powertrain he said, "we need to cater to the demands of customers." He emphasized a "two pillar" strategy for AMG going forward, including the continuation of combustion engines such as the new V-8 and the new electric platform called AMG.EA that will underpin the production version of the XX concept sports sedan and an electric SUV variant to follow.

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