It was undoubtedly disappointing for aficionados when the AMG twin-turbo V8 was dropped from the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class ranges, but a recent claim offers new hope. According to insider sources, the V8 might make a comeback in both cars as a plug-in hybrid system as early as 2026.
A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a rear-mounted electric motor combine to create 671 horsepower (500 kW / 680 PS) in the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. Likewise, an inline-six PHEV is anticipated for the future AMG E63 version of the next E-Class. There is always potential for improvement, even though both will provide much better outputs than their V8-powered forebears.
The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S four-door coupe and S63 sedan flagships, which offer a combined 831 horsepower (620 kW/ 843 PS) and 791 hp (590 kW/ 802 PS), respectively, already employ a comparable plug-in hybrid engine. When you include in the impending SL63 E Performance and the complete lineup of Aston Martin PHEVs, it becomes clear why Mercedes should keep improving the reliable V8 and keeping it compliant with pollution standards.
Although the names of the V8 PHEVs in the C-Class and E-Class lines have not yet been revealed, Mercedes has already registered the E73 name, which seems like a promising contender for the title of the next performance king. This vehicle may compete with the future BMW M5, which is also anticipated to have an electric V8.
