Report: Mercedes-AMG C63 And E63 Set For V8 Reboot

Latest-gen (W206) Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance.

The latest W206-based Mercedes-AMG C63 super-sedan, which debuted late last year, hasn’t sat well amongst many enthusiasts. A lot of criticism stems from how Mercedes-AMG downsized the powertrain from a V8 twin-turbo to a hybridised 4-cyl turbo.

As a refresher, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup primed in the latest C63 S E-Performance – as well as its GLC63 S E-Performance crossover twin – arguably delivers as much power as their V8 predecessors do. However, even with 671 HP and 1,020 NM, the setup simply lacks the grunt and theatrics of a V8.

The Mercedes-AMG M177 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo is reportedly set for reintroduction into the C63 and upcoming new E63 models.

Thankfully, it seems said enthusiasts have made enough noise to prompt Mercedes-AMG to act upon their cries. According to a report by legacy US title Car & Driver, both the C63 and upcoming new W214-based E63 models will once again adopt V8 power, and these are set to arrive in 2026.

Citing two unnamed independent sources, both performance flagship variants of the C-Class and E-Class will be reworked to house the M177 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo mill. Presently, the M177, combined with a PHEV setup, is used in both the AMG GT63 S E-Performance and the Mercedes-AMG S63 E-Performance. 

Previous-gen iterations of the E63 (Left, W213) and C63 Coupe (C206) both had V8 power.

The M177 V8 mill reportedly won't need much modification to fit into the new W206 and W214 chassis, even with accompanying PHEV components.

For the C63, this is a big step up from the PHEV setup it currently has that centres around a similar 4-cyl turbo as the A45 S super-hatch. As for the upcoming E63 model, this W214-based performance flagship was set to harness a slightly larger electrified V6 setup over the C63.

However, given that both models had V8-powered predecessors, follow ups with downsized powertrains was never going to match the V8 beyond performance aspects.

Besides the S63 AMG, Mercedes presently fields a hybridised V8 in the AMG GT63 S E Performance model too. 

This move will require modifications to the V8 in order to comply with strict new EU7 emissions standards, and the same report indicates that Mercedes-AMG are actively working on this. Certainly, the return of Mercedes-AMG’s mighty V8 will see it adopt a degree of electrification for this, likely a PHEV setup again.

Nevertheless, sources also told Car & Driver that both the C63 and E63 doesn’t need much work to fit the bigger engine. Despite the increased size, twin turbos, plug-in hybrid battery plus necessary equipment that accompany it, it supposedly isn't a huge lift to swap in.

Moreover, as the current-generation models are expected to live beyond 2028,  with V8 versions now reportedly being modified to meet tougher EU7 emissions standards, these V8 super sedans could remain in production well into the next decade.