C63 AMG Not Getting V8, But First Mercedes-AMG EV Coming In 2025

Sorry folks, the Mercedes-AMG C63 will NOT get a V8 option anytime soon.

It seems the latest fifth-gen (W206) Mercedes-AMG C63 super-saloon will NOT get a traditional V8 option anytime soon. This was confirmed by Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe through a recent interview with TopGear UK, thus debunking initial rumours surrounding which.

“we want to be very, very progressive when it comes to technology. And we are convinced of the hybridisation concept, there we will stay with the four cylinder,” explained Sciebe in said interview with the renowned UK title.

Though he admits that convincing V8 fans of this new hybrid concept will be difficult, the exec says Mercedes-AMG’s latest efforts in garnering many new customers that otherwise wouldn’t have been accessible using a V8-engined product is a fact that's hard to ignore.

Instead of a V8, the latest C63 S E Performance model harnesses a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup that delivers 670 HP and 1,020 NM.

For now, it appears Mercedes-AMG will reserve its signature V8 for select models - i.e. new second-gen AMG GT, S63 E Performance.

As a refresher, the latest C63 S E Performance model revealed last year has traded the Affalterbach-based performance masters signature V8 engine for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup featuring a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill derived from the A45 S AMG superhatch that’s paired with an F1-derived electric motor.

Whilst there is a significant rise in output figures – 670 HP and 1,020 NM combined – over its predecessor, many ‘purist’ fans have expressed disappointment over this switch. Nevertheless, given what CEO Scheibe confirmed, Mercedes-AMG look set to reserve is V8 for larger models – i.e. AMG GT, S63 E Performance.

Notably, Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Scheibe confirmed that the performance arm's first EV will debut in 2025, and it will be new from the ground up - not a "retuned EQE". (Note: Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ pictured) 

Interestingly, Scheibe also confirmed in the same interview that Mercedes-AMG will debut its first all-electric performance model come 2025. He also stressed that this offering will be new from the ground up, and not “a retuned EQE”, according to the exec.

In fact, Scheibe confirmed that the first Mercedes-AMG EV model will underpin a dedicated platform – codenamed ‘AMG A’. “It's so important that we deliver in this segment, deliver on our promise and what we want to stand for, which is performance,” he added.

Mercedes-AMG's upcoming first EV will instead underpin a brand new and dedicated platform, codenamed 'AMG A'.

When quizzed about the model’s possible weight, the exec shied away from revealing any target figures for which, but did stressed that “lightweight work is an intensive task.” He also noted that said work will involve the Mercedes-AMG F1 team’s expertise.

“We are in constant exchange with them. They have much more, let me call it ‘rocket technology’ that we may use in our cars,” explained the exec further about the latter collaboration. Simply put, Mercedes-AMG’s first ever EV sportscar should be an exciting thing to look forward to…