Mercedes-AMG's New V8 Engine: What It Means for the C63 and E63
Mercedes-AMG's new flat-plane crank V8 engine is set to debut in the S-Class before appearing in other models, including the C63 and E63.
Key Takeaways
- Mercedes-Benz has developed a new flat-plane crank V8 engine.
- The engine will debut in the S-Class before appearing in other models.
- Mercedes-AMG is ensuring the new V8 meets the demands of its cars and customers.
- The C63 sedan and E63 wagon are likely to receive the new V8 engine.
- AMG engineers are closely watching the engine’s development.
What is the New V8 Engine?
Mercedes-Benz has recently launched an updated version of its flagship S-Class sedan, which packs a fresh 4.0-liter V8 with a flat-plane crank setup. This engine produces as much as 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque in the S580.
A flat-plane crank means less rotational mass and quicker revs, which helps equal more horsepower. This engine might be suited for Benz duty first and foremost, but the AMG side of the family wants to make sure it’s up to snuff before shoving it into the pumped-up snouts of its own vehicles.
Why is Mercedes-AMG Being Cautious?
Mercedes-AMG wants to ensure the new V8 meets the demands of its cars and customers. This includes two models currently sorely missed from the Mercedes-AMG lineup: the C63 sedan and E63 wagon. According to Road & Track, AMG engineers have been watching the engine’s development closely as it rolls out in the new S-Class.
Mathias Geisen, a board member with Mercedes, says that phase one of the return of proper AMG V8 engines has begun. “One step after the other,” he says. “First we have to make sure we have a very nice and sophisticated V-8, and of course we now look into market demand and have some plans of where else to use it.”
What Does This Mean for the C63 and E63?
Those plans very likely include the return of the aforementioned AMG models. It’s no secret that buyers never warmed to the four-cylinder C63. And the current E53 AMG is merely okay, while also possessing some of the worst brakes I’ve felt in any Mercedes product.
Mercedes-AMG buyers are eager for more V8-powered options. And it sounds like Mercedes will have such options soon enough.
Competitor Comparison
Audi has been doing great work evolving its RS6, while BMW has shown that a high-horsepower wagon can sell here in the US market. A next-generation E63 wagon should boast V8 power, but will also likely feature a plug-in hybrid setup to meet both fuel economy and emissions demands as well as the high-horsepower wants of its customer base.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-liter V8 with flat-plane crank setup |
| Horsepower | 530 horsepower |
| Torque | 553 pound-feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new V8 engine?
The new V8 engine is a 4.0-liter V8 with a flat-plane crank setup, producing as much as 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
Q: Why is Mercedes-AMG being cautious with the new V8 engine?
Mercedes-AMG wants to ensure the new V8 meets the demands of its cars and customers, including the C63 sedan and E63 wagon.
Q: What does this mean for the C63 and E63?
The C63 sedan and E63 wagon are likely to receive the new V8 engine, which should boast V8 power and possibly feature a plug-in hybrid setup.
