Mercedes-AMG Admits The Four-Cylinder Didn’t Click: V8s Are Making A Comeback

Mercedes-AMG is finally listening to its fans, and it looks like the days of the controversial four-cylinder plug-in hybrid setup in models like the C63 and GLC 63 are numbered.

According to insiders speaking with Autocar, future AMG models with combustion engines will return to their roots with either an updated inline-six or an all-new V8. And not just any V8—one with a flat-plane crank, similar to the fire-breathing unit found in the GT Black Series.

Although the current 2.0-liter M139 engine is a marvel of engineering, producing over 670 hp when paired with its electric motor, it never quite won over the AMG faithful. It lacked the character and soul of the previous V8s, and the added weight didn’t help either. “Technically, it’s brilliant,” one insider admitted, “but it just didn’t click with traditional customers.”

The cost of making this complex powertrain meet upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards is sky-high. Given that several compact Mercedes models that used the M139 engine are already being phased out, the writing's on the wall.

The shift also points to bigger plans. Mercedes-Benz’s CTO, Markus Schäfer, confirmed that AMG is sticking with a two-pronged approach: building up its all-electric offerings while continuing to develop hybridized combustion engines. He also confirmed AMG is co-developing a new V8 that will meet future emissions standards, likely electrified via 48V tech or plug-in systems.

In the short term, don’t expect the four-cylinder to vanish overnight. However, it’s clear that AMG is refocusing on what made it iconic in the first place: big, powerful engines with real personality. For enthusiasts, that’s very good news.