2024 Mercedes-AMG E63 could swap V8 for hybrid four-cylinder – report

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 super sedan due in 2023 or 2024 could trade twin-turbo V8 power for a tuned-up four-cylinder with a big-battery plug-in hybrid system, a new report indicates.

The UK's Autocar claims "[Mercedes-Benz] officials have hinted" the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged 'M177' V8 powering the current AMG E63 will phased out, in favour of a version of the next-generation C63's powertrain: the 2.0-litre turbo 'M139' four-cylinder debuted in the A45 S hot hatch, paired with a high-output plug-in hybrid system and all-wheel drive.

Autocar claims the combined output for the E63's hybrid system will reach 447kW – 3kW down on the current E63's 4.0-litre V8, though it wouldn't be surprising to see the PHEV setup tuned closer to or beyond the 480kW power figure announced earlier this year, in order to offset the additional weight of the battery pack. A nine-speed automatic transmission is said to be standard.

The current Mercedes-AMG E63 quotes a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds, towards a top speed of 300km/h – numbers a higher-output successor would likely be able to beat, though Autocar doesn't quote performance times.

While the new C63 E Performance is slated to use a high-performance 6.1kWh battery (incorporating Formula One technology), the larger E63 could use the 28.6kWh pack the British publication says will be offered across the broader plug-in hybrid range, enabling 100km of all-electric driving range.

Casting doubt on the British magazine's report is Mercedes-AMG's brand-new V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which pairs the familiar twin-turbo bent-eight with an electric motor for totals of 620kW and over 1400Nm – a perfect fit for a new E63, without requiring the sedan to step down to 'just' four cylinders to achieve a balance of both emissions and performance.

Should Autocar's report prove accurate, the E63's four-pot switch would leave the GT 4-Door Coupe and full-size S63 as the sole remaining V8-powered Mercedes-AMG sedans on sale – and none without the option of a hybrid powertrain.

Few details specific to the E63 are quoted in the report, though Autocar says the wider 'W214' E-Class range will benefit from 5G connectivity, upgraded semi-autonomous driving systems (through lidar sensors), a twin-screen dashboard, and a more spacious interior thanks to wider wheel tracks and a longer wheelbase (albeit while sitting on the same MRA platform).

Under the skin, highlights will reportedly include optional air suspension, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, and rear-wheel steering allowing for up to 10 degrees of rear steering lock.

While the E63 is rumoured to make a radical switch to four-cylinder power, lesser E-Class models are said to continue with evolutions of the current model's engines, led on price by 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines (both with 48-volt mild-hybrid systems, and compatible with Euro 7 emissions regulations).

Sitting atop the range will be 3.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.9-litre turbo-diesel inline-six engines, developing up to 324kW for the petrol, or 246kW for the diesel. Mild-hybrid and/or plug-in hybrid systems will be available, depending on engine and variant.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class range is rumoured to launch in the UK and Europe in the first half of 2023 – pointing to the arrival of the E63 S sometime in 2024.

The plug-in E63 will go head-to-head with BMW's plug-in hybrid, V8-powered, next-generation M5, along with the next Audi RS6 and RS7, slated to adopt all-electric power.