Mercedes-AMG’s turbo four could power larger models

Paultan reports the power-rich M139 turbocharged four-cylinder, as seen in the new Mercedes-AMG A45, has been engineered for longitudinal applications.

It’s currently used only in cars on the MFA2 front/all-wheel-drive platform, where it’s mounted transversely. This includes the Mercedes-AMG A45, CLA45, and upcoming GLA45 and GLB45 crossovers.

AMG CEO Tobias Moers explained the 2.0-litre four makes so much power – up to 310kW and 500Nm – because “[AMG is] going to use that engine for further applications which are not necessarily east-west applications”.

It’s part of a shifting powertrain strategy by Mercedes's performance arm as it embraces smaller engines and electrification. The next C63, for example, will be a hybrid, which potentially leaves the door open for an electrified version of the M139 2.0-litre.

Moers told Paultan future 63-branded models will also be hybrids but won’t produce more than the 450kW offered by today’s 63 S cars.

This would suggest next-generation AMG 63 models will feature downsized engines which, in turn, could mean boosted four-cylinders will replace the six-cylinder mills in Mercedes-AMG models with 43 and 53 badges.

Don’t call time of death on AMG V8s and V12s yet, though. Head of group R&D at Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kallenius, told us earlier this year “the V8 will be there for many years to come” and that “the V12 will survive”.

In addition to the hybridisation and potential downsizing of its engines, Mercedes-AMG announced this year it’ll shift entirely to all-wheel-drive and will eventually launch a pure-electric AMG model. Moers told us this month a hybrid version of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is slated for launch in 2021.