Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe reveals why they ditched the V8 in favor of the hybridized inline-four in the new C63. Here are his thoughts.

No More V8 for the Mercedes-AMG C63

There are rumors that Mercedes-AMG may be looking to reinstall the “hot inside V” for the C63 due to the lukewarm reaction it received for its powertrain downsizing move. For context, the most potent trim of the latest C-Class is now sporting a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, ditching the larger 4.0-liter V8.

AMG CEO Michael Schiebe, however, denied such speculations in his recent interview with Top Gear. According to him, they will stand by their decision to adopt a compact engine for the C63, and they have bigger plans for its electrification along the way.

“We want to be very, very progressive when it comes to technology. And we are convinced of the hybridization concept, there we will stay with the four-cylinder,” said Schiebe when asked why they ditched the V8.

Convincing the V8 Fans

The AMG boss admitted that they won’t be able to convince every V8 fan to shift to their new product line. But then again, he noted they were able to attract a lot of new customers in the plug-in hybrid AMG C63 who are not so keen about getting the petrol-guzzling sports sedan.

One particular example Schiebe cited was the Chinese market which prefers sedans over coupes and electric vehicles over internal combustion engines. The AMG C63 is seen as a compromise to this changing demand, especially in the brand’s biggest market.

Recommended Alternatives

Those who are looking for more displacement and cylinders for their high-performance sedans can still go for the upcoming AMG E63 packing an inline-six. There are hints that it may be packing a plug-in hybrid configuration to bump up its output and compete against its BMW M5 rival.