New Delhi: Mercedes AMG has confirmed that they are planning to phase out their 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain globally due to the falling demand and the high emissions-linked engineering costs. The 680 bhp, 1,020 Nm producing hybrid powertrain which was based on AMG’s ‘M139’ four-cylinder is the C63 S E Performance which is sold in India and the globally sold GLC 63 S E Performance.
Having made its debut in 2022, the four-cylinder hybrid setup has faced a lot of criticism due to the huge weight that it adds, coming at 300 kg. It isn’t a favourite even from car enthusiasts who prefer the sound and driving experience of AMG’s V8-powered cars.
In a recent unveiling of the Mercedes-AMG GT XX electric concept, car publication Autocar UK was told by the brand’s insider that while technically the engine is one of the most advanced ones in production and even has amazing performance, it just never worked for their customers. Mercedes have understood and hence they are pulling the plug on the drivetrain.
Mercedes developing a new V8
In the coming times, AMG vehicles will be using either the updated inline-six engine or a newly developed V8, which features a flat-plane crankshaft. The V8 is being developed to support 48V mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems in order to comply with the 2026-bound Euro 7 emission norms. There is a chance side that the facelifted AMG C 63 could come with this V8 when it is launched in 2026.
One of the big reasons for this change is the cost of upgrading the M139 engine to meet Euro 7 emission regulations. The M139 produces 421 bhp and is one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in the world. AMG models A 45 S hatchback and GLC 43 Coupe are the only ones that use the M139 and will either switch to inline-six engines or be discontinued in the future.