The most potent AMG C-class, the C63, sacrificed the V-8 for a turbocharged hybridised four-cylinder engine, and the impending E63, the next top-of-the-line E-class, will get by with an inline-six plug-in hybrid system. Some claim that this isn’t competitive enough to compete with the twin-turbo inline-six BMW M3 and the upcoming hybrid twin-turbo V-8 BMW M5.

According to reports, Mercedes-Benz has said that the V8 is returning, and not only to the C63. Also allegedly receiving V8 power again is the E63. To comply with EU7 emissions regulations, the eight-cylinder is now undergoing modifications. The 831hp AMG GT63 S E Performance and the 791hp AMG S63 both employ this engine, and both of those cars pair it with a hybrid system.

Senior engineers directly involved with the project claim that just modest bodywork modifications are required for the twin-turbo engine, the PHEV battery and electric motor, and the additional components to fit in the C-class and E-class. The C- and E-class are being looked at potential life cycle extensions through 2028, so the hard-core AMG models may continue to be produced long into the next 10 years.

If this claim is true, it’s unclear if the four-cylinder 63s will continue to be offered alongside the ones with V8 engines or if the V8 will completely replace the four-cylinder. However, This information has not yet been formally confirmed by Mercedes. So we will have to wait and see if Mercedes actually brings the V8 back.

Recently, we got to see Mercedes-Benz Malaysia unveil the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance which is priced at RM2 million. It comprises a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with a synchronous electric motor, an AMG-developed high-performance battery, and the completely variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. It has an output of 843hp and maximum system torque of more than 1400Nm.