Mercedes-AMG seems to have its mojo back and is planning a massive overhaul of its entire lineup in as little as 12 months. The focus is a return to what the performance division is best known for: powerful V8 engines, loud and evocative soundtracks, bold designs, and cars brimming with character.
In recent years, AMG has been going through an identity crisis, marked by a controversial flirtation with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. While its latest creations have been undeniably capable—and very fast—they’ve lacked the drama, charm, and raw appeal of earlier cars that made the brand so beloved by enthusiasts.
That’s all about to change. “AMG must become more AMG than ever before,” the division’s CEO Michael Schiebe told Auto Express. “That doesn’t only mean performance, but also emotion and design.”
A New Six-Cylinder Roars to Life
The new GLC 53 is the first opportunity for us to see how AMG has learned from the vast amount of feedback it has received from critics and customers.
The four-cylinder engine from the previous GLC 43 and 63 S E Performance is gone, replaced by a brand-new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. This powerhouse pumps out a hearty 442 horsepower and is more free-revving, Schiebe promises. It also delivers a “much more emotional sound,” thanks to a new exhaust system designed to amp up the noise.
Schiebe added that the new GLC 53 has been tuned to provide a greater difference between its Comfort setting and the more aggressive Sport+ mode, “because we wanted to put a little bit more emphasis on bringing back the emotions of AMG.”
The same straight-six engine will also find its way into the C 63 sports sedan later this year, replacing the divisive plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain in AMG’s answer to the BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
View Price on AmazonThe V8 Isn't Going Anywhere
The V8 engine is also a major part of AMG’s future, confirmed Schiebe, who once owned a W204 C 63 with the brand’s famous 6.2-liter V8. In fact, the company has developed a new V8 that meets Europe’s latest emissions regulations and is being added to the lineup later this year.
While it hasn't been confirmed which model will be the first to receive the new twin-turbo flat-plane-crank V8, we know the engine is destined for several models. This includes SUVs like the updated Mercedes GLS, the hotly anticipated CLE 63 coupe, a new E 63 super sedan to rival the BMW M5, and likely a new S 63 luxury sedan.
It's also assumed this engine is what lies under the very long hood of the new AMG GT Black Series, a true motorsport-inspired special with a unique chassis and powertrain—plus a gigantic rear wing.
A flat-plane crankshaft can sometimes give an engine a less characterful noise than the cross-plane style AMG has traditionally used. However, Mercedes’ engineers have addressed this with a specially designed camshaft that should give the new V8 the kind of muscular soundtrack AMG customers expect.
What's Next for the Lineup?
Meanwhile, the AMG GT and SL are both set for mid-cycle refreshes that are likely to be accompanied by a shake-up of their engine lineup. The V8 will be staying put, of course, but the entry-level four-cylinder will probably be dropped. Schiebe admitted that a decision has yet to be made about whether plug-in hybrid power will remain available in the pair.
Regardless, plug-in hybrids—or "long-range hybrids" as Schiebe calls them—will still have a place in the AMG range. “The GLE 53 and E53 [PHEVs] will definitely continue, because we see it’s a very good compromise for people that live in areas where there are certain restrictions in terms of CO2 emissions,” he said.
Looking forward, Schiebe sees a clear path for combustion power alongside electric vehicles. “We see that, with the next generation of our V8, we will even have more power coming from the engine. If you ask me, I see now with the new EVs coming up, you can actually differentiate them even more. So there will be customers that want to still have the combustion feeling, drive the combustion engine, and you can give them a really pure and special experience.”
Source: autoexpress.co.uk
