Mercedes-AMG faces customer dissatisfaction

Mercedes-AMG has admitted that its switch from traditional V8 engines to four-cylinder hybrid powertrains has not met customer expectations. The company has not abandoned electrification but has realized that even with increased power and advanced technology, a car can lose what made it appealing to its customers.

CEO acknowledges underestimation of V8 enthusiasts

Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, publicly acknowledged this issue during a press exchange reported by Road & Track. He admitted the brand had underestimated the importance of V8 enthusiasts and had not succeeded in convincing everyone to follow its evolution.

New C 63 S E Performance highlights the issue

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance exemplifies the issue. The sports sedan has replaced its previous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder combined with an electric motor, producing 680 horsepower. However, it has not fully met the expectations of all buyers of a sports car marked AMG.

Future models may include a return to V8

The future Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 is expected to receive a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat crankshaft, meeting Euro 7 anti-pollution standards. However, the return of the eight-cylinder engine does not mean that Mercedes will revert to V8 engines across its entire range.

Current C 63 will not get back its V8

The current C 63 will not get back its V8, as the manufacturer estimates that the investments necessary to adapt this engine to the Classe C would not be sufficiently profitable at this stage of the model's life cycle. The next generation may instead orient itself towards a six-cylinder engine, with a possible evolution of the commercial name.

Exclusive V8 model and future uncertainty

Mercedes has already presented a CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, an exclusive series equipped with a 646 horsepower V8 and limited to 30 units. When asked about the possibility of offering a twelve-cylinder engine, Ola Källenius responded with an enigmatic "stay tuned." No car has been announced, no schedule has been communicated, and it would be premature to deduce that a new model is already planned.