The head of Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the next-generation version of the C63 – if it retains that moniker – will “for sure” feature a hybrid powertrain.
Speaking to CarAdvice after the reveal of the facelifted C63 in New York, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers hinted that this meant the angriest version of the C-Class could lose at least a couple of cylinders (from its 4,0-litre V8) in its next generation.
“I think the formula is perfect for now, but for sure we need to have a close look at viable alternatives, because we have to be creative and I’m chasing performance and that’s not strictly linked to the number of cylinders,” Moers told the Australian publication.
“If you apply proper intelligent hybridisation or electrification to a car which is capable of having an always-on strategy regarding the battery and the whole system, then it’s amazing what you can get out of them.
“Which means for sure the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 will be a hybrid – that’s now a given,” Moers confirmed.
The AMG boss furthermore hinted that the next C63 could go all-wheel drive (rather than the current rear-wheel-drive set-up), before asserting that Affalterbach would work hard to ensure the hybrid powertrain featured a worthy soundtrack.
“Obviously, if it runs electrical then there’s no AMG thunder. We are facing severe regulations, especially in Europe, but sound is very important for our customers, no doubt about that. However, I’m confident that we will find the right solution for that issue,” he told CarAdvice.
