In 2022, Mercedes-Benz determined to drop the much-loved twin-turbo V-8 in its AMG C63 in favor of a hybridized four-cylinder powertrain. Whereas the brand new setup is extra highly effective and extra technologically superior, it rightfully didn’t garner the identical pleasure because the outgoing automobile’s characterful eight-cylinder. The boss of AMG now admits the corporate misplaced out on gross sales because of the change.

“We see that a few of our very loyal prospects battle a bit with the idea,” AMG boss Michael Schiebe instructed Automotive Journal. “After all, little doubt now we have additionally misplaced some prospects who’re simply into V-8s. It’s worthwhile to actually drive this automobile. It’s a really convincing product.”

We weren’t completely satisfied in our most up-to-date take a look at of the AMG C63 S E Efficiency. Whereas it is an unimaginable feat of engineering, our tester, Chris Rosales, referred to as the powertrain impassive and bemoaned the additional weight added by the hybrid batteries. 

Photograph by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Photograph by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Maybe we simply have not racked up sufficient miles. Schiebe has mentioned up to now, “It takes time” for some prospects to understand the C63’s superior drivetrain. He clearly stands by the automobile, however concedes AMG may’ve achieved a greater job advertising the tech.

“We jumped far forward with this know-how, however we should always have defined the know-how extra to our salespeople and prospects,” he instructed Automotive. “We’ll proceed to do this and additional enhance. There’s a German saying, “You by no means have a second likelihood at a primary impression.” Perhaps we missed out on the primary impression, however you probably have the chance, I’m certain you’ll be satisfied of the know-how.”

Schiebe mentioned in a 2023 interview with Prime Gear the C63 would stay a four-cylinder automobile for the foreseeable future. However that may not be the case for the upcoming AMG CLE63. That automobile, which was initially presupposed to get the identical drivetrain, will now obtain a twin-turbo V-8, in response to an Autocar report from 2024. Whereas there is not any official information on the choice, Autocar believes it was a last-minute change stemming from public backlash over the C63.

Photograph by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Both method, the AMG head stays steadfast in his love for the present product.

“The C63 is a vital automobile in our portfolio,” he instructed Automotive. “It was, it’s and it is going to be. We determined with the present model to actually go for the most recent know-how. We needed one thing new and that’s why we put the F1 powertrain right into a street-legal automobile.”