The next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 that’s due in 2023 or 2024 will reportedly ditch the twin-turbocharged V8 in favour of a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain.
As reported by Autocar, Mercedes-Benz officials have “hinted” the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 used in the current-generation E63 “will no longer be offered” for the next-generation.
In its place, the E63 will reportedly be powered by the 2.0-litre ‘M139’ turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, first seen in the A45 AMG but being re-engineered for longitudinal applications, along with a plug-in hybrid system.
This powertrain is set to be used in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 that’s expected to be revealed in 2022.
Current Mercedes-AMG E63 S
As previously detailed, the turbocharged four-cylinder produces 330kW of power, with the electric motor developing up to 150kW and 320Nm of torque.
Autocar reports this plug-in hybrid powertrain has a total output of up to 447kW of power.
This is 3kW less than the current E63 with the twin-turbo V8, but it’s expected the claimed combined fuel economy figure will be lower than the current 12.3L/100km figure.
The next-generation E63 will reportedly be paired with a 28.6kWh battery pack, which is the same as the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580e that’s not available in Australia, instead of a smaller 6.1kWh battery that’ll be used in the next-generation C63.
Prototype next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63
With this larger battery pack, the next-generation E63 will reportedly have an electric range of over 100km.
The Autocar report suggests the E63 won’t receive the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the similarly-sized GT 63 S E Performance.
The GT 63 S E Performance is arriving Down Under in the second half of 2022 and mates a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor for outputs of 620kW and 1400Nm.
If Mercedes-AMG axes the V8 powertrain in the E63, this will leave the GT four-door coupe and the S-Class as the last Mercedes sedans to offer a V8.
This next-generation, plug-in hybrid E63 is expected to go up against the plug-in hybrid next-generation BMW M5, as well as the next-generation Audi RS6 that’s rumoured to be all-electric.
Autocar reports the next E-Class will continue to be built on the MRA architecture but with a “slightly longer wheelbase”, which is expected to translate to more interior space.
There’ll also reportedly be modified double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, as well as optional air suspension and a rear-wheel steering system.
S-Class interior
It’ll reportedly have a similar dash as the latest C-Class and S-Class with a “free-standing” digital instrument cluster with optional 3D graphics, and a portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system.
Autocar also reports the next-generation E-Class will support SAE Level 3 autonomous driving in permitted countries, as well as 5G connectivity for over-the-air updates.
Mercedes-Benz is not only pushing its plug-in hybrid technology but also all-electric powertrains.
It’ll launch the new EQE in the second half of Australia. Though it’s sized similarly to the E-Class, it’s based on a new all-electric architecture shared with the new EQS and, like its bigger sibling, is set to be available in a higher-performance AMG variant.
