Mercedes-AMG unveils its new four-cylinder hybrid engine

It was some time ago that rumours about a possible four-cylinder hybrid engine started to circulate online. Everything pointed to the next wave of Mercedes-AMG models using this powertrain, especially considering that the current Mercedes-AMG A 45 S already houses the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world. Today, the star brand confirms the rumours and exclusively presents the engine that will power, among other vehicles, the future Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.

In this way, the German saloon leaves behind the colossal 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that has delivered so many thrills, in favour of a more efficient engine committed to caring for the environment. Although many may see this move as an outrage or heresy, the truth is that Mercedes-AMG guarantees a high dose of sportiness with this new powerplant.

To develop it, the brand’s engineers took as their starting point the same 2.0 that powers the A 45; however, they used an electric turbocharger called MGU-H, which they claim completely eliminates the characteristic turbo lag. This technology comes from Formula 1 and is likewise used in the Mercedes-AMG Project One.

It features a small electric motor inside the turbine that generates 6 kW of power. It is powered by an onboard 400-volt electrical network and is capable of spinning at a maximum speed of 156,000 rpm. With this motor at work, the turbine can be accelerated before the exhaust gases take over, reducing turbo lag to zero.

In addition, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 will feature an electric motor delivering an extra 204 CV. In this way, the four-cylinder hybrid will comfortably surpass the V8, offering a total output of 643 CV, managed through an automatic gearbox and the 4Matic+ intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which can send power exclusively to the rear axle if desired.

For now, the German brand has not revealed a launch date, but we can assume that, given the mechanical side is ready, it won’t be long before we meet the new and promising Mercedes-AMG C 63. The Mercedes-AMG saloon is set to usher in a new era for the company, establishing the path that future performance models from the brand will follow.