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 did not garner the identical pleasure because the outgoing automotive’s characterful eight-cylinder. The boss of AMG now admits the corporate misplaced out on gross sales as a result of swap.

“We see that a few of our very loyal prospects battle a bit with the idea,” AMG boss Michael Schiebe instructed Automobile Journal. “In fact, little question we now have additionally misplaced some prospects who’re simply into V-8s. It is advisable actually drive this automotive. It’s a really convincing product.”

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

Picture by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Picture by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

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

“We jumped far forward with this expertise, however we must always have defined the expertise extra to our salespeople and prospects,” he instructed Automobile. “We are going to proceed to try 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 positive you’ll be satisfied of the expertise.”

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

Picture by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

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

“The C63 is an important automotive in our portfolio,” he instructed Automobile. “It was once, it’s and it will likely be. We determined with the present model to essentially go for the most recent expertise. We wished one thing new and that’s why we put the F1 powertrain right into a street-legal automotive.”