Next-Generation Mercedes-AMG E63 Rumored To Adopt Hybrid Inline-6 Engine

Feb. 01, 2023 10:00 AM ET by Jarryd Neves Rumor / 3 Comments

Expect more than 690 horsepower and 884 lb-ft of torque from the new setup.

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 will abandon the V8 engine in favor of a more modern plug-in hybrid inline-six, says a new report.

According to Autocar, the newcomer - set to be revealed in 2024 - will gain motivation from a modified version of the brand's M256 engine. This is a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six engine that currently does duty in the existing AMG '53' series, the S500, and even the Chinese-market Aston Martin DBX.

In the new E63, however, the six-cylinder engine will benefit from a rear-mounted electric motor. While details remain scant, the publication notes Affalterbach is aiming for more than 690 horsepower and 884 lb-ft of torque. As a reminder, the current model uses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 to produce 603 hp and 627 lb-ft.

CarBuzz

The revised M256 engine is expected to share components with the M139L and M177 used by the C63 and GT 63, respectively. Insiders at AMG told Autocar that the E63's asynchronous motor is very similar to the one found in other electrified 63 models.

The electric motor holds the key to the new model's phenomenal performance. Thanks to the new plug-in hybrid system, power from the electric motor is sent via a two-speed gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to the rear wheels.

Up front, the turbocharged inline-six motor will send its power to both the front and rear wheels through AMG's nine-speed automatic transmission. Don't expect a high all-electric range, as the smaller C63 manages just eight miles. We wouldn't be surprised if the new E63 offers a similar range figure when it arrives next year.

CarBuzz

Like the all-new S63 AMG E-Performance, Mercedes-AMG is expected to offer the E63 with several recuperation modes, and several distinct AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. This includes Battery Hold, Comfort, Electric, Individual, Slippery, Sport, and Sport Plus.

It seems the next-generation E63 will be more than a match for the BMW M5. The AMG's Bavarian rival will reportedly borrow its 700-hp V8 hybrid engine from the XM SUV. The new E63 will almost certainly be faster than its predecessor, but whether it's a match for its historic rival remains to be seen.

The midsize Mercedes-AMG should prove fun in the corners, thanks to double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. The vehicle will be underpinned by an updated iteration of the automaker's Modular Rear Architecture platform, currently used on the latest C-Class and S-Class models.

CarBuzz

For the first time, the E-Class will also be made available with four-wheel steering, which should provide it with small-car levels of maneuverability.

Those less concerned with outright speed and aggression will be pleased to know AMG is also working on an E53 variant as well. Interestingly, this lesser-powered version won't adopt the C63's downsized four-cylinder engine but instead use a detuned version of the same M256 twin-turbo inline-six.

As per the report, this is essentially the same application you'd find in the S580e plug-in hybrid, which produces a respectable 503 hp and 553 lb-ft; considerably more than what the current E53 offers buyers. While this is yet to be confirmed by Mercedes-AMG, we're just grateful performance E-Class models aren't getting a four-pot motor.

For those still mourning the loss of the V8, there's still time to act, with the automaker unveiling Final Edition models of the W205 C-Class and E-Class AMG models.