Next AMG C63 to go four-cylinder?

Autocar's suggesting the C63 will use a hybrid version of the A45's 2.0-litre...

You know when there's news that sounds so silly, it just might be true? A four-cylinder C63 sounds like that. For more than a decade now, 'C63' has become a byword for V8 malevolence and surprisingly adept dynamics, wrapped up in a handsomely proportioned Mercedes. Even before that, C43s and C55s delivered a charming muscle car vibe, again thanks to a hunk of V8 up front.

But it would now seem - at least according to Autocar, that is - that the days of the V8 C-Class may well be numbered. It's suggesting that, when the new '63 arrives in 2022, it will use a hybrid version of M139 four-cylinder as recently introduced in the AMG A45 S. The 421hp 2.0-litre was in fact designed with longitudinal and transverse installations in mind, as well as with mild-hybrid possibilities. It's very easy to imagine that matching the 510hp of a current C63 S with some electric assistance; assistance which it's being suggested will come in the form of the 48v EQ Boost technology seen in the 53 models, with extra power and torque provided by a gearbox-mounted starter motor.

While, naturally, many will bemoan the demise of a supremely characterful V8, a point is made in the Autocar story of the reduced mass at the front end of a smaller engine - even with hybrid assistance. The M139 is 160kg and the M177 more than 200, meaning the 2.0-litre could undercut the 4.0-litre on the scales, even with an additional electric motor.

Of course, this is nothing more than speculation for now, though it's easy to see the logic: reducing fleet emissions, an engineering link to the AMG One hypercar through the hybrid tech, improving dynamics through reduced weight... it all makes sense. Apart from to those hearts and minds captured by a thunderous V8 in an unassuming Mercedes for all those years. Naturally, we'll update the story with more information as it progresses but, for now, best console yourself with some V8 C63s in the classifieds - this W204 Performance Pack estate looks a gem, as does this more recent W205 S saloon. The new ones might be changing (or so it seems), but the old ones should be around for a little while yet...