Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 reverts to V8 amid customer pushback on hybrids
The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 was supposed to have a 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid. However, the market received this unit negatively in the C63 and GLC 63 models. The Germans decided to listen to customer feedback and change their plans.
The premiere of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 was associated with a major change that the brand's biggest fans could not reconcile with. The German manufacturer decided to make a significant switch in terms of the unit under the hood of this model. Instead of a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8, they opted for a plug-in hybrid with a 4-cylinder engine of 2 litres capacity.
The 680 hp power and technology taken straight from Formula 1 tracks were certainly impressive. However, not everyone felt it was the right path. General Director of AMG Michael Schiebe had a different opinion. He believed that the company "was convinced of the hybridization concept." However, this confidence only took a few months to be significantly shaken.
The PHEV system mentioned was also to be used by the upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63, and it seemed that this situation would no longer change. However, the British service Autocar, citing sources within the brand itself, reports that the car will instead be powered by a gasoline V8 with 585 hp.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 to have a V8 after all. Sales figures made the decision
The main reason for this switch is said to be the customers who decided to vote with their wallets. The sales of the new C 63 and GLC 63, which received the plug-in hybrid, are noticeably lower compared to their predecessors.
Fans and some dealers appealed for the return of the V8. They argued that placing a 4-cylinder unit above a 3-litre straight-six available in Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 could confuse customers.
As recently as April 2024, Markus Schäfer, the head of research and development at Mercedes, acknowledged that "customer opinions will influence the future of the hybrid system". The Germans listened to their voices, and despite assurances that further use of the V8 was impossible for structural reasons, they decided to go for it anyway.
"Autocar", however, notes that the new Mercedes flagship coupe will still not have a pure gasoline engine. According to the portal's information, the latest version of the AMG M177 V8 unit is to be a "mild hybrid." This solution, however, should be an acceptable compromise for customers longing for this engine.
