Mercedes-Benz will axe its four-cylinder hybrid engines that currently powers the C63 S E Performance sold in India, as per an Autocar India report. The plug-in hybrid setup of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine makes 680bhp and 1,020Nm of torque. But why is Mercedes axing the engine?
Mercedes-Benz hybrid engine
Based on the M139 engine, the hybrid motor made its debut in 2022, and since then, it has faced widespread criticism owing to the extra 300kg it adds to the car. From an enthusiast’s perspective, it did not have the same feeling as an AMG V8.
Speaking to Autocar UK, a senior Mercedes-Benz employee said, “one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It’s also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We’ve recognised that.”
There is another reason as well, as the M139 engine – the most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the world – is sophisticated and updating it to meet the latest Euro 7 norms will also be expensive for the company in relation to its demand in the market.
So what’s the future for Mercedes-Benz?
That said, future Mercedes-Benz AMG models will either be powered by an updated in-line six-cylinder engine or a new V8 that the carmaker is currently developing with a flat-plane crankshaft. The engine is being developed to meet the upcoming Euro 7 norms in 2026, while being engineered to support 48V mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems.
The current M139 engine will continue to be in production as of now and will slowly be phased out, which powers the A 45 S hatchback and GLC 43 Coupe. These models could see the updated six-cylinder engine in the future.
