Mercedes-AMG is discontinuing its 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain globally due to low customer demand and high engineering costs.
AMG’s Four-Cylinder Hybrid: A Short-Lived Era
The powerful 680hp, 1,020Nm hybrid powertrain, built around AMG’s ‘M139’ four-cylinder engine, currently powers models like the C63 S E Performance and GLC 63 S E Performance.
Despite its impressive performance figures, this setup, introduced in 2022, faced significant backlash. Enthusiasts criticized the substantial weight it added, often exceeding 300kg, and expressed a clear preference for the distinctive sound and driving experience of AMG’s traditional V8 engines.
A senior insider from Mercedes-AMG acknowledged that while the powertrain was technically “one of the most advanced,” it simply “failed to resonate with our traditional customers.”
The Return of Sixes and V8s
Looking ahead, AMG models will revert to using either an updated inline-six engine or a newly developed V8. This new V8 is being engineered with a flat-plane crankshaft and will support 48V mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, ensuring compliance with the upcoming Euro 7 emission norms by 2026.
Speculation suggests the facelifted AMG C 63, expected to launch in 2026, could be among the first models to feature this new V8 engine.
Costly Compliance: The M139’s Downfall
Another major factor behind this strategic shift is the high cost associated with upgrading the M139 engine to meet stringent Euro 7 emission regulations. While the 421hp M139 is recognized as the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine and a marvel of engineering, the investment required for its regulatory compliance was deemed too high, especially given its lukewarm market reception.
Though the M139 engine will remain in production for a short period, it will eventually be phased out. Models currently utilizing this engine, such as the A 45 S hatchback and GLC 43 Coupe, are expected to be either discontinued or transitioned to inline-six powertrains in the near future.
AMG Remains Committed to Electric Performance
Despite the changes to its internal combustion engine strategy, Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer reiterated AMG’s “two-pillar” powertrain strategy. This involves the continued development of high-performance electric vehicles on the dedicated AMG.EA platform, alongside its electrified internal combustion offerings.
The recently unveiled AMG GT XX electric concept offers a glimpse into AMG’s all-electric future, with an electric SUV also planned to follow as a production model based on the new EV platform.
- Mercedes-AMG is phasing out its 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- Customer demand and high Euro 7 compliance costs are key reasons for the decision.
- Future AMG models will use updated inline-six or new V8 engines.
- The M139 four-cylinder engine will eventually be discontinued.
- AMG remains committed to developing both electrified ICE and fully electric performance vehicles.
This move highlights AMG’s responsiveness to market feedback and its strategic pivot towards a more sustainable, yet still thrilling, performance future.
