Long known for its powerful V8 engine, the next Mercedes-AMG E63 will feature a new inline-six with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The new drivetrain combines Mercedes-Benz’s M256 turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with an electric motor providing more power and limited electric-only range.
Expected to launch in 2024, the new E63 uses a similar hybrid setup to the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance 4-Door Coupé and Mercedes-AMG C63 SE Performance. Mercedes-AMG hasn’t provided official figures on the new drivetrain but expects a range of 700 horsepower and 880 lb-feet of torque. That would be a significant improvement over the current twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, which develops 604 horsepower and 626 lb-feet of torque.
In addition to the inline-six, the hybrid powertrain will use a 201-horsepower asynchronous motor and a 400-volt, 4.8kWh battery mounted under the trunk. Output from the electric motor is sent to the rear wheels via a two-speed gearbox and an electronically controlled limited slip differential. Meanwhile, the inline-six uses a nine-speed MCT Speedshift gearbox to direct power to the front and rear wheels. Like the other Mercedes-AMG PHEV models, the new E63 gets seven different driving modes, including Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Individual.
Although the new PHEV system is designed for performance over efficiency, it only includes an electric mode that offers a range of up to eight miles. The setup is similar to the C63 and AMG GT, and with that in mind, the new E63 is expected to best the current E63’s performance figures which include a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.
In addition to the new E63, AMG is planning a successor model to the current E53, using a lighter version of the E63 powertrain which includes a gearbox-mounted electric motor. Not to be outdone, the E-Class is also rumored to be getting an M256 inline-six version. This variant is said to be a reworked version of the 3.0 liter turbocharged engine which will be paired with an electric motor on the rear axle.
