The previous few years have been tumultuous for AMG, to place it mildly. In September 2022, Affalterbach did the unthinkable by introducing a four-cylinder C63. As you’re conscious, the sports activities sedan’s debut opened the floodgates to widespread criticism. Mercedes by no means publishes gross sales figures individually for its efficiency model, however experiences of heavy reductions counsel it failed to realize the traction AMG had hoped for.
Elsewhere, the latest recall of 219 AMG One hypercars over a fireplace threat actually didn’t assist. That’s almost 80 p.c of your entire manufacturing run and follows years of growth hurdles to homologate the F1 engine for road use. However that’s to not say every part is doom and gloom. There’s a brand new V-8 engine on the horizon, together with the promise of “very emotional” electrical sports activities vehicles.
These new merchandise will arrive whereas another person takes cost at AMG. Mercedes is shifting present AMG CEO Michael Schiebe into a brand new place as Member of the Board of Administration liable for Manufacturing, High quality & Provide Chain Administration, efficient December 1, 2025.
Schiebe has led AMG for 2 and a half years, having been appointed in March 2023. He has been with the corporate since 2004, holding numerous positions over the previous twenty years. For now, Mercedes isn’t saying who will take the reins at AMG, solely that the identify “will probably be introduced at a later date.”
Picture by: Mercedes-Benz
AMG’s renewed appreciation for combustion engines places it in a stable place to battle BMW M and Audi Sport. The incoming V-8 may see broader availability than the present eight-cylinder and pack extra punch. That is regardless that it’s going to reduce gasoline consumption and emissions to satisfy Euro 7 rules. Latest experiences are alleging the C63 will get a much bigger engine, although not the V-8. As an alternative, it may get a 3.0-liter engine.
On the EV aspect, the GT XX idea will evolve into an electrical tremendous sedan, twinned with a future SUV. AMG is assured it might probably lure patrons by creating “the perfect electrical V-8 available on the market,” based on Schiebe. Nevertheless, we stay skeptical that synthetic engine noises and simulated gear shifts will assist seal the deal.
However with correct inline-six and V-8 engines for ICE loyalists, AMG can cater to each side. Mercedes actually has the means to handle such a broad portfolio, however whoever finally ends up working AMG gained’t have a simple job. Right here’s hoping the brand new management finally brings again the V-12, particularly after Mercedes’ latest dedication to maintain its largest engine alive. For now, the 6.0-liter, twin-turbo powerhouse is unique to the Maybach S-Class.
As for one more highway automotive with a System 1 engine, it is going to by no means occur once more as a consequence of tightening emissions rules.
