New 2024 Mercedes-AMG E63 W214: 700bhp but no V8
Mercedes-AMG is dropping engine for more potent straight-six hybrid set-up
The next Mercedes-AMG E63 W214 will swap its V8 petrol engine for an advanced new straight-six plug-in hybrid drivetrain, providing it with greater power and the capacity for electric-only use. Due in 2024, the hot E63 saloon and estate will be the first Mercedes-AMG models to adopt the new electrified drivetrain, which has a similar ‘P3’ hybrid arrangement to the recently launched GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé and C63 S E Performance.
Official details remain under wraps, but Autocar can confirm the hottest version of the next E-Class will receive a heavily reworked version of Mercedes’ M256 turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, mounted longitudinally and working in tandem with an electric motor on the rear axle.
The extent of AMG’s revisions to the M256 remains unclear. However, it appears set to share a number of key components with the M139L and M177 engines used by the C63 and GT 63, with a similar inline design and internal dimensions, including an 83mm bore and 90mm bore centre spacing.
The asynchronous motor in the new E63 is also similar in construction and performance to the 201bhp unit used by the other electrified 63 models, according to AMG insiders. Electrical energy is stored in a 4.8kWh (usable) 400V lithium ion battery under the boot floor. AMG is said to be targeting more than 700bhp and 884lb ft of torque for the new drivetrain.
For context, the M177 twinturbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that powers the outgoing E63 S develops 604bhp and 626lb ft. The secret to the significant increase in power and torque of the new plug-in hybrid systems is that the output isn’t limited by the gearbox, because the reserves from the motor are sent directly to the rear wheels via a two-speed gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Underpinning the new car will be a revised version of Mercedes’ Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) with double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension and, for the first time on the E-Class flagship, four-wheel steering. The E63 is one of two new AMG E-Class models. The other, a successor to today’s E53, is set to run a milder version of the electrified six-pot.
Saloon and estate E63 will have more than 884lb ft on tap. E63 will use a 201bhp electric motor and 3.0-litre turbo six.