Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[klier]

Exactly they are a V8 brand, AMG is synonymous with the V8. An inline 6 as the top dog would still not feel right, That’s BMW.

The C32 AMG W203 is a sleeper cult classic. A mighty I6 would do just fine, and knowing MB it'll do bigger numbers than the next M3 so closing in on 600 hp.

It's actually pretty even in terms of V8 vs 6 cylinder in the C class, but yeah the V8 seems to have more presence:

W201: 6 cylinder (they made the C43 and C55 with V8, but rare)
W202: 6 cylinder (facelift did indeed become a V8)
W204: 8 cylinder
W205: 8 cylinder

Not disagreeing that AMG is synonymous with a big V8, but the C class would do just fine with a strong I6.

 

[Dopebouy]

The C32 AMG W203 is a sleeper cult classic. A mighty I6 would do just fine, and knowing MB it'll do bigger numbers than the next M3 so closing in on 600 hp.

It's actually pretty even in terms of V8 vs 6 cylinder in the C class, but yeah the V8 seems to have more presence:

W201: 6 cylinder (they made the C43 and C55 with V8, but rare)
W202: 6 cylinder (facelift did indeed become a V8)
W204: 8 cylinder
W205: 8 cylinder

Not disagreeing that AMG is synonymous with a big V8, but the C class would do just fine with a strong I6.

In 2026 it’s V8 or Nothing for the customers. That’s what they want right now, especially since they now know there is an updated V8 that can fit under that engine bay.

Them making the C63 not a V8 again would just be them giving BMW 80% of the sales again, Since everyone is gonna choose the BMW’s inline 6 instead of theirs.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

The C32 AMG W203 is a sleeper cult classic. A mighty I6 would do just fine, and knowing MB it'll do bigger numbers than the next M3 so closing in on 600 hp.

It's actually pretty even in terms of V8 vs 6 cylinder in the C class, but yeah the V8 seems to have more presence:

W201: 6 cylinder (they made the C43 and C55 with V8, but rare)
W202: 6 cylinder (facelift did indeed become a V8)
W204: 8 cylinder
W205: 8 cylinder

Not disagreeing that AMG is synonymous with a big V8, but the C class would do just fine with a strong I6.

This can work if AMG make their own inline or V6 for high performance. Realistically it needs to be on a level with the S58 or better. The M256 is good, but it's more for modularity and refinement than it is for high performance.

I've been an advocate for AMG to make one, because I think they need a proper rival to the S58. But seems like they're all in on the V8.

Also if I wanted a new EU7 compliant V12, I'd base it on a clean slate AMG I6, over the M256.