#MercedesAMG

The Mercedes-AMG naming system has long defined entry-, mid-, and high-level cars, but enthusiasts had plenty to say about the brand’s move to a hybrid four-cylinder engine in one of its most iconic current models. The newest C63 dropped its fantastic V8 in favor of a complex four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, and while we reported on the rumors that have pointed to the eight-cylinder’s return, Mercedes-AMG’s CEO recently put all speculation to bed.

Mercedes-AMG’s SUV offerings have ranged from odd to mind-blowingly powerful and quick. There has never been a performance hybrid model in AMG’s catalog until now, however, but that’s changing with the 2024 AMG GLC 43 and the 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance.

Mercedes is giving the entry-level CLA-Class a notable update for 2024 that includes fresh styling, more standard tech, updated infotainment, and a more powerful AMG variant. The car goes on sale in late 2023 in four versions: CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC, AMG CLA 35, and AMG CLA 45.

Affalterbach rather backed itself into a corner with the C 63 – at least in terms of its powerplant. For ages, the octopot racket was a key part of the package, meaning any replacement featuring less than eight cylinders would need to blow the doors off itself in order to avoid derisive looks from the cognoscenti. 

Leave it to AMG to tackle the thorny issue of four-bangers head-on by delivering one which, by itself, produces a scarcely believable 469 horsepower – then add an electric motor on the rear axle which pushes total output to nearly 700 horses.