The End Of AMG's V8 Has Begun

The E63 Coupe and Cabrio are coming with smaller engines.

Mercedes-AMG and V8s go together like ice-cream and chocolate sauce, or at least they used to. Rumors have abounded that the next Mercedes-AMG C63 will not be powered by a V8 anymore, but now we have confirmation that the larger E-Class won't get a V8 either, at least not in coupe or cabriolet guise. Information from executives at Affalterbach has been divulged to Motor Trend after the virtual unveiling of the updated range of models and the big news is this: the Mercedes-AMG E53 will be the hottest of the E-Class coupe and drop-top models. While the E-Class Coupe and Convertible haven't had V8-powered AMG variants for some time, we still held hope, but our hopes have now been dashed as product planners at Merc have determined that an E63 variant is not required for two-door models.

To make up for this, the AMG Dynamic Plus package will be offered on a six-cylinder E-Class for the first time. Currently, the E53's electrically-assisted 3.0-liter inline-six turbo produces 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque on its own with a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid setup adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Despite the fact the new model doesn't get a boost in power, other updates made are just as important. New headlights, taillights, wheels, paint options, and a revised Panamericana grille have been fitted, while the cabin benefits from a redesigned steering wheel, Merc's new MBUX infotainment system, and a pair of 12.3-inch displays in a single casing. Convertibles will also see the return of Airscarf neck-warming and will gain sun-reflecting leather upholstery.

While it is disappointing to note the absence of a V8 in the new model lineup of two-door E-Class cars, at least there will still be an E63 version of the sedan and the E63 wagon will live on, too. To many, a brash, brutish, bellowing V8 is part of the E-Class DNA, and at least there is still one coming, you just have to accept extra doors with it. Is this an omission that we're likely to miss? Honestly, no. Mercedes says that the coupe only accounts for 17 percent of its E-Class sales worldwide, with the cabrio getting an even thinner slice of the pie, and C-Class convertibles are more popular everywhere. Still, this does bring the issue of downsizing front and center. From one of the world's most unapologetic brands ever, we have to recognize what's happening. It's the beginning of the end for big engines.