Mercedes-AMG’s turbo four could power larger models

Could there eventually be a Mercedes-AMG C45 AMG? Don’t rule it out.

Paultan reports the power-rich M139 turbocharged four-cylinder, as seen in the new Mercedes-AMG A45, has been engineered for longitudinal applications.

It’s currently used only in cars on the MFA2 front/all-wheel-drive platform, where it’s mounted transversely. This includes the Mercedes-AMG A45, CLA45, and upcoming GLA45 and GLB45 crossovers.

AMG CEO Tobias Moers explained the 2.0-litre four makes so much power – up to 310kW and 500Nm – because “[AMG is] going to use that engine for further applications which are not necessarily east-west applications”.

It’s part of a shifting powertrain strategy by Mercedes’s performance arm as it embraces smaller engines and electrification. The next C63, for example, will be a hybrid, which potentially leaves the door open for an electrified version of the M139 2.0-litre.

Moers told Paultan future 63-branded models will also be hybrids but won’t produce more than the 450kW offered by today’s 63 S cars.

This would suggest next-generation AMG 63 models will feature downsized engines which, in turn, could mean boosted four-cylinders will replace the six-cylinder mills in Mercedes-AMG models with 43 and 53 badges.

Don’t call time of death on AMG V8s and V12s yet, though. Head of group R&D at Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kallenius, told us earlier this year “the V8 will be there for many years to come” and that “the V12 will survive”.