The GT’s V8 continues to live on, but the C-Class isn’t as fortunate.
Affalterbach in Germany is the latest sign that electrification is the future of automobiles. The high-powered, high-performance AMG team are sharing information on future performance variants. AMG is working on an electric vehicle, which will be available later in the year. However, for now we are focusing on a new E Performance plug–in-hybrid powertrain to power the AMG GT-4Door as well as the C Class sedan.
Mercedes-AMG’s new powertrains are based on a modular approach. These new models don’t have a single gasoline-powered engine. Instead, they pair turbocharged four or eight-cylinder gasoline engines with a nine speed automatic transmission on each axle. An Electric Drive Unit (EDU), on the rear axle, houses a lithium-ion batteries, a cooling system, and a powerful electric motor. There is also an electrically controlled differential and separate two-speed transmission. It’s all quite complicated.
The rumors about the C-Class are true. It will be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The M139 unit is the same as the AMG A45 or CLA 45. However, AMG has mounted it longitudinally instead of in a transverse arrangement.
Mercedes claims that the new electric turbocharger is identical to the one in the AMG One hypercar. The 2.0-liter increases its output to 442 horsepower (330 kW) prior to the Electric Drive Unit. AMG promises that the new four-cylinder C-Class AMG with hybrid V8 engines will be “comparable to comparable vehicles with similar V8 engines.”
AMG decided to not go it alone when designing and engineering the new powertrains. Instead, they called in support from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in Brixworth. These seven-time world champions were heavily involved in the development of the electric turbocharger and AMG’s work with the rear-mounted EDU.
Two AMGs created an electric motor that has a power density equal to one pound per horsepower. It can deliver 201 hp (135) and 236lb-ft (2320 Nm) in 10-second bursts and is always available with at least 70 kW (94 hp). A belt-driven starter-alternator produces 14 horsepower (10.4 kW). It is responsible for starting the gas engine, running the lights and air conditioning when the high-voltage batteries are low.
The EDU’s integrated 2-speed transmission uses a similar approach as Porsche used with the Taycan. To provide acceleration immediately, the first speed operates at a standstill. The second gear is engaged by an electric actuator at approximately 87 miles per hour. This allows for better use of the electric motor’s peak rpm.
The EDU, as F1 would say, is “always on.” This means that there’s no way to access the rear drive unit’s performance. It’s always available to provide electric torque or to recover energy. The driver would have many options, but this high-performance German vehicle wouldn’t be the same without them. There will be seven driving modes and four levels of regeneration, including one that Mercedes claims mimics gas engine brakes. AMG Dynamics also offers four modes.
This new powertrain approach promises incredible dynamics. The integrated rear locking differential allows for corner entry and can be used in conjunction with the electric motor and gas engine. The electric motors can transfer torque laterally to the front axle or to the brake-based stability control if the driver is unable to grip the rear. This creates an all-wheel drive effect.
AMG shared some information about the E Performance movement, but we still don’t know a lot. The vehicles are plug-in hybrids. However, the automaker has not given any indication of the range of the 6.1-kilowatt hour battery. We don’t know anything about the charge time and speed. In case you didn’t know, AMG still hasn’t released details on the GT 4-Door and E Performance C-Class. GT73 seems like a certain thing. But can a four-cylinder C-Class adopt the C63 moniker? These are just a few of the many questions we hope to answer as the year progresses.