The last few years have been tumultuous for AMG, to put it mildly. In September 2022, Affalterbach did the unthinkable by introducing a four-cylinder C63. As you’re aware, the sports sedan’s debut opened the floodgates to widespread criticism. Mercedes never publishes sales figures separately for its performance brand, but reports of heavy discounts suggest it failed to gain the traction AMG had hoped for. Elsewhere, the recent recall of 219 AMG One hypercars over a fire risk certainly didn’t help. That’s nearly 80 percent of the entire production run and follows years of development hurdles to homologate the F1 engine for street use. But that’s not to say everything is doom and gloom. There’s a new V-8 engine on the horizon, along with the promise of “very emotional” electric sports cars. These new products will arrive while someone else takes charge at AMG. Mercedes is moving current AMG CEO Michael Schiebe into a new position as Member of the Board of Management responsible for Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management. Schiebe has led AMG for two and a half years, having been appointed in March 2023. He has been with the company since 2004, holding various positions over the past two decades. For now, Mercedes isn’t saying who will take the reins at AMG, only that the name “will be announced at a later date.” AMG’s renewed appreciation for combustion engines puts it in a solid position to battle BMW M and Audi Sport. The incoming V-8 could see broader availability than the current eight-cylinder and pack more punch. That's even though it'll cut fuel consumption and emissions to meet Euro 7 regulations. Recent reports are alleging the C63 will get a bigger engine, though not the V-8. Instead, it could get a 3.0-liter engine. On the EV side, the GT XX concept will evolve into an electric super sedan, twinned with a future SUV. AMG is confident it can lure buyers by developing “the best electric V-8 on the market,” according to Schiebe. However, we remain skeptical that artificial engine noises and simulated gear shifts will help seal the deal. But with proper inline-six and V-8 engines for ICE loyalists, AMG can cater to both sides. Mercedes certainly has the means to manage such a broad portfolio, but whoever ends up running AMG won’t have an easy job. Here’s hoping the new leadership eventually brings back the V-12, especially after Mercedes’ recent commitment to keep its largest engine alive. For now, the 6.0-liter, twin-turbo powerhouse is exclusive to the Maybach S-Class. As for another road car with a Formula 1 engine, it will never happen again due to tightening emissions regulations.
