[JustChris]

Wow that's some output and tech. M3 Vs C63 this gen will be some battle.

[DarkF30]

No big nose grill? Say less

[330XDave]

643bhp! Wow.

[225]

Some seriously clever stuff!

[goodbyalfa]

How long will it last tho putting that much stress through it? Rebuild at 40k Miles?

[J555]

I like the fact it's awd even while fully ev with this conception. With the instant electric torque, the current plugin hybrids can be very tricky in wet and snow.

However, I see few hundreds kg's heavier car than the M3. Not to mention the very compromised trunk space (btw, don't understand, why they placed the heavy batteries that high). While I know that Merc is miles ahead in development compared to BMW, still admire the last M340i/M3 unicorns. Expect they soon become very expensive in Europe, though... In Q4 last year, Merc decided to not deliver the ordered and already produced AMG's to their customers in Europe - just to postpone payment of the eco penalties towards EU by one year.

Hope both Merc and BMW will survive these stupid times, when EU risks killing its biggest industry for no obvious reason...

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

643bhp! Wow.

Mercedes Benz M139 engine holds the honor of being the most powerful 4 cylinder engine, or slightly over 100 HP per cylinder.

According to AMG, "... this 442-hp four-cylinder can be combined with an EDU (Electric Drive Unit) offering up to 201 hp for short bursts, and 94 hp of continuous power."

The nuance in this design decision is how how both M139 engine and EDU will work together to deliver performance in a seamless or disjointed manner. Hopefully, the former of course.

It's fairly obvious that this is the future where ICE powertrains are increasingly augmented by electric motors.

To contrast, BMW's 6 cylinder S58 in competition package offers 503 HP or slightly less than 100HP per cylinder.

For all it's worth: buying S58 equipped BMW vehicle would be a good decision considering the cost benefit of ICE powertrain - as manufacturers see it - has reached practical limits. Buy it and enjoy it as long as you can.

[Cootie]

Sounds very impressive - could be tempted if the pricing isn’t stupid, but definitely wouldn’t fancy owning one outside warranty!

[winther1]

4 cylinder vs 8 cylinder sound?!?

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by winther1

4 cylinder vs 8 cylinder sound?!?

I was thinking just the same .... would I take a V8 with a glorious soundtrack and 475hp or a 4 cylinder with no doubt artificial sound and 650hp.... no question to me. For use in Britain, the extra power and performance is more bragging rights than usable in real life....

[winther1]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

I was thinking just the same .... would I take a V8 with a glorious soundtrack and 475hp or a 4 cylinder with no doubt artificial sound and 650hp.... no question to me. For use in Britain, the extra power and performance is more bragging rights than usable in real life....

Exactly - nothing beats a v8 soundtrack and it's something you notice from the moment you start the car - 200bhp more or less? Probably not