We can make fun of it all we want but I wouldn't be at all surprised if the new hybrid 4-pot AMG outperforms its V8 descendant, with better fuel economy to boot.

Heart-pounding soulful V8 engine sounds will come in via speakers.

 

Put the V8 under boost, its again like a F90 m5 vs a TTS85 M5, more intake valve curtain area under the same pressure across the most cylinders means more power

 

I'm sure it will outperform the twin turbo V8 in at least some metrics, but again, it's the top of the line C-class enthusiast car. If you want better gas mileage with some performance get a C43 lol.

 

Then name a 4cyl hybrid sedan/coupe that has a gotta have it, aspirational, respected, image, anything close to a C63 AMG.

 

People buying AMG 's aren't that concerned with fuel economy, a gutted civic with a big turbo or heavily tuned EVO/WRX Sti will beat pretty much any exotic on the drag strip, there is more to just a 0-60 or quarter mile time.

 

Most consumers dont know what a C63 is, but to say there is no image or prestige from a 4cyl sedan isnt the case. 4 cyl C Classes now have that image/prestige, as does the GLC, the E Class 4 Cyl cars. Most people dont know what engine is in a car.

Look how well Volvo has done with all 4 Cyl cars.

Will enthusiasts embrace the 4 cyl C63 AMG? That remains to be seen, but my guess is Mercedes will do it right. I think they sure will in Europe.

 

AMG might be different than Porsche but 718 Boxster GTS did not sell with 4cyl turbo at all and they had to put in the detuned flat 6cyl.

AMG built its reputation on V8s and to downsize to a 4cyl will be huge issue for them with knowledgeable car buyers imo. I think a lot of these true enthusiasts will be buying up IS500 or going M3 if they can stomach the styling.

 

I dont see someone who was going to buy a C63S going out and buying an IS500. C63S is a lot more expensive, they can go buy an LC almost.

 

I don't know if an M3 buyer is going to go looking for the IS500. The performance between the two are vastly different...the IS500 is more of an M340 competitor. The RS4/5 may get an uptick in sales as those sedans are still good looking. Also, the Model 3 Performance has been getting a lot of former M3 buyers too (I see many former owners on the forums) but the price is more inline with the IS500. We also can't forget the new Blackwing Caddys and the Giulia (but its long in the tooth).

 

I’m referring to ppl that need a 4 door sedan. There aren’t many options if you want to buy / lease new.

 

Go on Bimmerpost and see for yourself.
Lots of owners there of E9x M3 that don’t want turbo or just want V8 in compact sedan.

The CRAZY part is the IS500 with V8 will weigh less than new M3!

The market for the IS500 is not for ppl that are looking at 0-60 numbers or to win 1/4 races. Its for enthusiasts that are prioritizing other attributes. Again if new M3 looked great, IS500 would not be in consideration but bec it has horrendous design ppl are looking elsewhere.

 

I completely agree that the market for the IS500 are not for spec people but a lot of M3 buyers are spec people (not all but a lot from my experience). I think the people that do care about spec will stay with the M3 and just stomach the looks . The enthusiasts you mentioned may go the IS500 route but there are plenty of other options too is my point. It seems the V8 E9x M3 crowd is a little different than the F80 crowd though so maybe they will all go to the new IS500 but the F80 crowd will most likely go the new M3/4 route.

 

Many F8x owners including me 😀 are unhappy with G8x.
Depending on budget - some ppl will go the P car route and for some needing a sedan, I think this new IS500 will be intriguing option especially for folks that missed out on original E9x M3 or ISF.

The other weird thing about G8x besides looks is that car is sitting at dealers already but there are ZERO reviews out on it. BMW is really limiting exposure for it from journalists or youtubers. Plenty of static reviews but nothing on how it drives. I have never seen anything like that when car is already on lots for sale.....🤔

 

Yes very strange indeed. I check Bimmerpost daily to see if any professional reviews out there pop up and there are none. The only reviews I’ve seen so far are the members who have been invited to drive them a few laps on a track. So dumb to have cars at dealers already but no professional reviews out there at all.

 

Yeah whats the rationale for that?!