Car news, 09 April ’25: AMG C63 ditches four-cylinder PHEV power, all-electric Corvette concept uncovered
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, April 9th 2025. Notably in car news today: Mercedes-AMG’s C63 facelift will use a turbo-six hybrid, new General Motors design studio has a radical concept car
Facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 will drop four-pot for 485kW six power
According to British publication Autocar, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed the long-rumoured C63 switch from four-cylinder PHEV power to a more-powerful twin-turbocharged inline-six hybrid.
The Mercedes-AMG ‘M256’ turbocharged straight-six appears in both HEV and PHEV formats. Its most recent (and most powerful) iteration in Australia features in the E53 PHEV, producing 450kW/750Nm . The C63 facelift will push the M256 even further, claiming 485kW while integrating a ‘P2 mounted’ electric motor.
Current model C 63 Performance F1 Edition
Autocar’s report claims that Mercedes-AMG originally considered a return of a four-litre V8 to the 2026 C63 facelift, but due to packaging constraints (including a lack of room for safety equipment and necessary engine cooling), a performance straight six was chosen instead.
Whilst it is unconfirmed when Australia will receive the facelifted six-cylinder powered C63, Mercedes-AMG has previously admitted that the switch from a V8 to an L4 has hurt global C63 sales. It is a fair assumption that Mercedes-AMG will release the L6 C63 globally for its MY26 facelift next year.
Chevrolet Corvette concept car revealed with all-electric powerplant
General Motors has opened the doors to a new ‘advanced design studio’ located in Royal Leamington Spa, UK. GM hopes the studio will spearhead its second attempt at making an impact in the European car market.
The star of the GM studio launch was undoubtedly the radical, futuristic nostalgia trip Chevrolet Corvette concept car. The concept Corvette will be the first of many designs to be released under studio manager and ex-Jaguar designer Julian Thomson.
The UK imagined all-electric Corvette is just one of several concepts to be released as part of a GM-led global design project involving multiple studios. Additional Corvette concepts are still to come in 2025.
Despite popular belief, the Corvette concept car is not in any way related to the future C9 Corvette. Official GM statements refer to the vehicle as “Corvette-inspired”, with not so much as a whisper of the ‘C9’ moniker.
Mercedes-Benz launches a $14,000 cheaper E-Class entry point
Mercedes-Benz Australia has launched an enticing new entry point to its large executive sedan range. The E 200 joins Mercedes-Benz Australia’s E-Class line-up, with a price $14,100 below the E 300.
The Mercedes-Benz E 200 has a list price of $117,900, and has been available to order this month. Features unique to the Australian market include 20-inch AMG wheels as standard, and the return of Mercedes’ iconic upright bonnet emblem as a no cost extra.
The E 200 is powered by a 150kW/320Nmmild-hybrid two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a nine-speed conventional automatic. Mercedes-Benz claims a combined fuel economy of 7.2L/100km (albeit a lenient NEDC measure).
Key players in the entry-level luxury sedan segment include the BMW 520i M Sport, which starts at $114,900 (list price) and the Audi A6 45 TFSI Quattro from $123,600.
Ineos launches radical ‘love it or leave it’ policy for Grenadier
British-based automaker Ineos has launched an extraordinary offer to its growing Australian market. Potential buyers of its Grenadier Quartermaster will now have a six-monthor 15,000km window to trial their new car. If they aren’t satisfied, Ineos will buy it back.
The Ineos “love it or leave it” return policy is exclusive to Grenadier Quartermaster utes and Cab Chassis purchased from April 01 2025. However, the offer is conditional, with customers having to cop depreciation based on mileage and wear and tear while excluding refunds for on-road costs.
The Grenadier Quartermaster starts at $105,000 before on-road costs, and features a three-litre six-cylinder powerplant supplied by BMW. The Grenadier first saw Australian markets in 2024, and has struggled to produce impactful sales figures.
The Ineos Grenadier ute and cab-chassis undoubtedly rivals the ever-popular Toyota Landcruiser 79-Series, which starts at $79,300 before on-road costs for the equivalent dual cab WorkMate.
Chasing Cars road test editor John Law’s review of the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq was published, including praise for the Kodiaq’s direct steering and responsive seven-speed transmission.
Law was impressed by the Kodiaq’s value-oriented position in the family seven-seater SUV market, and commended its seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Two main areas to improve for the Kodiaq are the third-row passenger legroom, and average fuel consumption.
The Skoda Kodiaq should at the very least be shortlisted by Australian families seeking a third row of seating for the occasional use. The Kodiaq is well refined, stylish, and well priced.
