Mercedes AMG 5.5 liter V8 Biturbo and AMG 5.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine Documentary – Video

Rumoured in 2009 and confirmed in 2010, AMG developed the M157, a 5.5-litre V8 with direct fuel injection and twin turbochargers. Power is rated at up to 577 bhp (430 kW; 585 PS) at 5,250-5,750rpm with a peak torque of 664 lb·ft (900 N·m) made between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm (the amount of power and torque depends on model, but these are the maximum ratings). Both engines will be mated to Mercedes-Benz’s 7-speed MCT transmission.

Unlike the M156 naturally aspirated 6.2 L V8 which was developed entirely within AMG, the M157 is based upon the M278 that will be found in the regular Mercedes-Benz S-Class and CL-Class. The M157 boasts 25% better fuel economy (10.5 litres per 100 kilometres versus 14.4 L/100 km in the European driving cycle) over the M156, meaning it will avoid the US Gas Guzzler Tax for the first time ever, despite having up to 47 horsepower more. The M157’s increased torque from both the regular version and performance package means the engine can be shifted into a taller gear sooner, keeping engine revs and fuel consumption to a minimum. The new M157 will have an engine start/stop mode and is lightweight at 204 kg. The M157 is said to be ideal for powering full-size sedans such as the S-Class, but the older M156 will continue to be produced as its more precise throttle response is still well suited to smaller sportier models (the C-Class), until the 2015 model arrives, which will be powered by a 4.0 liter V8.

 

 

5.5 L V8 BiTurbo models will carry the “63” model designation, shared with the 6.2L V8 models. Visually, the 2011 S63 AMG is differentiated from the 2010 model (itself face-lifted over the 2009 S63) by the more angular design of the chromed dual exhaust tips, which also sport embossed AMG logos, as well as new forged wheels. For the CL63 AMG, the new M157 engine coincides with the facelift of the CL-Class for the 2011 model year.

Despite common belief, 63 AMG models are typically faster than their 65 AMG counterparts. An S63 AMG accelerates faster and handles better than an S65 AMG (due to 4-wheel drive and decreased weight), and an SL63 AMG accelerates faster than an SL65 AMG due to decreased torque, lower weight, and better balance by use of the V8.

Since 2013, AMG models with the S-Model package feature all-wheel drive, which allows for better handling and better acceleration. The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S has been tested to accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds. This makes it the quickest production sedan. MotorTrend tested the 2014 E63 AMG S with the M157 engine to produce an estimated 676 bhp (504 kW; 685 PS) and 631 lb·ft (856 N·m).

The M152 is a naturally aspirated, detuned version of the M157 Biturbo V8. This V8 is used for the 2012 SLK55 AMG, and it produces 415 hp and 398 lb-ft. This engine was discontinued in 2016 with the introduction of the SLC43 AMG.