Twin-Turbo, or BiTurbo as Mercedes calls it, is a version of a traditional combustion engine that is paired with two turbochargers that force air into the engine to create more power. These types of engines are known as forced induction engines, and these engines are fairly common in powerful Mercedes models.
The BiTurbo engine setup is only reserved for a few non-AMG SUV models like the GLE 580, G550, or the GLS 580. The S-Class flagship sedan is offered either with a 6-cylinder BiTurbo or a V8 BiTurbo. As far as AMG models are concerned, all of the modern-day Mercedes AMG engines offer a BiTurbo setup.
Many people believe that the modern age of the automotive industry is being plagued by downsizing and forced induction, but no one can deny the power that Mercedes can extract from a 3.0L 6-cylinder BiTurbo engine.
Naturally aspirated engines are a dying breed, and all the newer performance and even some non-performance cars will offer a twin-turbo setup or electric/hybrid powertrains in the future.
Mercedes 3.0L BiTurbo V6
The Mercedes C43 AMG Coupe/Sedan is powered by a 3.0L V6 BiTurbo engine that produces 385hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is able to give the C43 a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds and is also able to return 19-27MPG US. This is not bad for an AMG engine.
The C43 retails for $56-59k, but dealer discounts are expected because the new C43 is just around the corner.
This engine is also used in the GLC43 AMG, and the engine output is virtually the same. The GLC retails for $59k as well, but the fuel efficiency is a bit worse due to aerodynamics and additional weight.
It’s also worth mentioning that the new AMG versions of the new 2022 C-Class use neither a 6-cylinder nor an 8-cylinder engine. AMG enthusiasts are not fond of this decision, but Mercedes is adamant about providing a more efficient powerplant, that is still as powerful as a good old V8.
No matter the case, most AMG enthusiasts believe that we are past the Mercedes AMG peak anyway, so all the upcoming models are not expected to be as exciting as they once were.
Mercedes 4.0L BiTurbo V8
Probably the most exciting Mercedes engine at the moment is the 4.0L BiTurbo V8 that powers most of the AMG range, and a few non-AMG SUVs. The GLE580, GLS580, and the G550 are all powered by a 4.0L BiTurbo V8. The difference is that the GLE580 and the GLS580 both pair the V8 with Mercedes EQ Boost and the G550 doesn’t.
All three of these SUVs represent the highest trim non-AMG version of their respectful lineups. The G550 costs upwards of $130k, the GLE580 costs around $80k, and the GLS580 retails for around $100k. But the best V8 engines are always reserved for the AMG models, which all use the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo, while the engine is further enhanced by AMG.
The Mercedes C63 AMG offers a down-tuned version of this AMG V8 that produces 469hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and the C63 retails for $69k. If you opt for the $107k E63 AMG, you will get a decent bump in power, as the 4.0L in the E63 puts out 603hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
The AMG GT Black Series offers the most powerful version of this engine. It’s worth mentioning that the engine in the Black Series offers a flat-plane crank configuration, but the engine is similar to the one found in the AMG GT R. The Black Series offers as much as 720hp and 590 lb-ft of torque and is limited in production.
Mercedes AMG 6.0L V12 BiTurbo
A few years ago, Mercedes released the S65 AMG Final Edition. This version of the S-Class was released to mark the last Mercedes to offer a V12 engine. However, technically Mercedes AMG still makes this engine for the Pagani Huayra hypercar.
This engine is incredible from many different aspects. It offers 760hp-830+ hp, depending on the model in question, and it also offers upwards of 750 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful version of this engine is currently being offered in the multi-million-dollar Pagani Huayra Imola.
These types of engines are incredibly rare nowadays, and Pagani manages to sell them because the cars cost as much as they do, and they are produced in extremely limited quantities. But in a few years, this legendary AMG V12 will also cease production.
FAQ
What are the benefits of a twin-turbo (BiTurbo) setup?
The benefits of a BiTurbo engine are power, efficiency, torque, and excitement. Forced induction is the current trend in the automotive industry, and that’s for a reason as these types of engines are able to gain significant power and efficiency.
Only a few, non-exotic modern cars still offer naturally aspirated engines. Models like the Jaguar F-Type, Lexus LC500, Lexus IS500, and a few American cars can still be bought with a N/A engine. N/A engines are incredibly fuel-thirsty compared to turbocharged engines, but they are simpler in construction, which might prove beneficial as far as reliability is concerned.
What’s the difference between a supercharger and a turbocharger?
Superchargers and turbochargers represent the most popular methods of forced induction. A turbocharger relies on exhaust gases to spool up the turbo, which results in a slight delay between you slamming on the gas, and the power being delivered to the engine.
On the other hand, a supercharger relies on the engine for its rotation, which means that there are no delays in power. Turbochargers are mostly used in Europe and Japan, and only a few supercharged models are available. The USA prefers supercharging for many of its muscle cars, but many turbocharged cars are also available.
What is the purpose of an intercooler in a turbocharged engine?
Turbochargers are amazing because they increase the power, while also offering better efficiency compared to a similarly powered N/A engine. But they are not perfect, as they are prone to overheating the engine if the entire setup of the engine is not capable of cooling the engine down.
Turbochargers use exhaust gasses to spoil up the engine, which means that the temperatures associated with these gases are incredibly high, and the operating temperatures of such engines are higher compared to a N/A engine. The purpose of an intercooler is to cool these gasses down to prevent overheating and increase efficiency.
