Hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 to be dropped, replaced by 6-cylinder C53

As reported by Car and Driver, Mercedes-AMG CEO, Michael Schiebe, has confirmed the removal of the 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Mercedes-AMG C63 from production, and to replace it with a mild-hybrid inline-six powertrain from the existing 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53.

The reasoning behind the removal of the four-cylinder turbo hybrid powertrain is influenced by the onset of Euro 7 emissions regulations, stating that it will be very difficult to move forward with the four-cylinder engine in the future. Not to mention, the Mercedes-AMG C63 was known for its rowdy V8 image, and so the current Mercedes-AMG C63 featuring a 2.0-litre inline-four turbo hybrid did put some fans and customers off.

The new engine will be the same unit powering the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53, which is a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with an electric compressor, producing 443 PS and 600 Nm of torque, and comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which can add another 23 PS and 205 Nm of torque to aid acceleration.

While the new powertrain is down on power compared to the 671 PS, 1019 Nm of torque of the current turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four with plug-in hybrid, without the 354 kg plug-in hybrid system, the new model might be just as quick. However, to reflect the lower power output, the new model will be badged as the Mercedes-AMG C53 and is set to arrive as part of an updated C-Class family due to arrive later this year globally, likely as 2027 models.

Is this goodbye for the Mercedes-AMG C63? Maybe, but with the recent unveiling of the improved M177 Evo twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 on the newly updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class S850, a V8 might find its way back into the Mercedes-AMG C63 in the near future.