Mercedes-AMG Continues Moving Away From Smaller Engines

In a bid to adhere to emissions regulations, and perhaps see if customers would tolerate it, Mercedes-AMG began introducing four-cylinder engines about a decade ago. The decision did not go over particularly well with driving enthusiasts and AMG fans, especially as vehicle curb weights increased dramatically within the same timeframe. But Mercedes-AMG has received the message and looks to be moving away from smaller powertrains.

It all began with the debut of the M133 engine in 2013. While often praised as a particularly potent pipsqueak, it also normalized small-displacement AMG models. However, many fans criticized the decision — often claiming that a performance-focused luxury brand with elevated pricing shouldn’t be downsizing engines.

The little AMG motors weren’t bad in themselves. But they arguably didn’t make sense for a subbrand historically known for oversized engines making oodles of power.

In an article from Germany’s Elektroauto-News (h/t Car and Driver) about how stricter regulations from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will require Mercedes-AMG to quiet down their cars, mention was made that the brand would likewise abandon several of its smaller models. This decision was confirmed by Mercedes-Benz.

Translated from Elektroauto-News:

According to the company, popular compact models from Mercedes-AMG will soon no longer be available: "Production of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC will continue until the end of the third week of February 2026," the product managers announced. Production of the "Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC will also continue until the end of the third week of February 2026."

Those interested in even more powerful – and, for the sense of hearing, particularly communicative – automobiles have a little more time: “The Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SE Performance can still be produced until the end of the third week of May 2026.”

This coincides with previous confirmation that Mercedes was aware that the four-cylinder M139 2.0-liter (found in the hybrid C63 and GLC63) hadn’t gone over well and that AMG had continued developing inline sixes and V8s.

Mercedes-Benz has likewise not been quiet about the fact that customers want larger engines in general, particularly on AMG models. Interestingly, sources from within the company also acknowledged that engineering small powertrains to be powerful enough to satisfy AMG fans while also adhering to Euro 7 emissions regulations was costing a small fortune. We don’t know if that had reached a point where it would make more financial sense for the automaker to simply eat the fines, however.

What we know for certain is that AMG is developing a new V8 and there are credible rumors that at least some of the current models equipped with turbo fours will pivot to inline sixes. But it’s likewise assumed that most will see some level of hybridization so the company can continue to adhere to ever-tightening emissions regulations coming out of Europe.

[Images: Mercedes-Benz]

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