The Next Mercedes-AMG C63 May Get a Larger Engine - But No V8
Mercedes threw a four-cylinder engine at the C63 a while back, ending the iconic V8’s long run in the car and effectively tanking its appeal for enthusiasts. A lot of words have been written about the car in the time since, and the automaker appears to have listened, though it’s not making the exact changes many had hoped. The next C63 may get a bigger engine, but it’s not likely to be a V8.
A Mercedes board member told Auto Express that, “We will have some options where we had a four-cylinder, which will also be available as a six-cylinder going forward. There may or may not be a hybrid, it might be pure ICE, maybe. We’ll let you know when we are there.”
The current four-cylinder engine has loads of tech, including a trick electric turbocharger, plug-in hybrid tech, and other goodies, but even with its prodigious power and speed, it could never match the V8’s ferocity, engagement, and sound. A mild-hybrid inline-six or a similar engine could help with some of that, but the V8 noises will still be absent.
Of course, Mercedes may change course entirely and ditch the C63 name in favor of a tamer C53, which would align with the six-cylinder powertrain. Hybrid power is also almost a given, with tightening Euro emissions regulations driving the ship for many automakers. Whatever the change, we won’t have long to wait, as the next C63 update is expected to arrive in mid-2026.
[Images: Mercedes-Benz]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Larger engine is nice to have; larger grille emblem is must-have.
I haven't read anything in this reporting that that states the V8 is not coming back for sure. It just sounds like the six-cylinder replacements will be around first.
If the CLE63 is getting a V8 I expect the top C-Class will be getting one back as well. I'm not sure why journos are acting like the C/E hierarchy won't follow the CLE but 🤷♂️