AMG Is Ditching Its Hated Four-Cylinder C63 For Something Much Better

AMG took the the C63 in a new direction in 2022 with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid four-pot, and it’s finally admitted that this road was a dead-end. That’s according to comments from one insider at Mercedes’ performance division, who claims AMG is getting ready to junk the engine in the current C63, which controversially downsized from a V8 to plug-in hybrid inline four.

The exec, who spoke to Autocar on condition on anonymity, said AMG will equip its future combustion-powered models with either the six-cylinder hybrid now deployed in the E53, or a brand new flat-plane crank V8 that’s still in development.

Related: 2026 AMG C63 May Drop 4-Cylinder But Not For What Fans Want

Although the 671 hp (680 PS) 2.0-liter PHEV powertrain launched in 2022 on the C63 S E Performance made over 100 hp (102 PS) more than the twin-turbo V8 it replaced, it drew criticism for its bland character and weight. Moreover, with the C63’s switch to all-wheel drive came more weight, so things weren’t exactly peachy for Merc’s compact sports sedan.

Multiple reports suggested dealers have struggled to sell the models, despite them crushing its BMW M3 rival on paper thanks to the brute muscle of a powertrain that is also used in the GLC63 S E Performance. Both AMG models have a tiny 4.8 kWh battery that gives under 10 miles (16 km) of electric range. 

Cost and Emissions: The Final Straw

But it’s not just buyer apathy that is forcing AMG to axe its punchy M139 PHEV engines. Another reason, Autocar’s Greg Kable learned from the insider, is the high cost of reworking the powerful four-cylinder units to meet upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, despite those rules being considerably weaker than originally proposed.

The report suggest other non-hybrid M139 models such as the 416 hp (420 PS) C43 and 375 hp (380 PS) SL 43 would need to find alternative forms of propulsion. As would the Lotus Emira that uses AMG’s mill, though the British brand is already scouting for a V8 engine to drop in that.

Looking Ahead: AMG’s Engine Evolution

Unfortunately for anyone praying for the C63 PHEVs speedy demise and rebirth, this changeover doesn’t sound like it’s going to happen for a while yet. The magazine’s AMG source told it the engine would be retired “eventually,” but the fact that cars must meet Euro 7 standard from late 2026 would seem to give us a rough time frame.

In the meantime, AMG could drop the E53’s 3.0-liter hybrid six-cylinder into the C63 next year. That could improve things, but unless the engine sees a power boost from its current 603 hp (450 kW / 612 PS), it might be a step backward in terms of performance.

Still, there’s hope that AMG’s new flat-plane crank V8 will eventually find a home under the hood of a next-gen C63. But we’re talking a timeline that likely stretches toward the end of the decade, so don’t expect anything too soon.