Mercedes-AMG C63 to be axed in favour of six-cylinder C53

Speaking to a US publication, Mercedes-AMG’s CEO confirmed the current-generation C63 will be replaced by a six-cylinder C53 model.

Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance

Image: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has confirmed to a US publication that the current-generation C63 and its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain are set to be axed in favour of a six-cylinder C53 model. Indeed, speaking to Edmunds, Schiebe said the Affalterbach brand will be “replacing our four-cylinder” with the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six motor found in the CLE 53. “We’re taking the combustion engine from the CLE 53. No hybrid engine – pure inline six-cylinder.”

As a reminder, the M256M unit employed by the CLE 53 produces 330 kW and 560 N.m of torque, or 600 N.m in ‘overboost’, with an additional 17 kW/205 N.m available for short durations courtesy of 48 V mild-hybrid tech. Power is delivered to the road via the automaker’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain – the latter paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. For comparison, the C63 S E Performance, which recorded a whip-crack 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.37 seconds on our test strip, is endowed with 500 kW and 1 020 N.m of torque.

Scheibe says this decision was made owing to EU7 emissions regulations. “Under the regulations of EU7, it’s quite difficult to carry [our four-cylinder PHEV) into the future … That’s why we will stop offering the M139, and in the midsize segment we will replace it with the inline six-cylinder.”

From what we understand, Mercedes-AMG is set to reveal the C53 in the second half of 2026. As a reminder, the firm recently whipped the wraps off the GLE 53.

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The post Mercedes-AMG C63 to be axed in favour of six-cylinder C53 appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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