Mercedes-AMG has acknowledged that it underestimated how strongly customers would react to the four-cylinder engine in the latest C63 model. The decision to phase out the high-performance sedan reflects both regulatory pressures and shifting consumer preferences. While the company initially projected wider acceptance of the downsized engine, it now recognizes that many enthusiasts preferred the previous generation’s V8.
The End of an Era
The current C63, equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, will not be directly replaced. Instead, Mercedes-AMG plans to introduce a C53 variant with a six-cylinder engine – though still two cylinders short of the previous C63’s V8. This move is partly driven by upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which the four-cylinder powertrain, surprisingly, cannot meet.
The outgoing AMG CEO, Michael Schiebe, stated that earlier decisions were made under different conditions, and that the company overestimated consumer willingness to embrace the smaller engine. He specifically cited key markets like the United States, where V8 engines remain highly sought after.
A Shift in Strategy
This admission marks a significant shift in strategy for AMG. The company previously attempted to justify the four-cylinder C63 by emphasizing its increased power output (surpassing the old V8) and advanced hybrid technology. However, sales figures and customer feedback suggest that raw displacement and engine character still hold considerable weight for performance buyers.
“No doubt we have also lost some customers who are just into V8s,” Schiebe admitted earlier, highlighting the challenge of bridging the gap between technological innovation and enthusiast expectations.
Future Plans: V8s for Larger Models
Mercedes-AMG is currently developing a new V8 engine, but it will not be offered in a C-Class. Instead, it will be reserved for larger models, including a high-performance version of the CLE. The four-cylinder “M139” engine will continue in the A45 hot hatch, with production moving from Germany to Hungary to extend the A-Class lifecycle until 2028. The longitudinally mounted version of the engine will likely be dropped from the GLC 63, making way for a six-cylinder GLC 53.
The Takeaway
The C63’s premature retirement underscores a critical lesson: engineering advancements don’t always outweigh emotional attachment and driving experience. While hybrid technology can deliver impressive numbers, enthusiast demand often prioritizes the visceral appeal of larger displacement engines. The return of a new V8 engine signals that Mercedes-AMG is responding to this market reality, though not for the C-Class.
