Mercedes-AMG C63 discontinued, new C53 4MATIC+ with six-cylinder

Mercedes-AMG has officially confirmed that the AMG C63, built on a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid platform, will be discontinued. Its replacement will be a new model designated C53 4MATIC+, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. This move is part of the broader plan to refresh the C-Class AMG lineup as part of an upcoming facelift.

Why AMG is moving away from the current C63

The current Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance uses a high-output 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. While powerful, this configuration has proven controversial among enthusiasts and has underperformed in sales compared to traditional AMG models with larger engines. Additionally, tightening European emissions standards and regulations are making it increasingly difficult to justify such a powertrain for future models.

The new C53: A six-cylinder path forward

Stepping into the C63's place will be the C53 4MATIC+. This model will be equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a unit already deployed in other AMG variants like the CLE 53. This shift allows AMG to maintain the traditional engine configuration that fans of the brand expect, while better balancing power, weight, and responsiveness. The new engine will not be a hybrid; it will be a pure internal combustion unit with mechanical and turbocharged support.

Overall, the transition from the high-performing but contentious four-cylinder PHEV to an inline-six reflects AMG's current strategy: to preserve the dynamic character of its models by maintaining tangible power delivery and the traditional engine architecture enthusiasts value. While the rollout of electrified and electric AMG models continues, for the C-Class AMG, returning to a six-cylinder engine is a step toward preserving brand identity. In practice, this means buyers can expect a more conventional, driver-focused powertrain.