Mercedes-AMG is reportedly moving the next high-performance C-Class away from the current C63’s four-cylinder plug-in hybrid and toward a non-hybrid inline-six. The replacement is expected to wear a C53 badge, but that does not settle whether a V8-powered C63 will follow. Mercedes has announced a new AMG V8, yet it has not said that the engine is destined for the C-Class.
What is happening to the C63?
Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has reportedly confirmed that the C-Class will receive the combustion engine from the CLE 53: a non-hybrid inline-six. Edmunds quoted Schiebe describing it as “No hybrid engine — pure inline six-cylinder.” Car and Driver reports that the current four-cylinder C63 and its plug-in-hybrid powertrain will be phased out, with a C53 taking its place. Edmunds and Car and Driver attribute the change to AMG leadership.
That is a reported change to the performance C-Class lineup, not confirmation that a future car will retain the C63 name. The clearest reported direction is a C53 with an inline-six; whether AMG later revives the C63 badge, and with which engine, remains unresolved.
Why is AMG moving away from the four-cylinder?
The current C63 S E Performance pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with hybrid hardware. Schiebe reportedly said the M139 four-cylinder is difficult to carry forward under EU7 emissions requirements. The reported inline-six C53 direction drops the hybrid system rather than continuing the current C63’s plug-in-hybrid arrangement. Edmunds reports Schiebe’s explanation and the powertrain change.
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Schiebe has also described AMG’s broader engine plans as continuing both combustion-engine histories: “We will do both powertrains, continuing our combustion engine history, developing the new V8 engine, introducing the six-cylinder in the mid-size segment,” he told evo. That statement supports the six-cylinder direction for the mid-size segment and continued V8 development, but does not assign a V8 to a C-Class.
How the current C63 compares with the CLE 53 reference
The figures below describe existing vehicles, not confirmed specifications for a future C53 or any future C63.
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| Powertrain or model | Layout and hybrid hardware | Reported output | What the figure represents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current C63 S E Performance | 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with plug-in-hybrid hardware | 671 hp and 752 lb-ft | Reported current C63 output, as cited by Edmunds in 2026 |
| Existing CLE 53 reference | 3.0-liter inline-six; non-hybrid engine cited as the C-Class direction | 443 hp and 413 lb-ft | Reported output of the existing CLE 53, not a future C53 specification |
Edmunds reports the output figures for both reference cars. They should not be read as a direct prediction of future C-Class performance: AMG has not provided a confirmed C53 specification in the cited statements.
Does Mercedes have a V8 planned for the C63?
Mercedes-Benz has announced a new AMG V8, but has not announced a C-Class application. Its investor presentation says, “The new AMG-V8 will make its U.S. debut by the end of this year,” and separately places the next U.S. C-Class after 2027 launches. The presentation does not connect the engine to a C63, so the V8’s U.S. debut timing is not evidence of a V8 C-Class launch. Mercedes-Benz investor presentation
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Mercedes-Benz board member Mathias Geisen was asked about a C63 V8 return and replied, “Stay tuned,” followed by “One step after the other. First we have to make sure we have a very nice and sophisticated V-8,” according to Road & Track. Those comments leave the possibility open; they do not confirm fitment, a badge, or a launch date. Car and Driver has described a V8 C63 return as likely, while also acknowledging it is unconfirmed. Car and Driver
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When could the next C-Class AMG arrive?
There is no confirmed AMG reveal or on-sale date in the cited statements. Edmunds had forecast a C53 debut in the second half of 2026, but that was an expectation, not an announced launch date. Mercedes-Benz’s investor presentation places the next U.S. C-Class after 2027 launches. That broader product-plan timing does not establish when an AMG variant will be revealed or reach a particular market. Edmunds; Mercedes-Benz investor presentation
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