Mercedes-AMG C 63 could gain a new inline-six engine

Sales performance of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 has fallen well short of that achieved by its predecessors, with the engine beneath the bonnet partly to “blame”. While it delivers more power, it has lost half its capacity and half its cylinders: it now uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit paired with a plug-in hybrid system.

Although output rose substantially - from 510 hp to 680 hp - its “soul” has been compromised. With the forthcoming update, Mercedes-AMG engineers aim to restore the model’s original character.

Is the V8 returning to the Mercedes-AMG C 63?

Unfortunately, the V8 will not be making a return this time, at least not in the C 63. According to the manufacturer, reinstalling this engine in a C-Class would require significant structural alterations. Even so, the impending update does not appear likely to disappoint.

To address the C 63’s lack of “charisma”, Mercedes-Benz is expected to replace the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a more appealing 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six, Autocar has reported. It would be a layout similar to that used in the Mercedes-AMG E 53.

The revisions are not expected to be limited to the combustion engine. The updated C 63 should dispense with its rear electric motor in favour of a front-mounted unit, positioned between the petrol engine and the nine-speed automatic transmission. This change is expected to lower the car’s combined output, although it should still remain close to the current 680 hp.

However, while the C 63 may have said a final farewell to the V8 engine, the same cannot be said for the future Mercedes-AMG CLE 63.

When will it arrive?

No official unveiling date has yet been announced. Nevertheless, the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class generation has been on sale for more than four years, so its facelift is expected to arrive next year.

It is also worth remembering that the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is effectively the SUV version of the C-Class, meaning it should receive the same mechanical changes as well.