Mercedes-AMG C63 replacement: C53 brings back six cylinders, but there is a catch

5 February 2026, 21:47

A. Krivonosov

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the C63 will be replaced by the new C53, which is due to debut in 2026.

Mercedes-AMG has officially confirmed that production of the AMG C63, which uses a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, will end. Its successor will be the new C53 4MATIC+, fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. The move forms part of the planned C-Class AMG range update accompanying the forthcoming facelift.

Why AMG is dropping the current C63

The current Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance features a high-output 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. However, this configuration has proved divisive among enthusiasts and has been less successful commercially than traditional AMG models with larger engines. Tighter European emissions standards and regulations also make the future use of this powertrain more difficult.

New C53 4MATIC+: the return of six cylinders

The C63 AMG will be replaced by the C53 4MATIC+, a model powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine already used in other AMG variants, including the CLE 53. This will retain the conventional engine layout more widely expected by the brand’s followers, while providing a better balance of power, weight and responsiveness. The new engine will not be hybridised; it will be a pure internal-combustion unit with mechanical and turbocharger assistance.

The C53 is expected to premiere in the second half of 2026, alongside the facelifted C-Class W206 and potentially the GLC AMG crossover version.

The shift from a highly efficient yet controversial four-cylinder PHEV to an inline six-cylinder engine reflects AMG’s current approach: preserving the models’ dynamic character, meaningful performance and the traditional engine architecture valued by enthusiasts. While electrified and fully electric AMG models will continue to arrive, bringing six cylinders back to the C-Class AMG is a move intended to maintain the brand’s identity.