Mercedes-AMG Could Axe Several Models Next Year Over Noise Regulations

The Sound, The Fury

Say AMG to anyone, and it’ll likely drum up images of angry and waspy-sounding cars for everyone’s aural delight. Whether it’s the supercharged 5.5-liter engines, the iconic 6.2-liter V8, or even the boosted V8s, you can always count on AMG to add theatre and drama to the driving experience in for form of an awesome soundtrack. Well, that is, until now.

The C 63 and GLC 63 have received a tirade of abuse online for taking the turbo-four electrified route. The E 63 is no more, and the E 53 has a boosted six-cylinder instead of a good ol’ V8. If you want the classic rumble from AMG models of yore, you’ll have to go for the larger SUVs, the GT, S 63, and SL 63.

An Unsettling Report

Now, it seems the days of distinctive-sounding AMGs are numbered. A report from German publication Elektroauto News (paywall alert) claims it has obtained a document that a good chunk of its models will be discontinued. The reason? Incoming potential noise regulations.

There is, however, an ironic twist to this. It’s not the inline-six and V8 that could face the chopping block soon. Instead, it’s the four-cylinder AMGs that are in danger of getting axed.

The Twist

Per Elektoauto News, the C 43, GLC 43, and GLA 35 could be gone by the end of February 2026. Meanwhile, the C 63 and GLC 63 might be discontinued by May 2026. Oddly enough, only the A 45 will hang around longer. There is no mention of six-cylinder and V8 models in the report.

So, the punchier AMGs are spared, and the divisive four-cylinder models will be no more, right? Well, it’s not as simple as that. If anything, the potential discontinuation of the turbo-fours is worrying and paints a pretty grim picture of the future of German performance vehicles.

Quieter AMGs Ahead?

Granted, the four-cylinder turbo AMGs can be loud, but not to the same extent as the inline-sixes or the V8s. Remember, the C 63 and GLC 63 are plug-in hybrids, cars that can be driven silently provided there’s enough charge. If those couldn’t cut the mustard for the possible noise regulations, the chances of the higher-powered AMGs being around for longer appear slim.

Should those regulations push through, the six-cylinder and V8 engines might face an uncertain future. That said, Mercedes-AMG, as well as other manufacturers, could find other ways to circumvent that. However, that might take some time, as reengineering powertrains isn’t an overnight miracle.

So, what happens now? It’s “wait and see” right now, but until then, brace yourselves. At least there’s a glimmer of hope as AMG has promised to keep V8s around for as long as possible; however, regulations make that more difficult each passing year.