The controversial four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is reportedly nearing the end of its lifecycle, following a leaked internal memo that surfaced through Germany’s Elektroauto News. According to the outlet, Mercedes is preparing to phase out the four-cylinder C63 and several other AMG models by May 2026, marking a major reversal for a car that shifted from V8 power to a highly boosted hybrid four-cylinder only two years ago. The leak suggests the decision is tied to new UNECE noise-regulation limits coming into force mid-2026, which would require expensive re-engineering to keep the small-capacity AMG engines compliant.
The move arrives as Mercedes-AMG shifts increasingly toward electrified performance, including projects like the upcoming 900-hp electric GLC. Within this broader strategy, the four-cylinder C63 appears to be an early casualty of tightening regulations and changing product priorities.
Mercedes-Benz
Why Mercedes Reportedly Made the Decision
The leaked memo outlines a scheduled wind-down of several AMG four-cylinder models:
- C43 and GLC43 expected to end production around February 2026
- C63 S E Performance and GLC63 S E Performance slated to end around May 2026
The memo attributes the move to stricter external-noise limits that will be applied uniformly across Europe. These rules pose a specific challenge to AMG’s high-output four-cylinders, which rely heavily on aggressive exhaust tuning and electronic sound enhancement. Reducing their volume without sacrificing performance would require costly redevelopment, a step Mercedes appears reluctant to take as it pivots further toward high-voltage performance hybrids and BEVs.
This transition mirrors the shifting dynamics of the wider segment, where models like the BMW 3 Series continue to define the benchmark. Against that competitive backdrop, the C63’s hybrid four-cylinder layout has faced mixed response from buyers and reviewers alike.
Mercedes-Benz
What Comes Next for AMG
If the leaked timeline holds true, the next C63 could adopt a larger-displacement engine, possibly an inline-six hybrid, bringing performance and acoustic character closer to traditional AMG expectations. This aligns with a separate report suggesting AMG may prune several models to stay ahead of upcoming regulations. With regulations tightening globally, the brand’s long-term direction appears firmly anchored in electrified drivetrains with supercar-level performance targets.
The whispers about the four-cylinder C63 leaving the scene seem to close a brief yet contentious period for AMG. It was a time filled with bold engineering dreams, the weight of regulations, and a swift shift towards a future powered by electrified performance.
Why It Matters
The C63’s downsized, hybrid four-cylinder powertrain was one of the boldest departures in AMG history. Its potential discontinuation highlights how quickly regulation can reshape performance branding.
It also signals that Mercedes-AMG may be pivoting back toward more emotionally resonant engines as it balances strict standards with the expectations of loyal buyers. For enthusiasts and collectors, the current four-cylinder C63 may ultimately stand as a rare and polarising footnote in AMG’s evolution, a transitional model between the V8 era and the high-output electrified future.
