Mercedes-AMG Replaces C63 with C53 and a Six-Cylinder Engine

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 the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid AMG C63 will be discontinued. Its successor will be the C53 4MATIC+, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. The change forms part of the forthcoming facelift of the AMG C-Class range.

Why AMG is dropping the current C63

The current Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance combines strong output with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. However, this layout has divided enthusiasts and proved 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: the six-cylinder route

Replacing the C63 AMG will be the C53 4MATIC+, fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine already used in other AMG variants, including the CLE 53. This approach retains the traditional engine configuration expected by brand enthusiasts, while offering a better balance of power, weight and response. The new engine will not be a hybrid: it will be a pure internal-combustion unit with mechanical and turbocharging assistance.

C53 launch timing

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

AMG’s revised C-Class strategy

The move from an efficient but controversial four-cylinder PHEV to an inline six-cylinder engine reflects AMG’s current strategy: maintaining the models’ dynamic character, tangible performance and the traditional engine architecture valued by enthusiasts. While electrified and fully electric AMG models will continue to arrive, the return to a six-cylinder engine in the C-Class AMG is a step towards preserving the brand’s identity.