Mercedes-AMG C63 to Feature New Six-Cylinder Engine

Reports on manufacturing, labor and earnings with clear, practical context. Drives a Tesla Model 3 RWD; family hauler is a Volvo XC60.
In a significant shift, Mercedes-Benz has announced that the next-generation AMG C63 will be equipped with a 3.0-liter straight-six engine, replacing the current four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This move marks a return to more traditional powertrains for the iconic model, aligning it closer with its rivals and potentially altering its performance dynamics.
The shift from a V8 to a four-cylinder hybrid in the previous iteration of the AMG C63 was a bold move by Mercedes-Benz, aimed at embracing electrification and improving efficiency. However, this decision received mixed reactions from enthusiasts who cherished the raw power and sound of the V8. The introduction of the new six-cylinder engine is expected to rekindle excitement among traditionalists while still maintaining some focus on efficiency and emissions.
Mercedes' decision to revert to a six-cylinder engine is not merely an attempt to appease traditionalists. The straight-six engine, already utilized in the larger E53 AMG, offers a potent combination of power and refinement. With the potential for hybrid integration, as suggested by Mattias Geisen, Mercedes' board member for sales and marketing, this new powertrain could provide a balanced blend of performance and efficiency. It could also set the stage for future developments in Mercedes' performance line-up, as the brand continues to explore the intersection of internal combustion and electrification.
The move to a six-cylinder engine in the AMG C63 also strategically positions Mercedes-Benz against its main competitors, Audi and BMW, who have been leveraging similar engine configurations in their performance models for years. This alignment not only levels the playing field but also allows Mercedes to potentially capture a greater share of the performance sedan market by offering a product that meets the evolving expectations of consumers.
While the exact specifications and performance metrics of the new AMG C63 remain under wraps, the prospect of a six-cylinder engine paired with the possibility of hybrid technology is exciting both for Mercedes fans and the broader automotive community. Such a setup could offer a captivating mix of power, efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint, aligning with global trends towards greener automotive solutions without compromising on performance.
Mercedes-Benz has not provided a specific timeline for the release of the new AMG C63, but the anticipation is palpable. The recent tease of an electric C-Class sedan at the IAA Mobility Show 2025 further hints at the brand's broader strategy to integrate electrification across its lineup. As Mercedes continues to innovate, the automotive world watches closely, eager to see how the new AMG C63 will redefine expectations and set new standards in the performance sedan segment.

About Priya Nair
Reports on manufacturing, labor and earnings with clear, practical context. Drives a Tesla Model 3 RWD; family hauler is a Volvo XC60.