Report: Mercedes-AMG C63 PHEV turbo-four heading to the chopping block

When Mercedes-AMG revealed the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) C63 a few years ago, enthusiasts were not pleased. Apart from the fact that it became a PHEV, it was only available with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that's assisted by an electric motor and a 6.1 kWh battery pack.

Despite producing a combined 680 PS and a whopping 1,020 Nm of torque, the four-cylinder C63 PHEV was not welcomed by enthusiasts and customers who are used to the C63's V8 power. Some even said that while it has supercar power, it lacked the soul of its predecessors. Clearly, Mercedes-AMG made a misstep, and it looks like the automaker has decided to fix it, permanently.

According to a report by German publication Elektroautonews, the automaker is supposedly ending production of the C63 PHEV after just several years. Based on an internal memo leak, several turbo four-cylinder models made by Mercedes-AMG will be heading for the chopping block.

These include the aforementioned C63 and the GLC63 PHEVs, which are set to last only until May 2026. Also set to be axed are the C43, GLC43, and GLA35, which will reportedly end production at an earlier date in February 2026. The only four-cylinder model from AMG that will apparently be unaffected is the GLA45+.

So what is the exact reason behind the upcoming discontinuation of four-cylinder models from AMG? Supposedly, the memo says that the reported models will be phased out due to stricter noise regulations in Europe, which are enforced by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Back in February 2025, Mercedes-Benz announced it would cut down on EV development to focus on making the next-generation AMG V8. While the brand initially wanted to go full electric, consumer demand for EVs slowed down significantly, which prompted the automaker to refocus its efforts on the next-generation electrified V8.

That means instead of electric motors, Mercedes-AMG will be focusing on developing hybrid (and plug-in hybrid) V8-powered models. Since the 4.0L biturbo V8 is already under the hood of several existing models, further upgrades on the engine can be done quickly.

With the turbo four-cylinder C63 PHEV apparently heading for an early exit, perhaps we can expect the next-generation C63 to get a bigger engine, hopefully a V8.

Source: Elektroautonews via Motor1