SPIED: Goodbye C43, hello turbo inline-six Mercedes-AMG C53

When Mercedes-AMG introduced the 2.0L turbocharged C43 for the wagon (AKA estate) and sedan body styles, it wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms by enthusiasts.

While it delivered impressive performance, it lacked the full V8 experience that's usually associated with Mercedes-AMG models. There's also the matter of its 2.0L engine not being “hand-built” by one person at Affalterbach. For AMG enthusiasts, it diminishes the “one man, one engine” signature that AMG is known for.

Enthusiasts were not pleased with this, and Mercedes-AMG had to listen to customer feedback, as well as endure low sales of the C43 models. To fix this, Mercedes-AMG has come up with the C53, and our spies managed to spot the wagon version having some fun in the snow.

It's expected to be revealed in 2027 and could be launched as a 2028 model year vehicle. But instead of having a four-cylinder under the hood, the upcoming C53 will reportedly get a new turbocharged inline-six that cranks out 443 PS and 560 Nm of torque.

The C53 models are expected to replace the C43 variants and will be available in the wagon and sedan versions of the Mercedes-AMG C-Class. But what about the revered V8?

Since the controversial C63 PHEV turbo inline-four is reportedly heading to the chopping block, Mercedes-AMG will supposedly bring back the V8 for the C63 variant. If this is true, then AMG enthusiasts will be happy to know that big engines are coming back.

Will the C53 succeed where the C43 failed? And will Mercedes-AMG officially bring back the C63 in the coming years?