Mercedes-AMG C63 set to go six-cylinder PHEV route in 2026

Mercedes-AMG’s ruling-out of V8 motivation for the C63 being revived has taken another unexpected twist in the form of a possible return of six-cylinder power come its first mid-life update next year.

Yes? No?

Back in 2023, US publication Car and Driver alleged that the controversial decision to phase-out the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 2.0-litre four-cylinder would be reversed in 2026 amidst tanking sales as well as significant backlash from fans and buyers.

ALSO READ: Mercedes-AMG C63 V8 return blasted as German sales tumble

At the time, the publication stated that “senior engineers directly involved in the matter” had claimed that fitting the V8 wouldn’t require any major structural changes to accommodate it and its rumoured PHEV hardware similar to that of the AMG GT63 S E-Performance and the AMG S63 E Performance.

In a rebuttal days later, an unnamed AMG employee in the product development field told Auto Motor und Sport that the American publication’s claims were “pure nonsense” without going into further detail.

Six-cylinder AMG C-Class back?

According to the latest claim, the usage of the 3.0-litre straight-six PHEV in AMG 53 badged models has been decided upon for the C63 instead of the V8, which will soon be available in the AMG CLE 63 with mild-hybrid assistance.

This, according to Britain’s Autocar, who allege the setup could produce as much as 478 kW and more than 880 Nm in combined form.

While down on the 2.0-litre’s combined 500kW/1 020Nm, the supposed outputs improve on those of the E53, whose combination of the straight-six and a 21.2-kWh battery pushes out a combined 430kW/750Nm or as much as 450 kW with the Race Start mode activated.

Rumoured to drop the rear axle mounted electric motor in favour of placing it between the engine and gearbox, the publication claims that re-engineering the C63 from four-cylinders to six-cylinders would be easier than accommodating a V8 it was never designed for.

Set to be significantly lighter than the 2.0-litre C63, whose kerb mass stands at 2 165 kg, the six-cylinder’s return will be a first for the flagship C-Class since the W203 C32 AMG that lasted from 2000 to 2004 powered by a 260kW/450Nm 3.2-litre supercharged V6.

More soon

Despite still being some ways off, and with no official confirmation having been made by Mercedes-Benz, don’t be surprised if details, in the form of leaks and spy images, emerge over the coming months.

ALSO READ: Mercedes-AMG ‘plotting’ return of V8 in C63 as early as 2026