For years, the Mercedes-AMG C63 was the definitive German muscle car. A compact executive sedan with a wild side, packing a thunderous V8 engine that could rival supercars in sound and fury. But in a move that has stunned enthusiasts worldwide, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that there are absolutely no plans to return the V8 to the C-Class lineup.
This announcement crushes months of speculation and signals a permanent shift in Mercedes’ performance philosophy. While AMG is indeed developing a new V8 engine, it will not be installed in the C63. Instead, it is reserved for larger, more premium models like the upcoming CLE 63.
The Rumor Mill: A V8 Revival?
For much of 2024 and early 2025, the car community buzzed with whispers of a V8 comeback. Social media threads, forum posts, and even some speculative news articles claimed that Mercedes-AMG would reintroduce the V8 in the 2026 C63 model, reversing its controversial decision to go with a four-cylinder hybrid setup.
These rumors gave hope to purists who viewed the switch as a betrayal of AMG’s roots.
But now, Mercedes has shut that conversation down completely.
There will be no V8 in the next-gen C63. Period.
Official Confirmation: The Statement That Ended It All
In an official clarification released by Mercedes-AMG, the company said:
“There are no current or future plans to reintroduce the V8 engine into the C-Class lineup. The next generation of performance will continue to be powered by our advanced hybrid technology.”
This ends all speculation and reaffirms AMG’s commitment to downsizing and electrification.
The Hybrid C63: What We Have Now
The current C63 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, making it the most powerful C63 ever on paper.
- Total output: 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds
- Formula One-inspired hybrid tech
Despite its performance numbers, many enthusiasts have criticized the car for its lack of character, emotion, and signature V8 sound.
The New V8: It’s Real, But Not for the C63
Yes, AMG is building a new V8. But it’s not going anywhere near the C-Class. Instead, this engine is being developed for larger models like the CLE 63.
Key details:
- Flat-plane crankshaft design (similar to Ferrari V8s and Mustang Shelby GT350)
- Higher-pitched, exotic exhaust tone
- 48V mild-hybrid system
- Integrated starter generator inside the transmission
This V8 will combine power, efficiency, and emissions compliance in a package aimed at the luxury-performance segment, not the compact class.
Why Mercedes Is Moving On
Several reasons factor into Mercedes-AMG’s decision:
- Stringent emissions regulations, especially in the EU and China
- Cost-cutting and platform-sharing efficiencies
- A pivot toward electrification to align with market trends
- Repositioning AMG as a tech-forward brand
The V8 is no longer compatible with the current direction of the C-Class.
Artificial Exhaust Notes: Recreating the AMG Sound
Mercedes-AMG is not letting go of the emotional appeal of its sound signature entirely. To fill the void left by the V8’s burble, Mercedes has developed artificial exhaust sound systems that pipe enhanced engine noises into the cabin.
These systems:
- Use microphones and software algorithms to mimic engine revs
- Can be customized by driving mode (Comfort, Sport, Track)
- Attempt to recreate the visceral feel of a high-performance ICE
Still, many drivers remain unconvinced, describing the synthetic sounds as a pale imitation of the real thing.
Enthusiast Backlash and Online Protests
Car enthusiasts have not taken the news quietly.
- Petitions with tens of thousands of signatures have circulated online, pleading with AMG to reconsider.
- YouTubers and journalists have made videos and editorials mourning the loss of the V8, and criticizing the four-cylinder hybrid as soulless.
- Aftermarket tuners are already working on V8 swap kits, attempting to retrofit older V8s into the new chassis.
But Mercedes has held firm: AMG is moving forward, not backward.
The Rise of the CLE: AMG’s New Flagship Coupe
With the C63 V8 legacy ending, Mercedes is shifting its performance weight toward the CLE 63, a new coupe that will take over where the E-Class and C-Class coupes left off.
The CLE 63 will feature:
- The all-new flat-plane V8
- Dual electric assist systems
- Enhanced luxury interiors with AMG-specific tech
- Pricing expected to start north of $100,000
This vehicle will become AMG’s go-to platform for combining classic muscle and modern innovation.
C63 Sales and Market Strategy
Surprisingly, the current hybrid C63 is selling well in Europe and China, where emissions laws are strict and taxes punish larger displacement engines.
However:
- North American buyers are more resistant
- Sales in enthusiast circles have dropped
- Resale values of older V8 models have soared
Mercedes is betting on global numbers and environmental trends rather than catering solely to legacy fans.
Conclusion
The V8-powered C63 is officially dead — and it’s not coming back. As much as enthusiasts hope otherwise, Mercedes-AMG has made its strategy clear: electrification, efficiency, and evolution over nostalgia.
While the move may break the hearts of petrolheads, it also opens the door to a new era of performance, where innovation replaces displacement.
The C63 V8 was a legend. But legends don’t last forever. And in its place, a new kind of AMG is rising.
