Mercedes-AMG is developing a new C63 for the next-generation combustion-powered C-Class, renewing hopes that the performance sedan could regain the engine configuration that helped define its reputation. An electric version is also expected, but the possibility of a combustion-powered model has raised a bigger question among AMG enthusiasts: Could the V8 return?
Why the Mercedes-AMG C63 Lost Its V8
Since the 1990s, Mercedes-AMG has equipped high-performance C-Class models with V8 engines, establishing expectations for eight-cylinder power in the most potent versions of the sedan. The original C43 helped set that precedent, while the C32 AMG Kompressor briefly departed from the formula before Mercedes introduced the C55 AMG.
The W204-generation C63 continued the tradition with a 6.2-liter V8. Mercedes downsized the engine for the W205 generation, but the C63 retained a 4.0-liter V8 equipped with two turbochargers.
The W206 generation took a more dramatic turn, replacing the V8 with a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system. Although the new setup delivered more power and faster performance, it failed to preserve the engine sound that had become an important part of the C63’s appeal.
The change also coincided with customers turning to Audi and BMW instead. The electrified C63 struggled to gain traction at dealerships and was discontinued earlier this year.
Mercedes-AMG Is Bringing V8 Power Back to More Models
Mercedes-AMG has acknowledged that turning the C63 into a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid was a major misstep. The brand has since pledged to reinforce the role of V8 engines in its top performance models.
A new flat-plane-crank V8 debuted in the heavily updated S-Class and has since been introduced in the GLE 63 and GLS 63, where it delivers more power. The engine is also expected to appear in the upcoming S63.
Mercedes-AMG has also unveiled the CLE Spezialanfertigung, effectively a CLE 63 equipped with a V8 engine. The model will be produced in limited numbers, but it represents a return to V8 power in a relatively compact AMG vehicle.
The C-Class, however, still lacks a V8-powered AMG model. Mercedes-AMG is preparing the C53 as another step toward expanding the lineup beyond four-cylinder engines. The upcoming model is expected to use the turbocharged inline-six from the GLC 53, producing an anticipated 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.
Mercedes Confirms a New C63 Is in Development
Mercedes-Benz Chief Technical Officer Jorg Burzer has confirmed that AMG is working on a new C63. While an electric C63 is already expected, Burzer also confirmed that a combustion-powered version will arrive.
The new model will be based on the next-generation combustion-powered C-Class rather than the current car. That means customers should not expect an immediate return of the combustion-powered C63 in the existing generation.
The planned approach would give buyers a choice between a fully electric C63 and a version powered by an internal combustion engine. That strategy would mirror BMW’s approach to the M3 rather than Audi’s plug-in hybrid approach with the RS 5.
Will the Next Mercedes-AMG C63 Have a V8?
Confirmation of a new combustion-powered C63 has intensified speculation about its engine. When asked about the possibility of a V8, Burzer avoided revealing details about the company’s future plans.
“I don’t want to talk about the future plans here, but there is [an] exciting future ahead of us,” Burzer said.
Asked whether the flat-plane-crank V8 would fit into the next-generation C-Class chassis, he responded jokingly, “I don’t know,” before adding, “I don’t know what these guys are doing at AMG.”
Mercedes-AMG had previously dampened expectations of an immediate V8 return for the C63. However, the company’s renewed commitment to V8-powered performance models has revived hopes that the engine could eventually return to the sedan.
If a V8 does not make the cut, a more powerful version of the inline-six remains another possibility. The key question is whether Mercedes-AMG will move beyond the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid configuration that replaced the previous C63’s V8.
Next-Generation C-Class Could Arrive in 2029
The next-generation C-Class is still likely a couple of years away, following a recent facelift for the current model. With Mercedes vehicle generations typically lasting seven years, the next C-Class, potentially designated the W207, could arrive by 2029 at the earliest.
Mercedes has also invested heavily in making its new V8 compliant with Euro 7 emissions standards. Offering the engine in additional models could help the company get a greater return on that investment, particularly after C63 buyers went without V8 power for the past couple of years.
Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that a new combustion-powered C63 is coming but has not disclosed its engine configuration. Whether the next performance sedan will restore the V8 remains unanswered.
