Mercedes-AMG C63 V8 not coming back, despite slow sales of four-cylinder

Insiders say Mercedes-AMG C63 won't be switching back to V8 power, contrary to a recent report.

Last week, US publication Car and Driver claimed Mercedes-AMG was "considering" going back to a twin-turbo V8 in the C63 and E63, rather than continuing with controversial four-cylinder plug-in hybrid power in the former, and possible plans for a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid in the latter.

Furthermore, a new report from blog MB Passion (via Carscoops) also claims sales demand for the new four-cylinder C63 is "close to zero", with staff at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Germany saying they "did not even know of a single order from their colleagues".

Now reputable German publication Auto Motor und Sport has dismissed talk of a V8-powered C63, with a Mercedes-Benz employee familiar with product development telling the magazine it was "pure nonsense".

And company sources in Europe have told Drive there are no current plans to revert back to a V8 in the C63 or the GLC63 SUV, with the four-cylinder engine to remain – despite slow sales.

Auto Motor und Sport says it was “asked around at AMG and [was] met with general head-shaking”, citing the product development source who called the Car and Driver information “sheer nonsense.”

While Drive's sources were steadfast in their denial of a V8 making a return in the C63 and GLC63, they wouldn't be drawn on a comment about the E63.

According to German media, Mercedes-AMG may be working on a performance variant of the E-Class with six-cylinder plug-in hybrid power – but it could adopt the E53 name given to a less potent mild-hybrid six-cylinder variant today, rather than becoming a successor to the current V8 E63.

While that still may be the case, Mercedes-Benz could be looking at ways to squeeze a V8 engine into a body that may not have been designed for it – all in an effort to better compete with its traditional rival, BMW.

BMW is expected to launch the all-new M5 – the direct competitor to the E63 – with a twin-turbo V8 engine and plug-in hybrid technology, borrowed from the XM high-performance SUV.

Though nothing has been confirmed at this stage, it's possible Mercedes-AMG could offer buyers the option of a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid or V8 – likely with some kind of electrification.

This opens the door for AMG to reserve the E63 badge for the V8 version – as well as the 63 version of the CLE, the two-door model that succeeds the outgoing C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertibles – while the E53 and CLE53 badges are adopted for the six-cylinder engine.

The original Car and Driver report – which cited two independent sources familiar with the matter – may have had some truth to the matter when it reported Mercedes was considering using its 4.0-litre V8 engine from 2026, though this may only be relevant to the E-Class, rather than the C-Class.