Major brand ending big mistake

Mercedes-AMG’s controversial four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) C63 and GLC63 could soon reportedly be getting the axe due to new European regulations.

As reported by German publication Elektroauto-News, the German carmaker has made the decision to stop production of the current version of these high-performance AMG models, among other four-cylinder powered AMG models, by May 2026.

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This report comes after lacklustre reception of the four-cylinder PHEV powertrain in the current AMG C63 and GLC63.

Unlike previous-generation models which had big-bore twin-turbo V8 engines, the current AMG C63 and GLC63 feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s augmented with an electric motor.

Despite the fewer cylinders, these models were more powerful than ever. They have total system outputs of 500kW and 1020Nm.

In addition to these controversial PHEV AMG models, the German carmaker is reportedly set to cease production of the AMG C43, GLC43, as well as the GLA35 in February 2026.

All of these AMG models feature a version of the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine but without the electric motor.

Interestingly the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 S reportedly isn’t affected and will continue to be produced without restriction. It also features the high-performance 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

“Please ensure that no further orders are accepted for the aforementioned discontinued models for the period after their discontinuation,” reads the leaked internal memo when translated from German to English.

“We will inform you about possible successor products in due course.”

At this stage it’s unclear what Mercedes-AMG will do. It could simply revise the four-cylinder engine in order to have it comply with these new external noise regulations.

Another possibility is it could prioritise instead six- or eight-cylinder engines, especially for these high-performance AMG models.

Many rivals like Audi and BMW are still sticking with six- and eight-cylinder engines given that’s what customers seek.

At this stage it’s unclear what this will mean for local Mercedes-Benz customers. We’ve reached out to Mercedes-Benz Australia and will update this story once we hear back.