It looks like the clock is now ticking for the controversial Mercedes-AMG C63, as Elektroauto News reported that the sports sedan will be discontinued by the first half of 2026. The reason for its demise? Not due to the public backlash over the C63 packing only four cylinders instead of a brawny V8, but ironically, because of stricter noise regulations.
Elektroauto News reported that a leaked internal memo from late October 2025 indicated that due to a significant change from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regarding potentially harmful noise emissions, Mercedes-AMG has decided to give the boot to some of its models.
The internal memo stated that the new rules “will result in a reduction of the external noise limits,” prompting the company to “inform [in] advance about upcoming discontinuation dates for selected AMG engines.” The unexpected twist? All of these models are powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
These models reportedly include the Mercedes-AMG C43 4matic, GLC43 4matic, and GLA35 4matic, which will be produced until the end of the third week in February 2026.
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Following on the chopping block will be the aforementioned Mercedes-AMG C63S E-Performance and GLC63S E-Performance, which will be produced until the third week of May 2026. For the time being, it looks like the GLA45S 4Matic is saved from the axe, as the memo reportedly stated that orders for the model can still be placed without restriction in accordance with the available quotas.
It is unknown if the discontinuation of these models will only affect the European market or the global market, but it is likely to be the latter. A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia, speaking to Drive, confirmed that at this time, there are no plans to discontinue the aforementioned models for the Australian market.
One could wonder, however, if this is merely a typical PR response designed to manage inventory and limit panic, potentially hiding a broader, long-term global wind-down of the affected models.
Nonetheless, there is light at the end of the tunnel, as we reported earlier that the facelift update for the Mercedes-AMG C63 could ditch the 680 hp 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain for a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, a move reportedly confirmed by Mercedes-AMG to Autocar.
It is not a V8, as the current engine bay of the new W206 C-Class is designed to accommodate four- and six-cylinder powertrains only. Fitting a V8 engine would require major structural changes to the chassis, which essentially means a brand-new platform from the ground up. This would not be a viable endeavour at this stage of the model cycle, a source told Autocar.
Nonetheless, a spanner has been thrown into the works. It remains to be seen how Mercedes-AMG will achieve this, given that its current 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is already too loud for the new noise regulations. Surely a straight-six engine, let alone a V8, cannot be made quieter than a four-cylinder engine?
