No V8 Comeback for the AMG C63: 2026 Will Mark a New Era

For years, the Mercedes-AMG C63 was synonymous with brute force, rear-wheel mayhem, and the symphonic growl of a V8 engine. But that era is officially over. While enthusiasts were buzzing about a potential V8 comeback in the C63 by 2026, Mercedes-AMG has now confirmed: the V8 is not coming back to the C63.

The Rumour Mill: What Sparked the Speculation?

Talk of a V8 revival began to swirl after AMG acknowledged development of a new hybridised V8 powertrain—fuelled further by reports suggesting it might make its way into future C-Class models. The internet ran with it, claiming the C63 could once again roar with a twin-turbo V8 by 2026.

But Mercedes-AMG has now shut that down.

What’s Really Happening in 2026?

The 2026 AMG C63 is indeed getting a powertrain update—but not the one fans were hoping for. Instead of the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, Mercedes-AMG is reportedly swapping in a 3.0-litre inline-six plug-in hybrid setup.

This marks a move to address criticism of the current model’s lack of character while still keeping things emissions-compliant. The new inline-six is expected to bring more refinement, better sound, and improved drivability compared to the four-pot PHEV.

The V8 Lives On—But Not in the C63

Yes, AMG is working on a new electrified V8—but it’s reserved for larger, higher-tier models. The upcoming Mercedes-AMG CLE63 is set to debut with this new V8 platform, rumoured to feature a flat-plane crankshaft for sharper response and a more exotic tone.

So if you're hunting for V8 thunder, you'll need to look beyond the C-Class.

What Are the Rivals Doing?

Even as Mercedes-AMG dials back on the V8 for the C63, other brands continue to play it differently:

• BMW M3 / M4 – 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six, still going strong in RWD and AWD guises.
• Audi RS5 – Downsized to a 2.9-litre V6, focusing on balance and efficiency.
• Lexus IS 500 F Sport – Still offering a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. A rare holdout.
• Porsche Panamera – Combines V8 power with plug-in hybrid tech for a best-of-both-worlds setup.

Final Thoughts

It’s official: the AMG C63 will not see a V8 revival. While that may disappoint traditionalists, the move to a 3.0-litre inline-six hybrid could strike a better balance between performance, efficiency, and driving dynamics than the much-criticised four-cylinder setup.

For die-hard V8 fans, AMG isn’t abandoning the engine entirely—it’s just reserving it for bigger, more premium performance models.

What Do You Think?

Still craving the V8 thunder, or are you open to AMG’s new hybrid direction? Let us know in the comments!