AMG AXES C63'S UNLOVED FOUR-POT FOR BIGGER SIX

New 3.0-litre straight six to be installed at facelift to revive lacklustre sales

- GREG KABLE

The Mercedes-AMG C63 is set to receive a new six-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrain as part of its mid-life facelift in 2026.

The move marks a retreat from the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system introduced in 2022, with an electrically turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and rear-mounted electric motor developing a combined 670bhp and 752lb ft of torque.

Despite the C63 being the most powerful C-Class model to date, its sales have lagged well behind expectations in all of AMG's key global markets, including the UK, which has forced a rethink of its Formula 1-inspired drivetrain.

In the facelifted C-Class line-up, the four-cylinder drivetrain will be replaced by a new plug-in hybrid arrangement that features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit.

The new set-up is a development of that used in a number of AMG models, including the E53, GLE 53, CLE 53 Coupé and CLE 53 Cabriolet, albeit with greater power and torque.