An Unpopular Move
We still remember the uproar and outrage when Mercedes-Benz ditched V8 and six-cylinder engines for its compact range a few years ago. That left the popular GLC and C-Class with just four-cylinder engines, including the AMG models. Sure, it’s acceptable to have a turbo-four in something like a CLA, but a GLC and C-Class with an AMG badge should have at least six cylinder, right?
Turns out, the market agreed with that sentiment. The C63 and GLC63 have stayed glued to showroom floors. On the other hand, the 43 models are doing okay but not spectacularly. In a bid to turn the tide, Mercedes-AMG made a surprise announcement recently, one that should please the fans of the brand.
Mercedes-Benz
Seeing the Light
Initially reported back in September 2025, the GLC and C-Class will finally be getting turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-sixes under their respective hoods. This was confirmed by German publication Auto Motor und Sport in an interview with Michael Schiebe, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG.
Schiebe mentioned that the change will take effect on the facelifted versions of the GLC and C-Class, and the ‘AMG-Lite’ versions will be badged as 53 moving forward. The cars might use the same powertrain that’s currently used in the CLE53, which makes 443 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The updated C-Class and GLC will be revealed by winter 2026, claims the report.
Why the move? Aside from the obvious, this is what Schiebe told Auto Motor und Sport. Translated from German, “We’ve seen that this engine in the CLE and the E-Class really excites our fans. For the new models, we’ve made the engine even more responsive and also increased the range between the individual driving modes – in other words, more comfort on the one hand, more emotional appeal on the other.”
Mercedes-Benz
So Long, Four-Cylinder C63 and GLC63
The interview also confirmed that the controversial electrified four-cylinder in the C63 will be gone as well. It’s part of the 2027 update and applies to both GLC63 and C63. It’s worth pointing out that Schiebe acknowledged the misstep AMG made with the 63 models, saying, “Previous decisions were made under different circumstances, and we also assumed greater acceptance. This has changed significantly in important markets, including the USA.”
Does this mean the C63 and GLC63 will be gone for good? Probably not, although the company hasn’t mentioned specific plans for those models just yet. However, it’s likely that it will also get a six-cylinder mated to a plug-in hybrid syste,m much like the upcoming Audi RS5 and BMW M3. The new performance PHEVs from Audi and BMW are slated for the 2027 model year, and the updated C63 could appear by then.
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