AMG’s Straight-Six C53 Replaces C43, Not The C63 That Might Finally Get That V8

Mercedes-AMG’s decision to downsize the engines in several models, including the C 43 and C 63, hasn’t gone over well with buyers, but there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel. Change is already underway. The current C 43 and GLC 43 are both set to be replaced by six-cylinder ‘53’ models, and there’s even talk that the flagship C 63 could make a comeback with a V8.

C53 Replaces C43, Not C63

It’s worth clearing up some confusion here. Edmunds reported that the C 63 would be replaced by the new C 53, citing comments from interim AMG boss Michael Schiebe. That interpretation, though, seems inconsistent with how Mercedes positions its performance models. Replacing the C 63 with a C 53 would be a significant departure, comparable to BMW retiring the M3 for an M340 or M350 instead.

Edmunds quoted Schiebe stating that AMG will be “replacing our four-cylinder” with the inline-six and that “the engine will also come to the C-Class.” He added, “That means we will also have C 53 in our portfolio. We’re taking the combustion engine from the CLE 53. No hybrid engine, pure inline six-cylinder.”

But the current C 63 isn’t the only model powered by the 2.0-liter turbo four. The C 43 uses that engine too, and it’s more likely that Schiebe’s comments were directed at that car instead.

Read: Mercedes Killed The V8 C63, But This CLE Might Be Its Redemption

A separate interview with Schiebe, this time conducted by Auto Motor und Sport, presented a different account that supports this interpretation. Their report states that the new C 53 is set to replace the C 43, not the C 63, which makes more sense within AMG’s current lineup.

2028 Mercedes-AMG C53 Wagon

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Schiebe acknowledged that AMG had expected broader acceptance for its high-strung 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. While the engine fits well in smaller cars like the A 45 and CLA 45, it hasn’t translated as convincingly to larger models. As a result, the current ‘43’ variants will be phased out and replaced by ‘53’ versions using the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six found in the new CLE 53.

That inline-six produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque, offering more than enough muscle for the upcoming C 53 and GLC 53. These models will slot below the more powerful E 53, which uses a plug-in hybrid version of the same engine to deliver 577 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm).

“We’ve seen that this engine in the CLE and the E-Class really excites our fans,” Schiebe told AMS. “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.”

Speaking with Edmunds, Schiebe noted that adapting the four-cylinder to meet Euro 7 regulations will be “quite difficult,” hence why “we will replace it with the inline six-cylinder.”

C 53 Wagon Spotted Testing

Mercedes already appears to be deep into development of the upcoming C 53, as a prototype version of the wagon has been spotted testing. The test mule uses the body of the facelifted model expected to launch in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle and will debut the inline-six engine. As our spy photographers noted, the prototype features a revised front end along with updated rear lights.

Interestingly, BMW was also seen testing a rival model at the same time. Our photographers captured a C 53 prototype alongside what they identified as the latest M5, which now features a more Neue Klasse–inspired front end than previous test cars.

The New C 63

That brings us to the future of the C 63, a model that’s been under scrutiny since its most recent redesign. The current version, powered by a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, has struggled to gain traction despite its impressive 671 hp and 752 lb-ft (1,020 Nm) output. The response has been tepid enough to push many enthusiasts toward the G80 BMW M3 instead.

Schiebe confirmed in an extended interview with AMS that the four-cylinder will be dropped in favor of something more compelling. While early reports suggested the replacement could be AMG’s inline-six, recent developments hint at something bigger and better. A V8 now appears to be on the table.

Just last week, Mercedes unveiled its new 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 in the facelifted S-Class, confirming it’s been developed to comply with Euro 7 regulations. Quizzed about AMG using this engine, Schiebe said, “Yes, we have developed a V8 engine that is EU7-capable and that we will offer in some series.”

While Schiebe didn’t specify which “series” he was referring to, all signs point to the CLE 63 as the first AMG model to use this engine. If that turns out to be the case, it would be only logical for the C 63 to follow suit. AMS hinted as much, noting that the V8 is “coming too, but Mercedes-AMG is still keeping the details under wraps”.

John Halas contributed to this story.