The current C63 S E Performance delivers massive numbers, 671 horsepower and over 1,000 Nm of torque—yet the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid hasn’t managed to capture the hearts (or wallets) of AMG loyalists. Sales have reportedly lagged, prompting Mercedes to rethink its approach. The new plan? Replace the 2.0-liter hybrid with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine, similar to what’s seen in the E53 but with more aggressive tuning for the C63.

In this new setup, the electric motor is expected to shift positions as well, from the rear axle to a spot between the engine and transmission. While exact power figures are still under wraps, early reports suggest the new system will still produce more than 650 horsepower and 881 Nm of torque. The update is expected to arrive with the 2026 facelift and may also power the upcoming 2027 GLC 63.

For purists longing for the roar of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, the news isn’t good. Despite the growing calls to revive it, Mercedes reportedly ruled out the V8 due to packaging challenges. Bringing it back would require substantial structural revisions to the current C-Class platform, changes that would demand fresh crash tests and new regulatory approvals. With the current generation already four years old and a successor in sight, the cost and effort simply don’t add up.

Still, there’s a silver lining for performance fans. The upcoming CLE 63 lineup is expected to debut with a flat-plane-crank twin-turbo V8, offering a taste of the old-school AMG magic, just not in the C-Class body.