Mercedes-AMG C 63 to Return in Gasoline and EV Forms

Mercedes-Benz chief technical officer Joerg Burzer confirmed AMG is developing two distinct C 63 models: one powered by an internal-combustion engine and one zero-emission variant. Burzer made the comment in an interview with Australia's Drive and framed the approach as offering both petrol and electric options.

Confirmation and context

Burzer said AMG is working on separate gasoline and electric C 63 variants, mirroring a strategy BMW is pursuing with petrol and electric M3 models. He acknowledged the previous plug-in hybrid C 63, which combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four with electric assistance and was rated at 671 horsepower, underperformed in the market despite representing a technical shift for AMG.

Internal-combustion plans and the likely C 53

Mercedes has abandoned the small four-cylinder as a long-term option for top-tier AMG models. Burzer attributed the decision to emissions rules such as Euro 7 and weak customer demand; Mercedes will not invest to keep the high-output four alive. Instead, AMG is expected to install an inline-six turbo with mild-hybrid assistance in a model likely to carry the C 53 name.

The inline-six is anticipated to follow the 3.0-liter with 48-volt assistance already used in the GLC 63. Published estimates for the C 53 include 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque, with an overboost function raising peak torque to 472 pound-feet (640 Newton-meters) for 10 seconds at a time.

When asked about a V8, Burzer laughed but did not categorically rule it out. He noted an "exciting future ahead of us," leaving open the possibility that a V8-engined C 63 could return with a later-generation C-Class, though no confirmation was provided.

Electric C 63 and AMG EQ technology

The electric C 63 is already undergoing prototype testing in Germany, with recent spy shots showing cars fitted with production-intent body panels and exterior lighting. AMG is developing the zero-emission C 63 around axial-flux electric motor technology, which has been used by several manufacturers and by AMG in other models.

AMG uses axial-flux motors in multiple- motor layouts elsewhere in its line-up: the GT 4-Door Coupe and its SUV sibling use three such motors to produce 1,153 horsepower, and the electric CLA 45 is rated at 671 horsepower from three motors. Those applications suggest AMG may adopt a three-motor configuration for the electric C 63 with AMG EQ technology, with maximum output estimated in the 800-horsepower region.

Powertrain roadmap

• Outgoing plug-in hybrid C 63: 2.0-liter turbo inline-four with plug-in assistance, rated at 671 horsepower
• Expected internal-combustion successor (C 53): 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid, approximately 443 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm), overboost to 472 lb-ft (640 Nm) for 10 seconds
• Electric C 63 (AMG EQ): likely three axial-flux motors, maximum output estimated near 800 horsepower

Burzer's statements position AMG to offer both a conventional-engine performance model and a high-performance electric alternative, while leaving future V8 possibilities open but unconfirmed.