Mercedes-AMG Develops Next C63 With Both Gasoline and Electric Powertrains

Mercedes-AMG is preparing a comeback for the C63 nameplate, potentially giving buyers a choice between internal combustion and all-electric powertrains. Following a lukewarm reception from traditional brand enthusiasts toward the outgoing four-cylinder plug-in hybrid model, the company is rethinking its strategy for the C-Class performance sedan. Speaking with the Australian outlet Drive, Chief Technology Officer Jörg Burzer confirmed that engineers are actively working on both gasoline and battery-electric propulsion options for future 63-badged vehicles. While not an official confirmation of a dual-powertrain C63 lineup, his repeated statements indicate that Affalterbach is seriously exploring both avenues to serve customers ready for electrification alongside those who prefer traditional engines.

The departure of the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid C63 has already been confirmed by Mercedes-AMG. In the interim, a new C53 variant powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six without plug-in hybrid assistance is expected to fill the gap. This model will likely share its setup with the GLC 53, delivering 443 horsepower and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, with a 10-second overboost function pushing torque to 472 lb-ft (640 Nm). Although Mercedes plans to keep its V8 engines in production into the 2030s, executives have ruled out fitting an eight-cylinder motor into the current C-Class generation. Because the sedan recently underwent its mid-cycle facelift, there is insufficient time left in its lifecycle to justify the financial investment required to develop and certify a V8 version.

At the same time, the recent introduction of a battery-powered C-Class gives AMG the foundation to build a high-performance electric C63. However, the outgoing four-cylinder model demonstrated that high horsepower figures alone do not guarantee appeal among driving enthusiasts, meaning an electric derivative must deliver an engaging behind-the-wheel experience. Offering parallel combustion and electric models mirrors Mercedes' broader corporate direction and matches rival BMW, which plans to launch an electric M3 next year followed by a new six-cylinder gasoline M3 in 2028.

For now, Mercedes-AMG has not released official specifications, performance metrics, or launch dates for the next C63. Still, reviving the badge will help close a major gap in the lineup against rivals like the BMW M3 and Audi's new plug-in hybrid V6-powered RS5. Given the recent facelift of the current C-Class, a next-generation gasoline-powered C63 is not expected to arrive before 2030, whereas an all-electric variant could debut earlier.