Report: Mercedes-AMG C63 4-cyl Could See Production Axed

There's now new report indicating that select Mercedes-AMG models like the C63 S E Performance could soon be axed thanks to strict new noise regulations in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz reportedly may be gearing up to axe production of a number of key Mercedes-AMG performance models, at least in the European market. This comes from stricter new noise regulation that the European Union (EU) will implement soon, reports ElektroAuto-News.

The German portal cites an internal memo circulated to Mercedes-Benz product management as its source. Surprisingly, it is not the three-lettered performance arm’s signature V8 models that are being targeted, but its 4-cyl models instead.

Specifically cited was the “01.07.2026 external noise regulation Phase 3 UN-R551.03” ruling. Should this pas out as truths though, select Mercedes-AMG models may not longer be allowed on sale in the Old Continent for being too loud.

Ironically, it's not the bellowing V8s from AMG that are being targeted, but its electrified 4-cyl mills like the one in the C63 S E Performance pictured.

Leading the list is the electrified W206-gen C63 S E Performance super-saloon, followed by the GLA35, as well as both electrified C43 and GLC43 duo. Whilst the GLA35 nears the end of its production cycle, the C63 and both the C43 and GLC43 were also somewhat expected.

In the case of the C63, the switch from twin-turbo V8 to a 4-cyl petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has not sat well with customers as sales for the model have been alarmingly slow. A switch to a revised 6-cyl powerplant has been rumoured recently too.

The GLA 35 was also named in the alleged memo, but the model's status nearing the end of its production cycle marks its axing soon as unsurprising.

Malaysia-built (CKD) W206-gen C43 AMG X254-gen GLC 43 Coupe pictured. These could also soon be axed from European sales.

With the C43 and GLC43, the three-point star’s performance arm could instead update them with new 6-cyl powertrains too. As a refresher, the W206-gen C43 and C/X254-gen GLC43 had also downsized to 4-cyl mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrains from twin-turbo V6s prior.

We’ll stress again that the ruling noted only affects European sales, meaning it should not impact sales of the GLA35,  C43 and GLC43 Coupe models here in Malaysia – all are locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang.

As for the C63, perhaps this could be the final push needed for the marque to revise the earlier mentioned downsizing.