New Noise Laws Could Take Down the Mercedes-AMG C63

Folks struggled to get enthusiastic about Mercedes' hybridized, four-cylinder successor to the V8-powered C63 AMG. In a car so dominated by the experience provided by its engine, it's easy to see why. The current model hasn't been loved, to say the least, but slow sales may not be why the four-cylinder model follows the old V8 into the grave. Instead, almost ironically, noise regulations may be to blame for the car's suspected demise.

New European Noise Regs Could Kill The C63

According to Germany's Elektroauto-News, a new memo obtained from within Mercedes-Benz indicates many four-cylinder AMG models, not just the C63, could be subject to new noise regulations. Unable to meet the new regs, which limit how much noise can be made by a car's engine, models ranging from the C63 to the C43, GLC43, and GLA35 AMG will all end production by May 2026, at the latest. A handful may be discontinued as early as February next year.

Mercedes seems to already have alternatives in place. While the regulations could do in several current AMGs, the brand did say in its memo that dealers will be apprised of "possible successors" in the future. Really, all Mercedes-Benz needs to do is ensure future iterations are noise-compliant. Most logically, that won't mean major changes like new powertrains, though enthusiasts have held out hope for the return of the V8 C-Class (and other V8 AMG models) since it left the lineup a few years ago.

V8-Powered Rumors Still Circulate

The potential end of the C63's current powertrain immediately conjures up the other big AMG rumor right now: the return of V8 engines. Outlets have alleged that Mercedes will bring back V8s in more of its lineup due to slowing sales and customer demand, but so far, the alleged V8 hasn't materialized. Similar to its four-cylinder engine problem, a newly-installed V8 faces a series of regulatory hurdles in Europe. Mercedes likely cannot afford to build multiple versions of the same car for different markets, and as such, regulations in effect in Europe will likely limit what the brand sells elsewhere.

For now, it puts Mercedes in a tough spot. It's very expensive new hybrid four-cylinder powertrain needs another update to remain compliant, while older powertrains, like the V8, will need similar infusions of capital to keep going. Either way, some of the brand's lowest volume models, its AMG lineup, now need significant amounts of cash to be made feasible again.