The BMW M3 Is Losing Its Main Rival As The AMG C63 Is Dying

The C63’s days are numbered, as Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has confirmed that the M3 rival is headed for retirement. In an interview with Edmunds, the outgoing Affalterbach boss defined why the flagship C-Class is being axed. The issue lies with its four-cylinder gasoline engine, however apparently not the purchasers’ lack of attraction for the downsized powertrain. We’re informed that the two.0-liter turbo unit can’t be made compliant with the upcoming Euro 7 laws.

The excellent news is that an AMG-tuned C-Class will stay on, however it gained’t absolutely exchange the outgoing C63. Mercedes plans to introduce a milder C53 mannequin powered by an inline-six engine, borrowed from the BMW M440i-rivaling CLE 53 Coupe and Cabriolet. Not like the plug-in hybrid C63, the C53 will keep on with a combustion-only setup constructed round a 3.0-liter engine, information that ought to please purists.

Within the CLE 53 fashions, this six-cylinder presently delivers 443 hp and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm). If these figures carry over unchanged, Mercedes-AMG will combat the next-generation 3 Sequence in M Efficiency kind slightly than go head-to-head with a full-fat M3. Stories recommend the M340i will likely be changed by an M350 producing 417 hp, giving the range-topping G50-generation 3 Sequence an additional 31 hp over in the present day’s M340i.

Because of this, the M3 G84 arriving in 2028 gained’t have to fret in any respect about an AMG C63 rival. BMW has already confirmed it can retain a six-cylinder engine and has hinted at mild-hybrid help. Our sources declare the gas-powered M3 will exceed 525 hp, however it gained’t provide a handbook gearbox. Rear-wheel drive may be dropped in favor of an xDrive-only configuration, although nothing is official at this level.

May the C63 ever make a comeback? It’s cheap to count on Mercedes to finally deal with the absence of a real range-topping C-Class. AMG is creating an all-new V8, although its utility within the C-Class hasn’t been confirmed. Provided that the present W206 era is already 5 years outdated, a V8-powered C63 appears unlikely. By the point a successor arrives, assembly emissions laws with an eight-cylinder setup will likely be an infinite problem.

And what about Audi? The model is getting ready to unveil the brand new RS5 later this month. It’s anticipated to characteristic a plug-in hybrid powertrain, seemingly centered round a V6. Audi plans to supply the flagship as each a five-door liftback and an RS5 Avant aimed squarely at Munich’s Touring.

Supply: Edmunds