Due to low demand – but not only that – Mercedes will stop production of its high-performance models, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance and GLC 63 S E Performance, at the end of May 2026, according to the German magazine auto motor und sport.
In recent weeks, several rumors have circulated about the discontinuation of various Mercedes-AMG models. One possible reason mentioned has been the new noise regulations. However, it seems that this is only a minor factor, and there are other, more significant reasons behind the decision.
According to an internal memo reported by auto motor und sport, production of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance (206.x80) and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance (254.x80) will cease at the end of May 2026, while production of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic (206.x87), GLC 43 4Matic (254.x87), and GLA 35 4Matic (254.751) will end at the end of February 2026.
Meanwhile, production of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic+ will continue.
Some outlets have reported that the new noise standards, UN Regulation R51.03, are the reason these models will be discontinued. Phase 3 of these standards comes into effect on July 1, 2026. However, an AMG official quoted by auto motor und sport stated that AMG is not ending production of any models because of noise regulations.
Therefore, the reasons appear to be different. As has often been written, the top AMG models of the C-Class and GLC – the AMG C 63 S E Performance and AMG GLC 63 S E Performance – equipped with a high-performance PHEV system based on a four-cylinder engine, have not achieved the expected success, with sales weaker than anticipated.
Mercedes has responded to the criticism, and AMG has announced that it is developing a new V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft. Unofficial information suggests that this new V8 will also be used in the upcoming top AMG CLE 63 4Matic model.
It is not yet known whether this engine will fit under the hood of the C-Class and GLC, but if adaptation is possible, it is not excluded that, with the facelift, the future AMG C 63 and AMG GLC 63 models could also receive the new V8.
A major change has also taken place in the compact range. Although the new Mercedes CLA was initially planned to have top AMG versions with only electric powertrains, the German manufacturer has changed its strategy due to the limited market acceptance of such models.
Therefore, the new Mercedes CLA, as well as the future GLA and GLB, will also have AMG versions with four-cylinder combustion engines. However, since the decision was made later, about a year will be needed to adapt this engine to the new EU7 standards, which come into force in 2026.
It is still unclear what will happen to the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic. For now, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has announced that production of the A-Class will continue until 2028, but he did not provide details about the top AMG A 45 version. Källenius also confirmed that Mercedes will develop a new entry-level model.
