C-Class W206 [Official] Mercedes Benz C-Class (W206)

[Mr. Mercedes]

The CLE itself is a hit. Not having the E interior is the only issue but the market doesn’t mind it.

M

IMO MB guys are desperate for anything, which is why they've gotten away with the interior. But the market has noticed and I don't doubt we will see improvements come FL time.

 

[HUTSUTAo]

According to jesmb.de the facelifted C AMG should get the M256M R6 engine.

what is the highlight of the m256m engine

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

what is the highlight of the m256m engine

Well, I can tell you it's forms part of bloody good drivetrain in the new E53.

 

[Serpens]

Heck they can even put the 2.5L version of the M256 in the C43. Or if they really want they can engineer a new 6 cylinder using the fancy tech of the M252 1.5L. The former would be a lot easier cause it's already in use in China.

A 2.5L I6 would lose the modularity (cost savings) with the I4 and there’s really no need to make an investment in a brand new I6 at this stage. The 43 models are really put an odd position with no obvious answer other than hybrid power.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

A 2.5L I6 would lose the modularity (cost savings) with the I4 and there’s really no need to make an investment in a brand new I6 at this stage. The 43 models are really put an odd position with no obvious answer other than hybrid power.

I'm pretty sure the 2.5L M256 is just a shorter stroke on the same motor. But I could be wrong. Merc use a 2.5L variant of the M256 in the S class in China already. I can't imagine it's a completely different engine block.

But I guess it you have to use different cams and pistons, yeah you lose the modularity. Still tho. Just putting in the 380hp tune M256 in the C43 will probably do the job. The torque is flat from 1900rpm pretty much so it'll feel more powerful than the M139 on the road.

 

[Rolf]

If this is true it is great news. Lets hope AMG brings back the Inline 6 to the C-class.

Mercedes C-Class AMG again with 6-cylinder

Mercedes-AMG will soon return to 6-cylinder engines for the GLC and C-Class
In 2026, the C-Class will receive its facelift. AMG will also comprehensively revise the two AMG versions C 43 AMG 4matic (422 hp) and C 63 S E Performance (680 hp). Like the Mercedes C-Classes, the AMG C-Classes will also be the MB. OS operating system and the latest driver assistance systems.

For AMG fans, however, the most important message is that as part of one of Mercedes' biggest model offensives by 2027, the 4-cylinder AMG versions will disappear from the C-Class and the GLC.

Incontrast to the CLE 63 S AMG Mild Hybrid with the new V8 with flat-plane crankshaft, the new, then EU7-capable V8 is not to be used in the C-Class and GLC.

Mercedes-AMG relies on the extremely compact M256M R6 petrol engine here. Due to the small cylinder spacing, AMG will probably not be able to increase the boost pressure any further. The M256M was originally developed by Mercedes as an efficiency 6-cylinder. An extreme performance yield was not the focus.

It is questionable whether AMG can increase the performance of the Mercedes engine even further than 449 hp. The current M256M is fitted with a P2 plug-in hybrid in the E 53 Hybrid with 585 hp (612 hp race mode). The combustion engine could contribute the 449 hp and the electric motor up to 163 hp in the transmission bell. It also has a long electric range of over 80 km. Which then allow an E-license plate. However, a new revised Gen5 battery could also be used.

The M256M will therefore probably no longer be combined with the AMG P3 Hybrid with a 204 hp electric motor on the rear axle.

This will then represent the top performance variant for the AMG C-Class and the GLC.

The entry-performance AMG version of the C-Class and the GLC will also be converted to the M256M R6 petrol engine. Here, the well-known 9G-Tronic with ISG or even separating clutch in front of the electric motor is used (48 volt full hybrid).

The 6-cylinder engines in the C 43 AMG and C 63 AMG will come at the end of 2026 with the facelift of the C-Class. In the GLC, the changeover will probably take place a year later, in 2027.

Mercedes C-Klasse AMG wieder mit 6-Zylinder

Mercedes C-Klasse AMG (W206) und die AMG GLC (X254) bekommen 2026 wieder einen 6-Zylinder Motor (M256M R6 Turbo)

jesmb.de

 

[magejo]

Mercedes-AMG is making significant changes to the engines of the C-Class (model series 206) as part of the facelift. According to our information, a major innovation is in focus: the introduction of the C 53 4MATIC+ with a 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which will replace all previous AMG variants in the C-Class.


C 63 S E Performance flops – AMG responds with a new strategy
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance has turned out to be a flop for the Affalterbach performance brand. Instead of making a sporty statement on the roads, the models have mostly piled up unsold at dealerships. With the facelift of the C-Class, AMG is finally taking action: the electrified 4-cylinder powertrain of the C 63 S E Performance is being discontinued and replaced with the new C 53 4MATIC+ featuring a six-cylinder petrol engine. At the same time, the C 43 4MATIC with its 4-cylinder engine will also be removed from the program. This will be implemented similarly in the GLC.


New six-cylinder instead of hybrid – AMG relies on the M256M
The exact performance level that will replace the C 43 4MATIC (310 kW/421 hp) and the C 63 S E Performance (350 kW/476 hp + 150 kW/204 hp electric motor) has not yet been officially confirmed. However, AMG will likely use an electrified version of the M256 inline-six engine – the M256M mild-hybrid.


A pure E-Performance hybrid system for the new model seems unlikely. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder is already used in the CLE 53 4MATIC+, where it delivers 330 kW (449 hp) and 560 Nm of torque – in overboost mode, it can even produce 600 Nm for up to ten seconds. Additionally, an integrated starter generator provides short-term support with 17 kW (23 hp) and 205 Nm of torque.


With this strategic shift, Mercedes-AMG is bidding farewell to the electrified 4-cylinder technology in the C-Class and returning to a powerful six-cylinder solution. Whether this move will boost sales remains to be seen – at least in terms of engine sound, customers will likely enjoy it more in the future. However, it's still difficult to understand why they waited so long with the C 63 S E, leading many customers (rightfully) to switch to BMW.

Mercedes-AMG C 53 4MATIC+ kommt mit Modellpflege

Man glaubt es kaum: Mercedes streicht die 4-Zylinder Varianten des C 43 4MATIC sowie C 63 S E Performance - und führt den C 53 4MATIC+ ein.

mbpassion.de

 

[Merc1]

Two very good things if true, renaming the top car the C53 and a I6 for the C43 also. That’s a really good solution if the V8 isn’t coming back.

M

 

[Rolf]

Two very good things if true, renaming the top car the C53 and a I6 for the C43 also. That’s a really good solution if the V8 isn’t coming back.

M

This would make perfect sense, the C43 could use a standard CLE53 engine with 330kw/450PS and then the C53 will use the same engine but fitted with an electric motor hybrid powertrain from the E53 delivering 430kw/585PS and with performance launch mode of 450kw/612PS. It should be virtually as quick as the inline 4 C63 E-Performance but have an EV range of 80 to 90km and a beautiful 6 cylinder howl.

 

[GTA45E]

I-6 engines are known for their inherent smoothness and low-end torque but in performance applications thay sound like vacuum cleaners for the most part. The M256m is no exception. The M256 is a great engine but it is lacking in the emotional characteristic sound department. AMG needs to leave that one for the luxury cars.

AMG needs to up its portfolio with a genuine hand-built, hi-rev turbo V6 engine for the C63, (This engine could also be used for the E53, GT43, SL43 and GT43 models. This engine could easily be derived from M177 V8 or the M139 4 with the latest upgrades.

With the proper tuning and balance, V6 engines have the advantage of sounding better, can put out more toque at higher RPMs than in inline 6 and can fit in smaller engine compartments. I can understand Mercedes not wanting to put a V8 in the C63 because it would be bumping heads with the upcoming E63. Fitted with 4-Matic Plus, a hi-rev V6 would be the perfect match for the face/lifted C63 IMO.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

I-6 engines are known for their inherent smoothness and low-end torque but in performance applications thay sound like vacuum cleaners for the most part. The M256m is no exception. The M256 is a great engine but it is lacking in the emotional characteristic sound department. AMG needs to leave that one for the luxury cars.

AMG needs to up its portfolio with a genuine hand-built, hi-rev turbo V6 engine for the C63, (This engine could also be used for the E53, GT43, SL43 and GT43 models. This engine could easily be derived from M177 V8 or the M139 4 with the latest upgrades.

With the proper tuning and balance, V6 engines have the advantage of sounding better, can put out more toque at higher RPMs than in inline 6 and can fit in smaller engine compartments. I can understand Mercedes not wanting to put a V8 in the C63 because it would be bumping heads with the upcoming E63. Fitted with 4-Matic Plus, a hi-rev V6 would be the perfect match for the face/lifted C63 IMO.

Issue is, its a huge risk to dump that investment money into a new V6, that may become illegal in Europe in a few years and with the US on its Tariff gimmick....well ROI would be a challenge.
The M256 already exists, and so its easy to just take it and plonk it in the chassis with minimal development costs.

I'd love for an AMG-designed i6 based on the M139 or a V6 based on the M177 with a closed deck and high power/torque. However, making a completely new engine - even if its based on a modular design. I dunno. Don't think it'd happen.

 

[klier]

Sales of the C class are declining basically every year over here; from almost 8k in 2001 to less than 1k in 2024. Doubt it's much different in the rest of western EU countries.

All this talk about a V8 or inline 6 is absolutely matterless. This whole segment is dying off, particularly the ICE side of the story.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Sales of the C class are declining basically every year over here; from almost 8k in 2001 to less than 1k in 2024. Doubt it's much different in the rest of western EU countries.

All this talk about a V8 or inline 6 is absolutely matterless. This whole segment is dying off, particularly the ICE side of the story.

This is, I suppose, why they're making an electric C class and an electric GLC.

 

[SilverArrows]

Sales of the C class are declining basically every year over here; from almost 8k in 2001 to less than 1k in 2024. Doubt it's much different in the rest of western EU countries.

All this talk about a V8 or inline 6 is absolutely matterless. This whole segment is dying off, particularly the ICE side of the story.

C AMG was selling quite well, the biggest problem was that the C63S was rwd only. You couldn't use it properly all year, in rain, in snow etc. Only usable for dry and warm weather. C43 sold quite well with V6. I expect new R6 sell pretty well too. Netherlands has high taxes on higher CO2 output models? That then shifts whole market just because of that

 

[klier]

Netherlands has high taxes on higher CO2 output models? That then shifts whole market just because of that

Yeah, but the shift is more towards SUV. And in general, lots of other brands compete with good cars in this class these days. It's not a dig towards MB per se BTW, the same is happening for BMW, but to a lesser extend.

 

[Jonathan19]

2026 Mercedes-AMG C63 to drop PHEV four for new PHEV six

Mercedes-AMG C63's controversial four-pot PHEV is being replaced – by a new six-cylinder PHEV | Autocar

Sales of the existing car have lagged well behind expectations, despite being the most powerful C-Class model to date

www.autocar.co.uk

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Yeah, but the shift is more towards SUV. And in general, lots of other brands compete with good cars in this class these days. It's not a dig towards MB per se BTW, the same is happening for BMW, but to a lesser extend.

The GLC sells gangbusters and has long displaced the C class as the family car of choice from Merc. The heavy investment into GLC and electric GLC from Mercedes is telling. And likewise with the new NK X3

 

[empower77]

Two very good things if true, renaming the top car the C53 and a I6 for the C43 also. That’s a really good solution if the V8 isn’t coming back.

M

53< 63 and that will never happen even if it is logical…

 

[Merc1]

53< 63 and that will never happen even if it is logical…

What?

M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The GLC sells gangbusters and has long displaced the C class as the family car of choice from Merc. The heavy investment into GLC and electric GLC from Mercedes is telling. And likewise with the new NK X3

Agreed.

It has replaced the C class as the default choice if you're buying above the MFA offerings.