Tighter 2026 regulations are about to silence some of Affalterbach’s rowdiest creations
Bad news for anyone who thinks a proper Mercedes-AMG needs to shake windows and wake the neighbors: Mercedes will soon pull the plug on several of its loudest combustion-powered models. And it’s all the EU’s fault. Again.
Related: AMG’s Baby Mercedes SUV Could Pack 500 HP And A Drift Mode
According to a leaked internal Mercedes-Benz memo, UN-R51.03 “Phase 3” noise regulations, which take effect on July 1, 2026, will tighten external sound limits across the European Union.
The new rules, part of a broader push to curb urban noise pollution, mean that several current rowdy AMG models simply won’t make the cut.
Models On The Chopping Block
The memo seen by Elektro Auto News outlines a list of casualties. Production of the AMG C43 4Matic and GLC43 4Matic will wrap up by February 2026, along with the GLA35 4Matic. Their bigger siblings, the C63 SE Performance and GLC63 SE Performance, get a brief stay of execution until May 2026. After that, it’s lights out (or rather, sound down).
One of the few compact AMG survivors, at least for now, appears to be the GLA45 S 4Matic+, which Mercedes says can still be ordered “without restriction.” But the company has already warned dealers not to take new orders for the discontinued models past those dates.
The good news, as you might have noticed, is that all of the affected models have only four cylinders. And at least one of them, the controversial C63 S E Performance PHEV, which has struggled for sales since junking its 4.0-liter V8 for a 2.0-liter plug-in four, won’t be missed.
It will get an inline six in a 2026 refresh, while AMG’s V8s appear to be safe, according to their omission from the leaked memo.
What Comes Next
While AMG isn’t officially commenting on the leak, a company spokesperson told German media that the brand is preparing “the most extensive product offensive in its history.” Translation: a flood of next-generation hybrid and electric AMGs built on the upcoming AMG.EA platform, including wild concepts like the AMG GT XX.
Spy shots of a facelifted SL63 seen this week prove traditional V8 models will be around for a while yet, and AMG has even developed a V8 soundtrack for its EVs to make them less dull.
“Naturally, the traditional values of our brand DNA will also be reflected in our future models,” AMG told Elektro Auto News.
Google News
MSN Start
Chris is a seasoned automotive journalist with over two decades of experience. He has worked… Read full bio

source