Tougher controls on allowable noise limits could see AMG axe multiple models – in Europe, at least – rather than making running changes to achieve compliance.
Mercedes-Benz may be preparing to cease production of a number of its high-performance AMG models – for European markets, at least – to coincide with the introduction of stricter noise regulations, a new report has claimed.
An alleged memo circulated to Mercedes-Benz product management lays out the end of production for a range of AMG models in the European market, as reported by Germany’s Elektroauto-News.
The models under scrutiny may not be the bellowing AMG V8s you imagine though, with the C-Class, GLC, and GLA the subject of the memo.
According to the leaked document, production of the Mercedes-AMG C43, GLC43, and GLA35 is scheduled to come to an end in the third week of February 2026.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 review
All three models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, the 43s an AMG-designed unit, and the GLA35 a motor shared with cheaper Mercedes-Benz models.
The more powerful plug-in hybrid C63 and GLC63 models will remain in production for Europe until the third week of May 2026, the report claims, and the GLA45 S has not been given a timeframe for its end of production.
If the report is accurate, the rules may be exclusive to Europe, as a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson told Drive that "at this stage there are no plans to discontinue the models you’ve mentioned for the Australian market."
The Mercedes-Benz memo specifically mentions that “from 01. 07. 2026 (…) the external noise regulation Phase 3 UN-R51.03 will come into force”, aligning with the scheduled timing for the end of production.
However, reports out of Europe from earlier in the year suggest that Mercedes-AMG may be looking to abandon four-cylinder powered products in the C-Class and GLC, and return to six-cylinder or V8 power, as found in previous generations.
A lack of customer demand for the four-cylinder AMG C-Class and GLC models has reportedly hastened the development of revised versions with larger engines.
With the C-Class and GLC sharing their platform and key structural hardpoints with the CLE coupe and convertible, which offers a six-cylinder AMG 53 model, and a V8-powered CLE63 on the way, the groundwork for improved models already exists.
In the case of the GLA, the model is fast approaching the end of its product cycle, with a new generation model arriving soon, meaning it may be more cost-effective for Mercedes-Benz to suspend production, rather than introduce changes for a limited production run.
The potential introduction of six- and eight-cylinder versions of the C-Class and GLC is somewhat supported by the fact that AMG has no plans to cease production of the six-cylinder CLE53 and E53, or V8 models like the G63 SUV, GT63 coupe, and SL63 roadster, among others.
These models will continue, along with four-cylinder models like the GT43 coupe and SL43 roadster.
While these models will all be impacted by the new European noise regulations, Mercedes-Benz may have production changes ready for these models to keep them compliant as the new regulations take effect.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
