Loud Mercedes-AMG Models Disappear Due to New EU Rules
Difficult times have come for fans of loud Mercedes-AMG engines. The manufacturer is forced to discontinue production of several of its noisiest models with internal combustion engines due to new European Union regulations.
Stricter Noise Regulations
According to an internal Mercedes-Benz memo obtained, the new UN-R51.03 “Phase 3” noise regulations, which come into force on July 1, 2026, will significantly limit the level of external vehicle noise within the European Union. These rules are part of a broader initiative to reduce noise pollution in cities.
Models to be Discontinued
Production of the AMG C43 4Matic and GLC43 4Matic will end by February 2026, along with the GLA35 4Matic. Their bigger brothers, the C63 SE Performance and GLC63 SE Performance, will get a short reprieve until May 2026.
One of the few compact AMG models that will remain on the market is the GLA45 S 4Matic+ – it can be ordered without restrictions. However, the company has already warned dealers not to accept new orders for the models being discontinued.
On a positive note, all the mentioned models have only four cylinders. At least one of them – the controversial C63 S E Performance PHEV, which had sales problems after replacing the 4.0-liter V8 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine – will not be greatly missed. In 2026, it will receive an inline six-cylinder engine, while the AMG V8 engines, apparently, will remain unchanged.
The Future of AMG
Although AMG has not officially commented on the leak, a company representative told German media that the brand is preparing the largest product offensive in its history. This means a wave of new-generation hybrid and electric AMG models developed on the future AMG.EA platform, including concepts like the AMG GT XX.
Recent spy photos of the updated SL63 confirm that traditional V8-powered models will remain on the market for some time. Furthermore, AMG has already developed V8 sound accompaniment for its electric models to make them less boring.
Naturally, the traditional values of our brand’s DNA will also be reflected in our future models.
These changes reflect a broader trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are forced to balance the emotional aspects of driving with environmental requirements. The transition to electrification does not mean a complete loss of brand characteristics – technologies allow for the reproduction of unique sound features, which could be a compromise for fans of traditional sports cars.