It is all but confirmed – the all-new 2021 (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class will solely feature a 4-cylinder engine in all variants, even the AMG models, reports Car and Driver.

There will be different levels of electrification to boost outputs, such as 48-volt mid-hybrid variants as well as plug-in hybrids. The engine will be paired exclusively to Mercedes’ own 9-speed automatic transmission.

Why no more 6- or 8-cylinder engines?

The biggest factor contributing to this would be the ever-increasing efforts to reduce emissions. A 4-cylinder hybrid will inherently be more efficient and produce less emissions than a larger capacity V6 or V8 engine.

Plus, the wizards at AMG may already have plans to electrically boost the M139 engine - now sitting in the current A45 - making as much as 421 PS and 500 Nm of torque. In theory, it should at least match the outgoing C63’s output of 510 PS and 700 Nm.

AMG CEO Tobias Moers said that all next-generation AMG models will have all its wheels driven due to customer demand. No surprises here, seeing that the E63 is already all-wheel drive with its 4Matic+ system.

When will the all-new (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class debut?

Rumour has it that the next generation (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class is set to make its global debut virtually sometime later this month. Watch this space for more updates.