A fresh report out of the United Kingdom claims the Mercedes-AMG C43 will be replaced by a C53 variant that ditches six-cylinder power for a version of the firm’s high-output four-pot.

According to Autocar, the upcoming fifth generation of the C-Class nameplate will include a C53 derivative from the Affalterbach division to take on the likes of the Audi S4 and BMW M340i xDrive.

Set to slot in below a new C63 flagship, the C53 will likely be offered in the usual sedan, coupé and cabriolet body styles.

The Autocar report claims the outgoing C43’s turbocharged 3,0-litre V6 engine will be replaced by a “further developed” version of company’s turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit.

The publication says the engine – which offers up to 310 kW in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, CLA45 S and GLA45 S – will likely generate around 285 kW, a peak power figure similar to that of the outgoing C43.

The C53 is expected to be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering power via a “heavily updated” all-wheel-drive system.

Original article from Car