Following Mercedes Australia's head's assertion that AMG buyers will adapt to four-cylinder hybrids akin to smartphones, the leader of Mercedes' performance division has made another bold claim. Speaking to Britain's Autocar magazine, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe expressed strong confidence that customers will transition seamlessly from V-8 engines to electric vehicles.
"Customers who were drawn to the brand because of the V-8 didn't do so solely for the large engine. They were attracted by the technology we integrated into the car. Therefore, when it comes to electric driving, I am confident they will embrace this new technology as it represents the latest and greatest available," Schiebe stated.
This statement implies that AMG believes its clientele values technology above all. If the latest advancements do not include a combustion engine, customers will apparently shift to EVs. The "one man, one engine" philosophy may eventually end, and it seems Schiebe thinks people will readily accept EVs if they feature the newest tech.
However, the V-8 engine is not disappearing soon. AMG has assured that new eight-cylinder models are in development. A recent spy video suggests the CLE63 could be next in line for the V-8 treatment. Reports indicate that the top-tier CLE was initially planned to have a downsized electrified powertrain, but weak demand for the C63 has led AMG to alter the engine late in the development stage.
Although specific sales figures for the C63 are not available, significant discounts in Germany suggest it is not particularly popular. The C63 is not the only AMG model to lose its V-8, as the GLC63 has also dropped the twin-turbo 4.0-liter unit. Additionally, Mercedes has announced that the next E63 will not feature eight cylinders.
In a previous interview, Schiebe acknowledged that some AMG customers "need time to fully appreciate the technology." He emphasized the importance of being open-minded about technological advancements. Schiebe defended the company's decision to include a four-cylinder engine in the C63, stating that its plug-in hybrid setup is "very, very progressive."
In AMG's favor, the company is investing in its claims. It has launched several high-performance PHEVs and is developing a bespoke electric car platform. The AMG.EA architecture has been in the works for several years, and Autocar reports that a purely electric supercar is in development. This vehicle will reportedly draw inspiration from last year's Vision One-Eleven concept and serve as a spiritual successor to the quad-motor 2013 SLS AMG Electric Drive.
AMG has ruled out producing another F1-powered hypercar like the One due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Lower in the Mercedes lineup, there are still numerous six- and eight-cylinder models, including a massive V-12 in the Maybach S-Class. Generally, there is still time to purchase a car with the desired number of cylinders, but options are becoming more limited.
