Summary
- Mercedes-AMG is sticking with internal combustion engines due to slowing EV demand, focusing on satisfying customer needs.
- Mercedes-Benz shifting focus back to ICE tech but still sees an all-electric future if bans on ICE vehicles continue.
- AMG working on high-performance EV platform “AMG.EA” that promises emotional driving experience and good range.
Major automakers are taking a few steps back from their aggressive EV plans because of slowing demand and Mercedes-AMG is following the trend, saying it will stick with internal combustion for as long as possible, according to a new report. AutoCar in Britain spoke with Mercedes-AMG’s head honcho, Michael Schiebe, at the reveal of the Mercedes-AMG GT 64 Pro 4MATIC+, who said that internal combustion won’t completely disappear from AMG’s future.
The news comes shortly after Mercedes-Benz’s CEO, Ola Källenius, told German reporters that the Stuttgart-based automaker is refocusing its new-car initiatives back to internal-combustion and even hybrid technology. But they’re not completely throwing in the towel as Schiebe reportedly also said that Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG both still see an all-electric future, should all the bans against new ICE-powered vehicles continue to hold ground.
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Hoping To Make ICE-Powered Cars For As Long As Possible
Mercedes-Benz was one of the first major automakers to roll out a complete all-electric lineup. Additionally, the company’s been expanding its hybrid portfolio as well, particularly with the arrival of the newest Mercedes-AMG C63, which wasn’t without its fair share of criticism for its Formula One-inspired turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder powertrain.
Though interestingly, Benz’s lineup of EVs hasn’t been without its fair share of criticism, receiving mixed reviews and with overall demand dwindling as reflected in recent statistics, Mercedes backtracked on its decision for an all-EV offensive. But it’s not all over for EVs, it’s just a matter of utilizing ICE technology for as long as possible.
“We have no end date, but that would also be a very dogmatic discussion,” Schiebe told
AutoCar
. “Our main purpose is to satisfy customer needs. We still see there are many customers that love our V8 engines and our high-performance four-cylinder engines. We don’t put an end date on it, but I’m pretty convinced that AMG will become an all-electric company.”
Schiebe also emphasized that this new renewed focus on continuing to develop ICE tech means the company can once again bring back the V-8 and advance its technology even further.
“At AMG we are a technology brand, and we don’t want to say it’s only the V8 and we’ll do that forever,” Schiebe remarked. “It’s important to be open-minded when it comes to technology.”
A New High-Performance AMG EV Still On The Way
Despite the few steps back for EVs, Schiebe did say that the division’s unique clean sheet platform, internallly dubbed “AMG.EA,” is proceeding on schedule with its research and development phase. He also emphasized that the new EV will be “very emotional,” while delivering high performance and good range.
“It’s incredible how emotional it will be,” Schiebe reportedly told the British auto publication. “We will see an all-electric AMG car sooner rather than later, and then we will see how many customers jump on this technology. We will have pure ICE, the combination [gas-electric hybrids] and then all-electric, but at the moment there’s legislation in Europe at least to end the combustion engine in 2035. If this is the case, we will deliver high-performance all-electric cars. I don’t want to put a specific date or strategic direction because we are fully flexible here.”
Source: AutoCarUK
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