Targeting the AMG line, known for throaty V-6 and V-8 engines, for electrification could give Mercedes the biggest bang for its buck in reducing overall fleet emissions.
“Combining a fuel-efficient engine with electric motors limits the gas needed for everyday driving and provides that extra boost of power when it comes time to showcase why that AMG badge is on the trunk,” said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions.
With its plug-in hybrids, Mercedes is priming the market for all-electric AMG models while also providing some insurance against the range anxiety associated with BEVs.
“As emissions regulations get tighter and buyers become more accustomed to electric vehicles, AMG can widen the availability of fully-electric models, eventually replacing the hybrid-electric models,” Fiorani said.
F1-inspired
The new hybrid powertrain is derived from the power pack of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 race car.
The platform, which combines an AMG eight-cylinder or four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivers more than 804 hp and a 0-to-60-mph sprint in under 3.0 seconds.
