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Mercedes says adaptation to new AMG engines is only a matter of time

Mercedes Australia boss Jaime Cohen likens the adaptation to the new AMG engines to the transition from mobile phone to smartphone. He believes that, as with any innovation, it takes time for customers to get used to it.

An inevitable technological transition

Just as smartphones have replaced push-button phones, Mercedes-Benz anticipates that car enthusiasts will take some time to get used to the downsizing of engines in AMG models. AMG has offered vehicles with four-cylinder engines for several years, such as the CLA 45 and GLA 45, but purists remain skeptical about their legitimacy as true AMGs.

New models, such as the C63 and GLC63, now feature plug-in hybrid four-cylinder engines. This transition has met with mixed reactions, as has the initial acceptance of buttonless smartphones. Cohen argues that this adaptation is inevitable and similar to that of smartphones, a change that has finally been accepted by all.

The new Mercedes AMG engines

In an interview with Carsales magazine, Jaime Cohen explained that just as people have become accustomed to smartphones, they will adapt to plug-in hybrid engines. He is convinced that the new GLC 63, equipped with a four-cylinder hybrid engine, will be a success. “It's a transition, and transitions always take time, conviction and experience,” he said.

The GLC 63 is the second AMG model to switch from a V8 to a four-cylinder hybrid engine, following the C 63 sedan. These new models offer better performance and reduced fuel consumption than the old V8 models, but they have also been criticized for the loss of character that the abandonment of the V8 implies.

Improved performance

Despite the criticism, Cohen remains confident in the gradual acceptance of the new engines. He stresses that the performance of the new models is there. The new GLC 63 combines a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery, producing a combined output of 500kW/1020Nm, compared to 375kW/700Nm for the old V8.

The GLC 63 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor, and reduces average fuel consumption from 12.2 l/100 km to 7.3 l/100 km. It also offers a range of 14 km in electric mode only.

A changing market

The market is constantly evolving, and consumers must adapt to new technologies. Cohen compares this transition to the introduction of automatic transmissions, a technology that also took a long time to be accepted. Today, almost everyone uses automatic transmissions, although some people, like Cohen, still prefer manual transmissions.

The GLC 63 range consists of two models: the โ‚ฌ175,452 SUV and the โ‚ฌ181,490 Coupรฉ. Cohen believes that, as with smartphones, early adopters of AMG PHEV technology will play a crucial role in the adoption of these new engines.

A gradual acceptance

AMG CEO Michael Schiebe agrees with Cohen and advocates for the adoption of electrified four-cylinder engines. He acknowledges that some customers may be slow to get excited about the technology, but he stresses the importance of keeping an open mind to innovation.

The move towards smaller, more efficient engines represents a significant change for sports car enthusiasts. However, with impressive performance and reduced fuel consumption, the new AMG models are designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience while meeting modern environmental requirements.

Technological advances take time to be fully accepted, but Mercedes-Benz remains confident that its customers will eventually embrace these new engines, just as they have become accustomed to buttonless smartphones.