Mercedes-Benz compares the evolution of its AMG engines to the transition from mobile phones to smartphones. According to the brand, car enthusiasts will eventually get used to these technological changes, despite initial reluctance.
The transition to more compact engines at AMG
Although AMG has been marketing four-cylinder cars for several years, such as the CLA 45 and GLA 45 models, many purists do not consider these vehicles to be true AMGs due to their 2.0-liter engines.
The recent C63 and GLC63, now equipped with four-cylinder engines paired with a powerful plug-in hybrid configuration, have also raised reservations among enthusiasts, recalling the initial reactions to smartphones without a physical keyboard.
A bold comparison with the evolution of smartphones
Jaime Cohen, head of Mercedes-Benz Australia, drew parallels between the growing acceptance of four-cylinder plug-in hybrids and the shift from push-button phones to touchscreen smartphones.
According to Cohen:
The advantages of the new AMG engines
The GLC 63, the second AMG model to switch from the V8 to a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drive system after the C 63 sedan, features:
The challenges of accepting new technologies
Cohen stresses that the evolution of the automotive market is inevitable, citing the example of automatic transmissions that have gradually supplanted manuals. He says early adopters will play a crucial role in the acceptance of the new Mercedes AMG engines, just as they did in the transition from touch-tone phones to smartphones.
AMG's vision for the future
AMG CEO Michael Schiebe defends the adoption of an electrified four-cylinder propulsion system to replace the old V8. He acknowledges that:
The new Mercedes AMG engines represent a significant change in the brand's philosophy. While some purists may miss the distinctive sound and character of the V8s, Mercedes-Benz is confident that the performance, efficiency and driving experience offered by these new engines will eventually win over fans of the brand. Time will tell whether this technological transition will be as successful as that of smartphones.