When Mercedes launched the PHEV version of the AMG C63, expectations were high. It was thought that customers would easily accept electrification, but the data suggests otherwise. According to Handelsblatt, Mercedes management is disappointed by the demand that is far from expected.
In the almost one year since the premiere of the electric G-Class, Mercedes has sold only 1,450 hybrid units, while in the same period of time 9,700 units with a combustion engine were sold. And while Mercedes spokespeople claim that sales of the electric G-Class are going according to plan, one of the bosses who justifiably asked to remain anonymous told Handelsblatt: “People want a real G-Class, and it is still powered by V6 or V8 engines”.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 469 hp and 650 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The PHEV version is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with a rear-mounted electric motor producing a total of 680 hp (500 kW), mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels.
It is clear that the wealthy clientele still prefers the standard version with a clean combustion engine, whether this will remain the case in the future remains to be seen.
Source: Handelsblatt
