It takes time! Benz boss backs switch from V8s to PHEVs

Just as the automatic transmission usurped the manual and the smartphone overtook the flip phone, so Mercedes-AMG customers will eventually adjust to four-cylinder powertrains replacing V8s.

That’s the position of new Mercedes-Benz Australia boss Jaime Cohen, who is overseeing the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 in Australia with a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain that replaces the first generation’s 4.0-litre biturbo V8.

The GLC is the second leading AMG model to make the transition from V8 to four-cylinder PHEV following on from the iconic Mercedes-AMG C 63 sedan.

But while both vehicles claim better performance and fuel economy compared to the old models, there has been pushback about a loss of character along with the V8.

It has been reported overseas that C 63 S E Performance and GLC 63 S E Performance sales have declined compared to the old V8 models.

That the incoming Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe is expected to be V8-powered – and maybe the next E 63 sedan as well – is taken by some as an acknowledgment of the issue, as reported here.

But Cohen – as is to be expected – expressed confidence in the powertrain switch, saying it was a matter of time for acceptance to be gained.

“Slowly that will develop and I don’t feel at all any reservations,” he told carsales. “I think it will still be a very successful vehicle.

“I don’t think there is an issue, it’s a transition, and transitions always take time and always take some convincing and experience.

“It’s about performance. It would be a problem if we could not deliver the same performance with the [plug-in hybrid powertrain], but once you drive it you see the performance is there.”

Combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, e-motor and battery pack, the new GLC 63 produces a combined 500kW/1020Nm compared to the old M177 V8’s 375kW/700Nm.

The new GLC accelerates 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor, from rest to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and – even more spectacularly – claims a reduction in average fuel consumption from 12.2L/100km to 7.3L/100km and a 14km electric-only range.

The two-model GLC 63 range comprises the $191,814 SUV, which is expected to account for 60 per cent of sales, and the $198,415 Coupe.

Cohen drew the comparison with the introduction of automatic transmissions as an example of how new technology can time to be accepted.

“I still love manual transmissions, if you ask me I would buy one. But the market developed and the market changed.

“When we first moved not everyone was convinced about our automatic transmissions. But eventually now … everyone has one.”

Cohen said technology early adopters would lead interest in the new AMG PHEV powertrain, in the same way they had led the swap from mobile phones with keyboards such as the Blackberry to smartphones.

“I was one who missed the phone with the keyboard,” said Cohen. “How can it sell without a keyboard? Well here’s one without a keyboard.

“So that progress takes some time and in the end it is successful because it is a a good product and that is what convinces people.”

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au