According to the Financial Times, the downsizing of Mercedes’ performance offering might be the manufacturer’s only choice if it's to bring its current fleet emissions rating of 138g/km right down to a target of 100g/km. AMG models are among the brand’s most polluting, typically using much larger, more inefficient powertrains than their Mercedes-Benz-badged counterparts
Felix Page Autocar writer
by Felix Page
20 December 2019
Mercedes could axe around three quarters of its AMG performance range to satisfy strict CO2 targets.
According to the Financial Times, the downsizing of Mercedes’ performance offering might be the manufacturer’s only choice if it's to bring its current fleet emissions rating of 138g/km right down to a target of 100g/km. AMG models are among the brand’s most polluting, typically using much larger, more inefficient powertrains than their Mercedes-Benz-badged counterparts.
The FT reports that several Mercedes dealers expect a 75% reduction within the availability of AMG models, which analyst Max Warburton claims would be a “catastrophe for profitability”. Mercedes’ performance models command a big premium over standard cars, but threaten the car maker’s ability to bring its CO2 average down.
Such a move could even be extended to Mercedes’ mainstream line-up, where the firm could restrict sales of cars equipped with 3.0-litre engines, said the FT. this might force powertrain alterations for models like the new GLE Coupe, which is out there exclusively with a 3.0-litre straight-six, even in standard form.
Responding to the report, a Mercedes spokesman said that "Mercedes-AMG may be a significant strategic pillar for Mercedes-Benz cars with a transparent powertrain strategy for the longer term," but didn't respond on to the comments allegedly made by a number of the firm's retail representatives.
He added: "Starting with the primary plug-in hybrids coming to the market in 2020 and followed by a replacement model range equipped with electrified powertrains, Mercedes-AMG also will contribute to lowering the typical fleet emission of Mercedes-Benz Cars."
Earlier this year, Autocar reported that the next-generation C63 performance saloon, arriving in 2022, will swap the present model’s 503bhp 4.0-litre V8 for a hybridised 2.0-litre four-pot. The motor are going to be largely supported the new M139 unit featured within the latest A45 hot hatchback, which is that the most powerful four-cylinder production engine on sale.
It is also possible that Mercedes could bring another manufacturer on board so as to enjoy a lower combined fleet average and avoid EU-imposed fines. Fiat Chrysler and Tesla signed an identical agreement in April, which allows FCA to count Tesla’s EV-only models as a part of its fleet, thereby lowering its average CO2 output.
Mercedes is one among variety of manufacturers being forced to think about drastic line-up reshuffles to satisfy the quotas. Despite the recent launch of its EQC electric SUV - and therefore the imminent arrival of the cheaper EQA - the maker cannot believe its relatively low-volume EV sales to offset the environmental impact of its conventionally fuelled cars.
Max Warburton told the FT that if the industry sold an equivalent mixture of vehicles in 2021 because it did last year, car makers would face €25bn (£21.2bn) in penalties.