Mercedes-AMG Affirms Plug-In Hybrid Plans

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-AMG unit plans to offer a plug-in hybrid variant of every model it sells in coming years, company officials tell Autocar.

The rollout will begin next year with an unspecified model, according to the British enthusiast magazine.

Mercedes-AMG has been advocating the use of plug-in hybrids for several years but has been slow to implement the policy. Plug-ins are favored over mild-hybrid systems because the former provides a greater fuel economy/emissions benefit , notes Frank Overmeyer, Mercedes head of external affairs for emissions.

Mercedes-AMG currently offers mild-hybrid systems on several models, including the CLS 53 and E53. The 48-volt starter/generator technology, which Mercedes brands as EQ Boost, can contribute an additional 22 hp and 184 lb ft of torque.

Mercedes offers plug-in hybrids variants of its C-, E- and S-Class cars under the EQ Power badge. Future Mercedes-AMG plug-ins will get an upgraded version of the system called EQ Power+, which is expected to boost output but diminish range.

Mercedes plans to launch 20 plug-in variants by the end of 2020. The A-Class is first in line and will feature a plug-in hybrid system developed specifically for small, front-drive cars.