Currently reading: Mercedes downplays 75% AMG range restriction claims
Strict CO2 fleet targets could force the German maker to hold back sales of performance models

Mercedes could axe around three quarters of its AMG performance range to meet strict CO2 targets.

According to the Financial Times, the downsizing of Mercedes’ performance offering could be the manufacturer’s only choice if it is to bring its current fleet emissions rating of 138g/km 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 in the availability of AMG models, which industry analyst Max Warburton claims would be a “catastrophe for profitability”. Mercedes’ performance models command a significant 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 could force powertrain alterations for models such as the new GLE Coupe, which is available exclusively with a 3.0-litre straight-six, even in standard form. 

Responding to the report, a Mercedes spokesman said that "Mercedes-AMG is a significant strategic pillar for Mercedes-Benz cars with a clear powertrain strategy for the future," but did not respond directly to the comments allegedly made by some of the firm's retail representatives. 

He added: "Starting with the first plug-in hybrids coming to the market in 2020 and followed by a new model range equipped with electrified powertrains, Mercedes-AMG will also contribute to lowering the average fleet emission of Mercedes-Benz Cars."

Earlier this year, Autocar reported that the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 performance saloon, arriving in 2022, will swap the current model’s 503bhp 4.0-litre V8 for a hybridised 2.0-litre four-pot. The motor will be largely based on the new M139 unit featured in the latest A45 hot hatchback, which is the most powerful four-cylinder production engine on sale.  

C63 0

Back to top

Next AMG C63 to ditch V8 for hybrid four-pot

It is also possible that Mercedes could bring another manufacturer on board in order to enjoy a lower combined fleet average and avoid EU-imposed fines. Fiat Chrysler and Tesla signed a similar agreement in April, which allows FCA to count Tesla’s EV-only models as part of its fleet, thereby lowering its average CO2 output. 

Mercedes is one of a number of manufacturers being forced to consider drastic line-up reshuffles to meet the quotas. Despite the recent launch of its Mercedes-Benz EQC electric SUV - and the imminent arrival of the cheaper EQA - the maker cannot rely on 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 the same mix of vehicles in 2021 as it did last year, car makers would face €25bn (£21.2bn) in penalties. 

Read more

Mercedes-AMG unveils most powerful four-pot engine ever​

FCA and Tesla agree deal to beat EU emissions regulations​

Mercedes EQA: 2020 electric crossover previewed in new image

Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: News and features editor

Felix is Autocar's news editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

Join the debate

Comments
11
Add a comment…
jameshobiecat 21 December 2019

I can't decide whether I

I can't decide whether I think this is the tragic end of an era for the internal combustion engine brought about by flawed legislation or a long overdue step towards sorting out the climate crisis. I expected high end performance cars to be buffered from the legislation for a long time with the much larger numbers of mainstream cars undergoing long over due radical change, but it seems the industries failure to implement the later quickly enough is affecting the former.
abkq 21 December 2019

jameshobiecat wrote:

jameshobiecat wrote:

I can't decide whether I think this is the tragic end of an era for the internal combustion engine brought about by flawed legislation or a long overdue step towards sorting out the climate crisis. I expected high end performance cars to be buffered from the legislation for a long time with the much larger numbers of mainstream cars undergoing long over due radical change, but it seems the industries failure to implement the later quickly enough is affecting the former.

The internal combustion engine with its many moving parts is an outdated anachronistic device in the digital world. 

Its like Charles Babbage's Difference Engine vs the modern computer.

Nickktod 20 December 2019

First taxation then legislation.

Like it or not the future is electric, and if AMG wants to be part of it they'll need a USP other than the traditional V8 rumble. When solid state batteries and inductive under road charging become productionised at scale, combustion engines will disappear from the price lists very quickly.

LucyP 19 December 2019

AMG's raison d'etre is petrol

Deputy - selling milk floats would kill AMG sales. People buy AMGs because of the noise. They know that, and that's why they make them sound like that. And you can use them without worrying about range. All I ever read about is Teslas that can do 0-60 in 0.01 seconds and have a top speed of 1 million mph, but I have never been overtaken by one. Audi/BMW/Merc/Transit van - all day long. The Tesla is always in lane 1, doing less than 70 mph. 

Deputy 19 December 2019

LucyP - sure, but...

I used to have a V8 M3 and it was awesome.  However I recently had a Model 3 Performance and that makes the M3 and any petrol powertrain feel noisy but no go!  So I'd love an M or AMG electric vehicle - hits you in the back and handles.  Looking forward to the Taycan.  I'll always love the sound of a V10 but the future is electric.  I'll keep a 'classic' V10 Gallardo for track days!

abkq 20 December 2019

LucyP wrote:

LucyP wrote:

Deputy - selling milk floats would kill AMG sales. People buy AMGs because of the noise. They know that, and that's why they make them sound like that. And you can use them without worrying about range. All I ever read about is Teslas that can do 0-60 in 0.01 seconds and have a top speed of 1 million mph, but I have never been overtaken by one. Audi/BMW/Merc/Transit van - all day long. The Tesla is always in lane 1, doing less than 70 mph. 

 

Because Tesla drivers are responsible drivers rather than juvenile speed merchants?