Mercedes-AMG Sets Sights on More Plug-in Models

High-performance EQ Power+ hybrid plug-ins will drive the future of nameplate.

Evidently, plug-in vehicles really are the wave of the future.

Yeah, we know, nothing quite warms a diehard Mercedes-Benz fan’s heart like a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8. Especially while on a lonely, deserted road, without another car in sight. Well, that’s until the price of gas starts shooting past that 4-dollar a gallon mark.

We get the sense that’s probably some of the thinking behind Mercedes banking on hybrid plugs-in to drive the future of their high-performance AMG line-up. That, and the growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions.

Regardless, the message is clear. The days of AMG vehicles with V8s will soon be a thing of the past. According to CNET’s Road Show, Tobias Moers, the top exec at AMG, said their plug-in hybrid technology will eventually be used across the entire lineup of AMG vehicles.

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About MB’s Hybrid Future

Of course, we should have seen the writing on the wall with the limited-edition 740-horsepower Mercedes-AMG SLS Electric-Drive. Powered by four electric motors connected to a 60-kWh battery, it’s probably a good hint that Mercedes has big plans for alternative powertrains.

The future Mercedes-AMG plug-in hybrid vehicles will be badged as “EQ Power+”. That badge has already been affixed to the 805-horsepower Mercedes-AMG GT Sedan Concept, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.

All indications are that the first production Mercedes to sport the “EQ Power+” moniker will be a variant of the AMG GT sedan, which is scheduled to make its debut in 2018.