Mercedes Flexes Hard on Rivals at IAA Motor Show with Big EV Roster
Has AMG Unleashed the King of Hybrid Sedans?
Lo and behold, there actually were one or two combustion Mercedes launched at Munich too! The AMG version is a hybrid as the performance arm kick-starts its electrified era with a dramatic show of power. The new GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupé takes a more than capable GT 63 S 4-Door Coupé and straps an electric motor to it. For a 850 HP 1033 lb ft mega-saloon to rival the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Affalterbach’s first plug-in hybrid adds a handy 210 horses worth of electric shock to the existing 4-litre biturbo petrol V8. Via an electric motor on the rear axle. This P3 drive system was derived from the hybrid drivetrain of Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 racer. And AMG ensures us that it optimizes weight distribution and benefits the quickest possible torque deployment.
Now all that remains to be seen is if the most powerful AMG model yet that they say gets to 60 mph in just 2.8sec and tops 196 mph, can break its meek petrol sibling’s Nürburgring Nordshleife lap record.
Oh Look — There’s a New Combustion Mercedes Too!
A model that would have made far greater headlines ten years ago, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, and its all-new All-Terrain variant hardly made a ripple amid that electric tsunami at Munich. We still think its worth a mention though. Especially that new rough rider with an emphasis on off-road travel. And take on the likes of the Subaru Outback and Audi Allroad.
C-Class Estate All-Terrain has its ride height raised by 40 mm, larger wheels and the firm’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Its the first all terrain Mercedes model since the 2017 E-Class. Mercedes-Benz says it’s multi-link suspension with larger steering knuckles and passive damping is best suited to poor road services. You can tell the mud plugger apart by its chrome radiator grille, resistant bumpers and an underride guard front and rear.
It’s avantgarde interior specification comes in brown or black and a choice of 10.25 and 12.3-inch digital infotainment displays. And it will be sold at a slight premium over the standard C-Class Estate.
So there you have it. Mercedes made Munich its own! And the future isn’t just electric–yet!
Photos: Mercedes-Benz