The idea is that people were once hesitant about buttonless smartphones, just as car enthusiasts may need time to adapt to downsizing
Although AMG has been offering four-cylinder models for years, many purists don’t consider the CLA45 and GLA45 to be true AMGs due to their small 2.0-liter engines. Enthusiasts are also wary of the new C63 and GLC63, which are four-cylinder models but come with a robust plug-in hybrid system. Despite the initial resistance, Mercedes is confident that we will eventually embrace full-fat AMGs with downsized powertrains.
In an interview with Australian magazine Carsales, the automaker’s head in Australia drew a parallel between the gradual acceptance of four-cylinder plug-in hybrids and the early skepticism towards buttonless smartphones. Jaime Cohen suggested that just as people were initially hesitant about mobile devices without physical keys, this format eventually became widely successful.
Cohen believes a similar shift occurred with automatic transmissions when manufacturers began phasing out manual options. Not all premium brands followed suit, as BMW still offers several M models (along with the Z4 roadster) with three pedals. Mercedes’ boss in Australia notes that there was initial reluctance to abandon the stick shift, but over time, two-pedal systems became the norm: “When we first made the switch, there was skepticism about our automatic transmissions. But eventually, they became standard for everyone.”
Cohen isn’t the first senior Mercedes executive to advocate for the adoption of electrified four-cylinder powertrains over traditional V-8s. Last month, AMG boss Michael Schiebe acknowledged that “some customers need time to fully appreciate the technology” and emphasized the importance of being open-minded about new advancements.
In an interview last December, the head of Mercedes’ performance division in Affalterbach confirmed that AMG plans to stick with the downsized powertrains, calling them “very, very progressive.” Despite speculation, the C63 will not revert to a V-8, and the next E63 will also be without eight cylinders. Although the powertrain details for the CLE63 are still under wraps, Schiebe assures that the company has “made the right decision” and that we should be “excited” for its upcoming debut. The CLE63 coupe and convertible will replace the two-door C63 and E63 models.
