Could the future of high-performance cars be silent? AMG’s boss thinks so, and he believes that even V8 fans will fall in love with electric tech.
Mercedes-AMG is gearing up for a future powered by electricity, and while some might assume that die-hard AMG fans would resist giving up their beloved V8 engines, the brand’s CEO, Michael Schiebe, has a different take. Schiebe believes that AMG buyers are more interested in technology than in the size or sound of the engine. According to him, the transition from roaring V8s to silent EVs won’t be as hard as people think.
In a recent interview, Schiebe explained that AMG customers aren’t just drawn to the big, fire-breathing engines but to the cutting-edge tech that AMG puts into their cars. He’s confident that when the brand offers the latest and greatest in electric driving technology, AMG customers will be ready to jump on board. In his view, the shift from V8s to electric power is inevitable, as the world moves toward stricter emissions regulations and cleaner energy sources.
However, Schiebe knows this might take some convincing. After all, AMG made its name with powerful V8 engines that delivered raw performance and a signature growl that enthusiasts adore. But Schiebe insists that buyers who have been loyal to AMG for its power and innovation will appreciate what the company has planned for the future. AMG is already developing new electric technologies, including an upcoming all-electric supercar inspired by the Vision One-Eleven concept. This electric supercar will feature cutting-edge motors from Yasa, a British company known for high-performance electric components, which Mercedes recently acquired. These motors are incredibly powerful yet lightweight, which will help AMG’s new electric models deliver thrilling performance without sacrificing speed.
That said, the V8 engine isn’t disappearing immediately. AMG still has new models in the works with V8s, such as the CLE63, which could be among the last to carry the torch of traditional power. AMG has made some controversial changes in recent years, like swapping out the V8 in the C63 for a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, which hasn’t been particularly popular. Massive discounts on the C63 suggest that buyers haven’t fully embraced the new setup, and Schiebe admits that customers need time to warm up to the idea of smaller engines and electrification.
Despite this, AMG is fully committed to its electric future. The company is developing an all-electric vehicle platform called AMG.EA, which will underpin future electric performance models. Schiebe has said that although the beloved V8 engine may not be around forever, AMG will continue to innovate and offer customers the latest technology. The new electric supercar is expected to be a spiritual successor to the 2013 SLS AMG Electric Drive, though AMG won’t be doing another F1-powered hypercar like the ONE due to emissions restrictions.
So, while some fans may feel a bit nostalgic for the days of rumbling V8 engines, AMG is looking ahead with confidence. The brand believes that its focus on performance and technology will win over customers, even as it moves away from traditional engines. But for now, there are still a few V8-powered models in AMG’s lineup for those who aren’t quite ready to let go of the past.
