AMG confirms it will build hybrid cars

Mercedes' performance arm AMG confirms to Auto Express that hybrid models are on the way

Hybrid AMG models are an inevitability, according to AMG’s Chairman, Tobias Moers. Speaking with Auto Express at the New York show he claimed it wasn’t a matter of time before a petrol-electric AMG became a reality, but that soon it would be “mandatory.”

“Honestly, I would say yes for sure [we will make hybrid AMGs],” Moers admitted. “I can’t say when for sure but we have already started a lot of research.”

AMG won’t be following in the footsteps of the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari by producing a hypercar car worth up to a £1 million, but trying to bring the technology to the masses.

“An AMG hybrid wouldn’t need to be in the supercar class,” said Moers. “AMG needs to be an approachable brand – after all, we already have a hypercar because we make the engines for the Pagani Zonda and Huayra.”

Moers also hinted that there was more to come from the Mercedes A45 AMG’s 355bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine: “Yes it’s possible [to extract more power], not tomorrow, but everyone is working on technology like this.” 

When we asked whether he would be able to beat the 414bhp output of Audi’s recent 2.0 TSI TT sport Quattro concept, Moers replied: “I think Audi are strong, but we are AMG.”