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Mercedes-AMG: All next-gen models to be AWD

German marque's performance boss says all-paw traction looks set to become standard across the range, while electrification is also on the way.


Tobias Moers, head of Mercedes-AMG, has confirmed the performance division's next generation models will likely feature all-wheel drive as standard.

Speaking with the UK's Autocar, Moers said that buyer trends have shown all-paw traction is more popular.

"Back in the days when we had an AMG E-Class as rear-wheel drive and with four-wheel drive as an option, over 90% chose 4WD," he said.

"In the new E63 with drift mode, you have a real rear-wheel-drive car but with four-wheel drive also."

A prime candidate for the introduction of all-wheel drive is the AMG GT supercar (above) too, with Moers labelling the GT's lack of all-wheel drive option as a "downside".

"When I ask customers about the GT, they ask me about all-wheel drive," he said.

"Regarding our competition, this is the downside of the AMG in terms of usability. People in Munich, for example, always, always ask for four-wheel drive – I think it’s for safety and stability."

Beyond the plans for all-wheel drive across all models, Moers said the ubiquitous 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that powers the majority of the AMG range will not get more powerful than the current flagship tune available in the AMG E63 S (450kW/850Nm).

Instead, the company will pursue enhanced performance with electrification. Moers confirmed the AMG GT 4-Door will debut a performance plug-in hybrid system with an electronic rear axle, previewed by the 2017 concept, which will challenge the likes of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

The AMG GT 4-Door PHEV is said to be slated for debut sometime next year, and if the concept is anything to go by, it'll have around 600kW and be capable of hitting triple figures in under 3.0 seconds.

Autocar also asked AMG's boss what ever-tightening emissions regulations mean for higher volume vehicles like the C-Class (above), specifically whether the next-generation model will need to downsize again.

According to the report, Moers 'paused' and said "there is room for speculation there", indicating a six-cylinder engine could be on the cards for the next AMG C63.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest Mercedes-AMG news.

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