German automobile brand Mercedes-Benz has recently confirmed that most of their customers opt for all-wheel drive cars rather than rear wheel drive when they have a choice. And hence, all the next generation AMG cars will feature an all-wheel drive layout. As it is not viable to invest in pure rear wheel drive AMGs as there is very less demand for them. When the option was given for the AMG E-Class of all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, 90% of them chose all-wheel drive.
The latest E63 AMG model which has an all-wheel drive system can be switched to rear wheel drive. This clutch based all-wheel drive system can send 100% of the torque of the engine to either axle. The E63 AMG has a Drift mode which completely disengages the front axles and allows the car to become a pure rear wheel drive.
The all-wheel drive system will also be available on the Mercedes-Benz flagship model, the AMG GT in its next generation. As it is in a niche segment and customers always ask about the option, not only because the competition has it but also because of stability and safety that can be achieved via the all-wheel drive system.
Also, because of the strict current and future emission norms, Mercedes-Benz V12 powered engines will soon see an end and the Mercedes-Benz AMG S 65 is the final one to receive this engine. The Mercedes-Benz AMG S 65 was launched at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. However, it is expected that only the Maybach and the next generation S-Class will be V12 powered.
Starting with the 4-door AMG GT, the AMG V8 engines will also go hybrid in their next generation. It is expected that the V8 engines will get a plug-in system with a electric motor on the rear axle.
In other news from the brand, Mercedes-Benz India has launched the C43 AMG Coupe, it has a Mercedes-Benz twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine which produces 390 HP of power and 520 Nm of torque and can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. The C43 AMG coupe also gets the 4-Matic all-wheel drive system with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG Coupe is priced at INR 75 lakh ex-showroom in India and it directly competes with the BMW M2 Competition which is priced at INR 79.90 lakh ex-showroom.