No plug-in hybrid powertrain either.
A Mercedes product manager confessed that the company had made a mistake seven years ago by not offering AMG E63 versions for the E-Class Coupe or Convertible. The three-pointed star also promised to rectify that problem with the next-generation cars. This is because, although AMG models with two doors are now available, they don’t have the big V8. This won’t change, despite the facelift.
Yesterday, we met with Mercedes executives at a virtual roundtable. A representative from the company stated that the E63 Coupe and Convertible models were not on the agenda. Kamelia Brodner from AMG Product Management argued that the E53 is the best version for this segment and added that a full-fat E63 model is not necessary.Brodner stated that the V8 will not be offered on either of the model lineups. We have a V8 for the E-Class estate and sedan, but not the coupe or cabriolet.
AMG’s Dynamic Plus package has been reduced to a six-cylinder car, which is a silver lining. This package includes the RACE drive program with Drift Mode and a sporty AMG steering column.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain is not available for the EClass Coupe or Convertible models. Customers who want a plug-in option may still be able to get it in the sedan and wagon. Mercedes justified its decision by saying that there won’t be much demand to electrified two-door cars so it’s not worth the effort.
E-Class Chief Engineer Michael Kelz explains over the telephone that “we will not offer, either in the convertible, or in the coupe, the lithium battery in the rear.” Because of the limited luggage space, it will be very tight. On the other hand, there isn’t a lot of demand.”
These aren’t Mercedes ways of slowly reducing the importance of convertibles and coupes. The company believes in the E-Class coupe as well as the Cabriolet.“I can guarantee you that the cabriolet will continue to be in this class in the future. It is in Mercedes’ heart… Kelz said that he is confident that there will be another model in the future. Kelz also stated that there is still enough demand for coupes to justify selling them, so these elegant body styles will not disappear despite the popularity of SUVs.
This is especially true when you consider that work on a second-generation AMG GT is underway, and will share many of its parts with the all new SL. They will likely fill the gap left by the possible demise of both the S-Class Coupe Coupe and Convertible which weren’t particularly popular.