Mercedes-Benz has one of the broadest plug-in hybrid (PHEV) portfolios of any brand globally and yet it currently offers very few in Australia – but that could change, says the company’s local communications boss.
Speaking with CarExpert, Mercedes-Benz Australia’s head of media relations Jerry Stamoulis said that while the brand’s current range has sidestepped PHEV tech, that could change moving forward.
“The door is never closed on any product,” Mr Stamoulis said.
“For a period of time it might be, but we talk to our customers, we talk to our agent network and we do listen and act, without a doubt.
“We’re very fortunate that we have a very broad portfolio [globally] and one that we can draw upon whenever we like. Market conditions will dictate what we do.
GLC 300e
“So if there’s a reason to do it, we’ll do it – and the business case needs to stack up,” Mr Stamoulis added.
Mercedes-Benz Australia currently offers performance PHEVs in the form of the AMG C 63 S E Performance, AMG GLC 63 S E Performance and GT 63 S E Performance 4 Door Coupe.
Core models such as the A-Class, C-Class, GLC and GLE all offer more efficiency-focused PHEV options in overseas markets.
Mercedes-Benz Australia recently axed the A 250e PHEV from the local lineup when it released the facelifted range, while it hasn’t brought plug-in hybrid versions of the latest C-Class and GLC despite 300e variants being offered in their predecessors.
In their current generations, there are petrol and diesel PHEV C-Class and GLC models offered in Europe which quote over 100km of WLTP-certified range.
E 400e Estate
A plug-in GLE was initially promised for the Australian market when the current generation launched a number of years ago, though its launch has never eventuated.
That’s despite the BMW X5 long offering a PHEV option and Audi recently introducing the plug-in Q8 60 TFSI e in Australia. The previous-generation GLE was also offered in Australia in plug-in GLE 500e guise.
While the attention of Australian consumers has been on hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years, PHEVs are starting to pick up some pace in the sales race – 4726 plug-in hybrids have been sold to the end of April 2024, up 135.6 per cent on the January-April period in 2023.
That still pales compared to 51,669 hybrids (up 138.2 per cent) and 31,662 EVs (up 32.3 per cent), though looming Australian emissions standards are forcing manufacturers to look into bringing more electrified options including hybrids (ranging from mild- to plug-in), as well as more efficient internal combustion options and pure EVs.
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