Electric vehicles are in an odd spot right now. Regulations are changing and sales are stagnating, but that doesn't mean automakers are completely abandoning big batteries for thirsty engines. Mercedes-AMG has the AMG GT XX coming soon, but it might spawn a two-door variant—if the company can justify the investment. AMG boss Michael Schiebe told Autocar at the Munich Motor Show, "Emotionally, yes, we should do that. The question is whether there is a market that is big enough to justify the investment that is necessary." But Schiebe isn't opposed to making a halo car, if necessary. He told the publication that sometimes a brand must build a vehicle that is "important for the brand, and you need to do it because it's a brand-shaper." When such a car will arrive, if at all, Schiebe wouldn't say, but he did add, "We are at the moment trying to understand what's going on in the market. And then we define the target picture of that very specific car." AMG has the flexibility to decide when to greenlight such a car for production, which would compete against cars like the Porsche 911 and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore. "We want to be in terms of technology and performance successful but also economically successful," and the brand has so much flexibility because "we are constantly reviewing our portfolio and looking into that." Automakers Pull Back on EVs Mercedes might be readying its new sedan, but the market isn't embracing high-performance, high-priced electric vehicles like it used to. In recent months, automakers have pulled back on their electrification plans, canceled projects, and are rethinking their future products. Lamborghini might convert its first electric vehicle, not due until 2029, into a hybrid, and Koenigsegg has learned from its customers that they have little interest in an electric hypercar. Ram just last week announced it canceled its electric pickup. Mercedes might be considering a new, electric coupe, but it'll likely be the market that determines that decision, and it will build it if people want it.
