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Mercedes-Benz has solidified itself as one of the top luxury automakers in the automotive industry. It is known for using high-quality materials and producing vehicles that are both fast and comfortable. As the auto industry shifts to emission-free vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has developed several eco-friendly options for consumers. Its plug-in cars recently got a huge spike in sales.

Mercedes-Benz’s history of excellence

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury automobiles. The German automaker has made a name for itself by manufacturing luxury vehicles that are extremely tough to compete with. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a perfect example of the type of quality Benz delivers.

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG models offer incredible power. Its luxury SUV models are quick and cozy, showcasing some of the latest automotive technology. The only facet of the automotive industry that Benz has yet to make a huge impact on is the EV space…until now.

Mercedes-Benz goes electric

A white Mercedes-Benz EQS.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS | Daimler

Mercedes-Benz has enjoyed great success with its gas-powered vehicles, so it is natural to resist the changing auto industry. While automakers like Toyota have Honda have fully embraced hybrid models and EV technology early on, Mercedes has lagged. Early electric and hybrid vehicles have neither been particularly stylish, comfortable, or fast, with the exception of Tesla models. Benz knew its approach to EVs and hybrid models had to be bold and stick to the founding principles and standards of the popular brand.

Electric vehicles only account for a small percentage of the total market share of automobiles. Luxury electric vehicles make up for an even smaller percentage of the market. Recently the German automaker has fully committed to producing electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell-powered options, and consumers seem to love the shift.

In 2010 General Motors made history by debuting the Chevy Volt. The Chevy Volt was the first commercially available plug-in hybrid. Standard hybrid electric motors charge through braking and with the help of internal combustion engines. Plug-in hybrids are charged at charging stations specifically designed to charge EV and hybrid models. In 2014 Mercedes-Benz followed suit with a plug-in hybrid of their own. Today Mercedes-Benz offers several plug-in hybrid options, and they are selling well.

Benz Plug-in hybrids are a hit

Mercedes-Benz motor show stand with the Mercedes-Benz A Class plug in hybrid A250e compact hatchback car on display at Brussels Expo on January 9, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium.
Mercedes-Benz A Class plug-in hybrid A250e | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

2020 was a rough sales year for most of the automotive industry because of the global pandemic, chip shortages, unemployment, and several other crippling factors. The economy has improved, and automotive sales have rebounded in a big way across the board. According to InsideEVs, Mercedes-Benz plug-in car sales have quadrupled since last year’s stagnant sales. This sales spike, combined with the positive reception of the new EQ or intelligent electric mobility product brand, signals that Mercedes has finally fully embraced its electric future.

Mercedes-Benz currently offers the Mercedes A 250 e, S 560 e, and many more models in plug-in hybrid options. The automaker sold over 120,000 plug-in electric cars, and its fully electric EQ models look promising. Mercedes is an automaker that strives to be the best, and if their plug-in car sales continue to increase at this rate, they may just earn a new title. Is Mercedes-Benz the next best plug-in hybrid brand?

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