Sales Of The Electrified Mercedes G-Class Have Been Quite Bad.

The fully electric Mercedes G580 with EQ technology was presented in April last year, but things have not gone according to the German manufacturer’s plan so far. Handelsblatt reports that sales have been very poor since its debut in the past year.

“The car is sitting like lead at the dealer; it’s a complete failure,” a Mercedes executive told the publication. Another inside source added, “It’s a niche model; production numbers are very low.”

The report claims that the electric car, which costs $161,500 in the US, found only 1,450 European buyers by the end of April, based on data published by Dataforce and Marklines, and only 58 in China.

On the other hand, versions with the internal combustion engine (ICE) models sell well. Also, the expensive SUV with the ICE engine outsells its electric sibling seven to one, according to Handlesblatt.

As Carscoops writes, luxury vehicle buyers are unconvinced of the benefits of an electric drive, preferring the traditional luxury and status that come with a powerful gasoline engine.

Mercedes confirmed earlier this year, in response to sluggish electric vehicle sales, that it would invest more in internal combustion engine technology while still introducing new electric vehicles. One of those electric vehicles is the upcoming baby G-Class, but Handelsblatt’s sources now say the German automaker is seriously considering adapting the SUV to use an ICE—or, more likely, a hybrid powertrain.

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