VW overtakes Mercedes: Golf eHybrid with new record range!

VW overtakes Mercedes: Golf eHybrid with new record range!

The market situation for plug-in hybrids in Germany has changed noticeably in the last few months. Competition between major car manufacturers has become more intense, particularly between Volkswagen and Mercedes. While Mercedes has held the lead in this segment for years, VW has now taken on the pioneering role with the Golf eHybrid.

How news38 reports, the Golf eHybrid offers a remarkable electric range of up to 143 km according to WLTP. This represents a clear advantage compared to previous Mercedes models, which often only had a range of over 100 km. In May 2023, demand for plug-in hybrids rose by an impressive 79 percent, giving VW a decisive boost. In fact, from January to May 2023, VW was slightly ahead of Mercedes in terms of new registrations with 18,850 vehicles sold, which sold 18,021 units.

Technological advances and new models

The facelift of the Golf, which is now coming onto the market, shows significant improvements. The plug-in hybrid models eHybrid and GTE offer loud insideevs a larger high-voltage battery (19.7 kWh) and an increased electric range of up to 62 miles (approx. 100 km). The performance of both models is also impressive: the eHybrid has 201 hp and the GTE even 268 hp. Particularly noteworthy are the higher charging speeds, which increase from 3.6 kW to up to 11 kW. Such advances could be crucial for many drivers looking for more efficient and powerful models.

While VW scores with a wide range of models, Mercedes is faced with the challenge of declining demand for plug-in hybrids. The 250e series in particular is struggling with falling sales figures. Mercedes is now planning to focus more on mild hybrids and fully electric models. A possible obstacle could be the new MMA platform, which is not designed for plug-in hybrids. The first models such as the CLA Coupé and the GLB are already in the starting blocks, but the decline in the plug-in hybrid segment does not seem to be surmountable for Mercedes, as it remains strongly positioned in the overall market.

Global prospects and future of the market

The market for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has experienced considerable growth in recent years, especially in Germany. Loud Statista Sales in 2025 are expected to be around 261.7 billion euros, with a forecast of 275.7 billion euros by 2029. Sales of 151 billion euros are expected in China in particular. Plug-in hybrids combine the advantages of an electric motor with a small combustion engine and are becoming increasingly popular because they are more environmentally friendly while offering greater flexibility.

In summary, the competition between VW and Mercedes in the plug-in hybrid sector is hotter than ever. While VW scores with innovative models and technological advances, Mercedes has to adapt its strategy in order not to fall behind in this dynamic market. The future will show how the triumph of plug-in hybrids will continue to develop.