AMG Forgoes Exclusivity For Volume By Covering Almost Every Model In Mercedes Arsenal

I think Mercedes runs the larger risk of diluting its own brand. By removing "Benz" from Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach, I'm not sure what message that's sending consumers.

Mercedes is the way most people refer to Mercedes-Benz cars.

What do you drive?

I drive a Mercedes.

They could drop Benz and very few would bat an eye.

Audi has their RS variants, BMW has their M variants. What's wrong with Mercedes having their AMG variants?

There's nothing wrong with having AMG variants. But when it starts to take over the brand, that's a very different story.
As I stated above, the AMG variants are no longer using "Benz" in their names. And having Mercedes-AMG variants for mid-level models (i.e., C43, GLC43, E43) dilutes the exclusivity and prestige of the AMG label. "AMG" no longer immediately brings to mind the highest-output, highest-performance level, or higher-price for the individual model.
Granted, the most sales volume has always come from lower trim cars (C250/C300, E350, etc), but there's still a market for those that want higher-output engines, but don't want the design details or handling packages of the AMG products. Mercedes used to be first about luxury, which is what attracts most to the brand.
I personally like the idea of an AMG car for every model the brand has. But I'm not so sure about the mid-level AMG labeling.

What Mercedes did was CLEAR and OBVIOUS. They did market research - which showed that its buyers wanted more luxury - so they split their offerings into two groups - the regular versions got better interiors and smoother rides -= and then MD assigned the SPORT versions of their cars to AMG - for the magazine people. And sales increased.

In this case - it was a clear and proper business decision to adjust to the market and NOT expect the market to adjust to the cars (As DeNysschen failed with Cadillac). ALL car divisions should be doing the same thing. WHile it is one thing to make a superior car - and Cadillac has done that in many ways - building something that the BUYERS don't want does not get sales. And in the end - the business is selling cars - not pleasing hot rod magazine writers. Lexus has produced for its buyers for years - and now it seems to be moving away from those buyers that kept it on top. Infiniti never had buyers to begin with. AND even BMW has taken the edge off its basic offerings. Buick also does this in China.

Damn with exclusivity. Chase the money today. Collect my big bonuses. Let the next CEO figure out how to get growth on his watch. I'll be long gone eating schnitzel at my mountain retreat in Baden Baden. Auf Wiedersehen!

Now, even the unemployed obaumma welfare cheats will be driving MB AMG's.

Porsche still offer more models than AMG. Has it affected their "exclusivity"? I don't think so

Mercedes has always had close to an AMG model for every one of their cars. MLK 55, G55, A43, C32... Mercedes isn't going for volume, they're going for choice. Customer may want a certain type of car, and have the performance version of it. Mercedes is making sure that it's available to them. Granted it's going to cost more, but most of their customers buying those cars don't care about that.