AMG’s super-SUV that we previewed recently is progressing nicely, with prototypes now undertaking road development work. A launch will take place in two years.
Mercedes-AMG is up for a fight with Lotus (Eletre) and Porsche (Cayenne electric). It is developing an EV that will be one of the most powerful vehicles the brand has yet produced.
It doesn’t even have an official tag yet, though the name it currently goes by – electric GT SUV – could also be its final production moniker. It’s expected to be a reality by 2027, following in the footsteps of a super-saloon. This is the first SUV that AMG has developed without input from owner Mercedes-Benz.
The EV will utilise the new AMG.EA architecture. This will initially underpin a four-door production version of the Vision AMG concept. An 800V platform, the GT will feature axial-flux electric motors in both twin and tri-motor editions. Some of these will have outputs well in excess of 1000hp (746kW), and upwards of 1500hp.
The individual motors, developed by Mercedes-owned Yasa in the UK, develop up to 358kW and 800Nm. They are viewed by AMG as a unique selling proposition. AMG is using the 676kW Lotus Eletre R as a performance and dynamic benchmark during development.
Despite being oriented more towards road work, the SUV will have ride height adjustability for off-road jaunts.
Expect the final production vehicles to borrow visual cues from the Vision AMG saloon and concept car. It will also have a new interpretation of the Panamericana grille, and headlights that include three-pointed star graphics.
Retractable door handles are a given on a high-end EV these days.
Don’t count on a coupe SUV version, however. The lone SUV will have an upright tailgate and an angled window, for a balance between form and load-carrying capacity.
It will be longer than an EQE and shorter than an EQS. Expect a futuristic interior for the dashboard and displays, along with fresh AMG.OS software.
AMG CEO, Michael Schiebe, said of the newcomer, it will be “AMG first, EV second.”
There’s no word yet on the battery pack but evidently it will feature different chemistry and offer greater efficiency and extended range compared with existing NMC tech. Expect truly exceptional charging rates too.
Suspension will be by double-wishbones up front and a multi-link rear, along with AMG’s version of Active Ride Control. Hydraulic pumps for each wheel reduce body roll and ensure constant self-levelling. There are no traditional roll bars so the system can isolate the compression and rebound characteristics at each wheel, improving ride quality. Ride height reduction at speed ensures better aero efficiency.
