Mercedes-Benz is gearing up for a major expansion, with plans to roll out an impressive lineup of new vehicles over the next two years, covering both electric and gasoline-powered options. Among the most exciting developments is a fully electric full-size SUV that the performance-oriented AMG division is passionately crafting. This model is not just another vehicle in the crowd; it aims to stand alongside the revered GT and SL sports cars, showcasing AMG’s dedication to performance and luxury.
Recently, a prototype of this electric SUV was spotted braving the harsh cold of northern Sweden, near the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can plunge to a bone-chilling -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The choice of this frigid testing ground speaks volumes about the rigorous standards Mercedes-Benz places on its vehicles, ensuring they can perform under even the most extreme conditions. It’s a clear signal to enthusiasts that this SUV is built to last and excel, no matter the environment.
The excitement was already sparked last fall when AMG first announced plans for this electric model. Accompanying this announcement was a teaser sketch, hinting at a sleek design reminiscent of a fastback, complemented by bold contours. Recent spy shots have surfaced, revealing striking features like carbon-ceramic brake rotors and a rear end that closely mirrors the captivating design of the Vision AMG concept showcased in 2022. There’s a certain familiarity in its shape that might remind some of the elegant Aston Martin DBX, further positioning this SUV as a contender in the luxury electric market.
The Vision AMG concept provides a tantalizing preview of not only a striking four-door liftback, envisioned as a zero-emissions counterpart to the current GT 4-Door Coupe, but also of the electric SUV set to emerge shortly after. The liftback is expected to make its debut next year, potentially as a 2027 model in the U.S., while the SUV is anticipated to hit the market a year later in 2028.
Both vehicles are rooted in the advanced AMG.EA platform, which will make its debut with the liftback. This platform is designed not just for electric powertrains but also has the potential to accommodate gas engines, including an innovative new electrified V-8 being developed by AMG. It’s exciting to know that this platform is embracing cutting-edge technology, including a high-performance battery concept and the revolutionary axial-flux electric motor technology, which draws on AMG’s deep-seated expertise from its Formula 1 days—think high-energy discharge, efficient energy recovery, and even sophisticated cooling systems.
With the acquisition of Yasa, a British company specializing in high-performance electric motors, Mercedes is set to leverage some impressive advancements. The axial-flux motors are making headlines for being lighter and more compact than traditional motors, offering substantial output in a small package—imagine a motor weighing just over 50 pounds capable of producing around 480 horsepower. If this is combined with a dual-motor setup, you could be looking at a staggering total output nearing 1,000 horsepower. Of course, achieving these incredible specs does come with complexity; manufacturing these innovative motors is trickier and more costly than traditional methods.
While it remains to be seen what names will grace the new electric AMGs, Mercedes is embarking on a new naming strategy. Upcoming electric models will be branded with a “with EQ Technology” label, while hybrids will carry the “with EQ Hybrid Technology” tag. This shift is part of Mercedes’ evolution, phasing out the older EQ sub-brand to pave the way for the next generation of electric vehicles. For instance, the newly electrified G-Class SUV has already adopted this fresh nomenclature. If AMG follows suit, the upcoming electric SUV could very well be branded as the AMG GT SUV with EQ Technology.
As you can see, Mercedes-Benz is not just keeping pace with the industry; it appears poised to redefine what we expect from electric luxury vehicles. Whether you’re an enthusiast eagerly waiting to experience peak performance or simply someone curious about the future of electric driving, there’s a lot to be excited about on the horizon. These developments reflect not just technical prowess but also a commitment to sustainability without compromising the legendary performance and luxury that Mercedes has long epitomized. The journey is just beginning, and it promises to be an exhilarating ride.
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