Is the high-performance brand AMG really making an EV?
A stunning model spotted overseas
Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance arm of Mercedes-Benz renowned for producing powerful, cutting-edge engines, has taken a major leap into the electric vehicle (EV) realm. Recently, high-resolution images of a Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door EV test vehicle surfaced, sparking excitement in the automotive world. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first all-electric vehicle in AMG’s storied history. Although the car had been spotted during previous test runs, the latest batch of photos, taken near the Nürburgring, offers a clearer view of what the high-performance EV might look like.
AMG first hinted at a potential EV by unveiling the Vision AMG concept in 2022. The design, refined over time, has evolved from the sleek, futuristic concept into something more grounded, as seen in the February 2024 test vehicle. While still in its early stages, this model is expected to push the boundaries of electric performance for the brand.
Can you trust Benz batteries?
The lingering effects of a fire
However, as Mercedes-Benz’s status is not what it used to be, it is unknown how the development will proceed. In August, a Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 vehicle caught fire in the underground parking lot of an apartment in Cheongna-dong, Incheon, South Korea. Amid growing distrust of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles nationwide, the issue grew to the point that Matthias Weitl, the president of Mercedes-Benz Korea, personally visited the fire scene to apologize.
While Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and Mercedes-AMG operate separately, the recent fire involving a Benz electric vehicle has drawn significant global media attention, potentially affecting the development of future models. The fire, which involved an EQE 350 equipped with a battery from the Chinese manufacturer Farasis Energy, sparked controversy and raised concerns about the safety of Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles. As a result, there is growing curiosity about the type of battery used in the upcoming AMG GT EV, as trust in the brand’s electric models has been shaken.
Likely to use American-made batteries
Design undergoing gradual modifications
As the AMG GT EV remains in development, Mercedes-AMG has yet to make any official statements regarding its specifications. However, analysis from foreign media outlets suggests the vehicle will likely feature a lightweight electric motor from Yasa and a high-density battery pack supplied by U.S.-based Sila Nanotechnologies, potentially easing concerns about performance and reliability. The vehicle’s design has also evolved from the sleek, streamlined aesthetic of the 2022 concept as the brand refines its first fully electric offering.
The test vehicle spotted in February displayed a stark departure from the concept’s sleek lines, revealing a bulkier, more muscular body. The tail appeared significantly longer, staying somewhat true to the original design, but the sides showcased a much curvier profile. The front of the vehicle seemed almost entirely sealed, save for a small intake at the bottom, a design choice likely aimed at aerodynamics. The absence of an exhaust tip further confirmed that this was indeed an electric vehicle.
A roundabout way to sleekness
Will it showcase 1,000 horsepower?
The recently unveiled test car shows a noticeable refinement in its design, with the side curvature significantly reduced, bringing it closer to the sleek, streamlined look of the original concept car. This shift suggests that Mercedes-AMG is prioritizing aerodynamics to enhance speed and efficiency. Although details about the powertrain are still under wraps, the vehicle is expected to be built on AMG’s modular EV platform, AMG—EA, designed to optimize electric performance.
It has been confirmed that the Axle Plus motor, developed by Yasa (a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary), will power the vehicle. This motor is lighter and more compact than previous versions, reducing the vehicle’s overall weight and delivering more power. With Mercedes-AMG’s history of electric power since 2014—producing up to 740 horsepower in earlier models—it’s anticipated that this new model could reach an output of nearly 1,000 horsepower, marking a significant leap in performance for AMG’s electric lineup.
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