The much-loved in-house hot rodders at Mercedes-AMG are probably best known for one thing: V8 engines. However, that’s all changing as AMG embraces electric power.
We’ve got the details on every electric vehicle from AMG — past, present, and future — but first it’s crucial to understand the big picture. AMG’s parent company Mercedes-Benz is rapidly shifting to electric vehicles. “From 2025 onwards, all newly launched vehicle architectures will be electric-only and customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model the company makes,” Mercedes-Benz said in a statement announcing a shift of strategy from “electric-first” to “electric-only.”
For AMG, that means (slowly) ditching V8 engines, the brand’s calling card. It’s a bold move to say the least, but AMG is nothing if not bold. We can’t wait to see what they cook up.
Minulé modely
AMG does actually have some experience with EVs. Back in 2012 — long before EVs enjoyed the level of hype they do now — AMG unveiled an all-electric version of the SLS Gullwing. It was called Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, and in 2013 it circled the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just under eight minutes to become the fastest production EV at the time. Rumour has it only a handful of these quad-motor monsters with bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque chassis were actually built, out of planned run of 100 cars.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive,
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive,
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive,
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive,
AMG EVs coming soon
Fast forward to 2022, and AMG is back with its first proper EV, the Mercedes-AMG EQS, a speedier take on Benz’s big luxury sedan. AMG installed its own more-powerful electric motors in an all-wheel drive dual-motor configuration that churns out 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. But, for the rare occasions when you need even more oomph, 751 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque is available in Race Start mode.
The added power comes from the fact AMG motors have new windings, stronger currents and inverters with specially developed software. “This allows higher rotational speeds and thus more power,” according to the company. The result is 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. It’ll keep accelerating up to 250 km/h, by which time we really hope you’re on a racetrack. Estimated range is between 526-580 km on the generous WLTP standard. No Canadian price has been announced yet, but we expect to see the car in dealerships soon.
AMG’s second EV is a little brother to the EQS, dubbed the Mercedes-AMG EQE. It’s a mid-size take on the same formula, again fitted with dual AMG electric motors, here putting down 617 hp (677 hp with the optional Dynamic Plus Package) and 700-738 lb-ft of torque. Range is estimated at 444-518 km on the WLTP standard. It’ll arrive at the end of the year, for price that has yet to be announced.
“Overall performance can be achieved on a par with the most powerful Mercedes-AMG Performance models with the current 4.0L V8 biturbo engine,” the company claims.
AMG’s EV roadmap
Coming soon from AMG is a hot version of the mid-size electric EQE SUV. The AMG model was recently unveiled, offering a total of 687 hp from dual electric motors. In addition, it’ll have fully variable all-wheel drive, AMG air suspension, rear-axle steering and AMG-specific roll stabilization. As the first all-electric SUV from AMG, this one will surely be a hit in Canada. After that, we’d also expect to see an AMG version of the much-hyped EQG ( the electric G-Wagon) in 2024 or 2025.
After that, however, AMG’s electric future gets really interesting.
Starting in 2025, we’ll see fully-electric AMGs that aren’t derivates of existing Mercedes vehicles, but complete in-house EVs designed from the ground up by AMG. The company’s Vision AMG concept unveiled earlier this year gives the first hint at how these first electric hot-rods will look. The design is defined by a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a nifty spoiler, “powerful” shoulders, a star-shaped headlamp signature and (of course) large wheels. It’s a sleek, sci-fi looking AMG Hammer for the 21 st century.
“Beneath the breath‑taking exterior design of the four-door coupé is the equally extraordinary dedicated AMG.EA platform, which is currently under development in Affalterbach for all-electric performance models,” the company explains. Not only is AMG developing its own platform, it’s also developing its own electric motors and even batteries. The battery packs are being redesigned for increased cooling to ensure performance never drops off. (The first fruits of that labour can be seen in the bombastic 831 hp Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid sedan.)
The only problem is we’ll have to wait until 2025 to see what a clean-sheet AMG EV can do. Until then, at least we’ve still got plenty of hot AMGs – yes, still with V8 engines – to keep keen drivers happy.
