Mercedes AMG-GT EV to ride on the AMG.EA platform

In February 2022, Mercedes-AMG announced the sales launch of the Mercedes AMG-GT 63 S E Performance, billed as a new milestone for the company. The AMG-GT 63 S E Performance is the first performance hybrid for the brand while being its most powerful series production model with a total output of 843 hp.

However, even as AMG enthusiasts gear up to order this legendary model, which sees a 4.0-litre V8 at the front, Mercedes-AMG engineers are working to transition to pure electric cars, with the first model expected mid-decade.

What is the criteria for an electric Mercedes AMG model?

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 front
The Mercedes EQS does not fit the ’63’ name as it is not track-focused. Image – Mercedes-Benz

Speaking to Whichcar.com.au, Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes AMG, first brought up the nomenclature, which in the past has sparked a debate among enthusiasts. Hermann says for an AMG model to be called a ’63’, it has to be track-capable, and that is why the Mercedes AMG EQS 53 is not called a 63.

Staying in line with this philosophy, Hermann indicates the focus for Mercedes-AMG electric cars will be on power-dense battery packs (i.e.) those capable of supplying high-performance motors at high-performance rates. Generally, these battery packs forego range and efficiency and instead focus on delivering high power for long durations without any deterioration in their output.

What can we expect on the Mercedes AMG-GT Electric?

The future AMG-GT electric will not see the largest battery pack but one that can keep up with powerful motors. In addition, state-of-the-art DC fast-charging will be seen on electric AMGs, with engineers wanting to install the best technology available at the time. What the AMG-GT EV will not pursue will be range. Hermann believes around 500 km (310 miles) of range will satisfy buyers. Large capacity batteries add weight to lower efficiency, and the car’s handling suffers as well.

Mercedes AMG EQ drivetrain
Derivative AMG EVs like the EQS are a stop-gap until the dedicated AMG.EA platform arrives mid-decade. Image – Mercedes Benz

Interestingly, parent Daimler bought a UK-based company called Yasa in July 2021. Yasa has been working on axial flux motors, which, compared to the radial flux motors being used currently, offer packaging advantages and could also be packaged into in-wheel motors. However, this is something Mercedes has not confirmed yet.

We know that the Mercedes AMG-GT EV will use the Mercedes AMG.EA platform which was announced in July 2021, for an entry into service around 2025. While Mercedes has not gone into detail about the specifics of this platform, Hermann hints that it may offer some emotional elements of driving an ICE car, stating that the company will use senses (felt through one’s ears, eyes, hands, back, chest) to create an experience similar to an ICE AMG. The company is developing the completely new platform that should also offer the best in terms of efficiency and aerodynamics.

Mercedes AMG-GT EV FAQs

What is the Mercedes AMG-GT EV release date?

An electric Mercedes AMG-GT is expected during the second half of the decade.

What will be the price of the Mercedes AMG-GT EV?

The AMG GT EV could have a starting price from GBP 170,000 (EUR 200,000).

What will be the Mercedes AMG-GT EV rivals?

Audi e-tron GT RS, the future electric BMW M5, Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, & a Panthera-based Jaguar.

Featured Image – Mercedes-Benz