Mercedes-AMG is stepping up its game in the electric vehicle sector with the development of its new high-performance electric SUV, which will be the second model to ride on the innovative AMG.EA platform. Following extensive cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle, the prototype of this highly anticipated electric SUV is slowly being unveiled, promising to set new standards for performance, luxury, and technology.
A Sneak Peek into the Prototype
The development phase is in full swing, with prototypes of both the SUV and its closely related GT 4-Door undergoing rigorous testing in sub-zero temperatures. This cold-weather testing is essential to ensure the vehicle’s components perform optimally in extreme conditions. While the SUV is still heavily camouflaged, the latest video released by Mercedes-AMG gives a glimpse of what’s to come.
The design language of the prototype shares notable similarities with the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV, featuring soft, rounded lines and a low-slung silhouette typical of AMG’s performance vehicles, even though it’s an SUV. The blend of sleek design and muscular presence is expected to make the new electric SUV a true standout in its category.
Built from the Ground Up for Performance
Mercedes-AMG has stated that the electric SUV will be a standalone model built specifically for high performance, rather than a performance derivative of an existing Mercedes SUV. The upcoming vehicle is being developed entirely in-house on the AMG.EA platform, which is designed to provide the foundation for AMG’s electric vehicles. This platform includes an 800V architecture that will support both this SUV and the electric successor to the AMG GT 4-Door, which is expected to debut alongside it.
AMG’s commitment to performance is evident in the electric SUV’s design, as it is expected to feature a bespoke lightweight axial-flux electric motor developed by the UK-based company Yasa. These custom motors are engineered for high power output and efficiency, and will be a core feature of both the SUV and the upcoming AMG GT 4-Door EV.
Power and Performance: 1,000 HP and Beyond
One of the most exciting aspects of this new electric SUV is its performance capabilities. With a quad-motor setup, the vehicle is expected to produce over 1,000 horsepower (746 kW / 1,014 PS), offering impressive acceleration and top speeds. All-wheel drive, advanced torque vectoring, and four-wheel steering will further enhance its handling and driving dynamics, ensuring that it performs at the highest level across various driving conditions.
Active suspension systems and AMG-specific battery technology will also play a significant role in optimizing performance and ride quality. The result will be a driving experience that’s both thrilling and comfortable, whether on the track or on public roads.
Size and Rivalry
The SUV’s size is expected to be in the range of the 2022 Vision AMG concept, with a length of around 5.1 meters (200 inches) and a wheelbase stretching over 3 meters (118 inches). This gives the electric SUV a larger footprint compared to the current Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, bringing it closer to the dimensions of the fully electric EQS SUV.
In terms of competition, the new electric SUV will face rivals from various categories. It will compete against high-performance gasoline-powered models like the Porsche Cayenne GT and the Aston Martin DBX, as well as hybrid and electric contenders such as the BMW XM, Lamborghini Urus, and the Lotus Eletre. This places the Mercedes-AMG SUV in a fiercely competitive segment, where it will need to deliver exceptional performance, luxury, and technology to stand out.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AMG’s Electric Future
As the development of the new electric SUV progresses, more details are expected to be released in the coming months. AMG has confirmed that test drives for the new model will begin this winter, giving fans and enthusiasts an early glimpse of what’s to come. With its bold design, cutting-edge technology, and 1,000-horsepower performance, the Mercedes-AMG electric SUV is set to revolutionize the performance SUV market and further establish AMG’s dominance in the world of high-performance electric vehicles.
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