AMG Says It Is Building An Electric Super-SUV

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed it is working on an electric super-SUV based on its AMG.EA architecture. It will be a rival for the likes of Lotus Eletre, providing Lotus weathers the latest storm, the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric and BMW’s XM, though that is an ICE weapon.

This super-SUV is not based on any existing EV, but rather is a clean slate effort by AMG. It is the first time in 57 years of existence that it has gone out on its own. The newbie is only a couple of years away too. Ahead of its launch is the debut of the second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé; that is the first vehicle to feature the AMG.EA platform.

The architecture is related to the MB.EA platform. However, it is modified to use new axial flux electric motors from specialist Yasa.

They develop 358kW and 801Nm ft, but weigh an unfathomable 24kg each. The new architecture can support a pair of motors on each axle, meaning outputs in excess of 1500kW, in theory. Commentators are dialing things back to a mere 1000hp (746kW). And torque vectoring across the axles is likely.

Naturally the platform allows for 800V electricals and fast charging. The battery pack also features a silicon anode for reduced charge times and greater energy density.

This new super-SUV will succeed the GLE 63, only it will be a larger and more luxurious offering. Evidently it will be as big as the 5.1m Vision AMG concept, with a wheelbase in excess of 3.0m. Expect lots of aluminium in the chassis to counteract the weight of the battery, and a skateboard style platform layout. The company reckons it will be an AMG first and foremost (emotionally appealing) and just happens to be an EV. You can fairly much bank on carbon ceramic brakes and rear-axle steering as standard.

A teaser shadow outline image shows a conventional two-box shape rather than coupe-style SUV design. The hood is also quite long, unlike AMG EQE and EQS models. 

Road testing is soon underway with a launch expected next year, and deliveries in 2026. It will follow the forthcoming electric four-door GT saloon by about a year.