Mercedes-Benz’s performance arm has teased its first solo SUV project, a flagship electric model expected to rival the BMW XM and Porsche’s upcoming seven-seat EV.
The new full-sized Mercedes-AMG SUV will be built on the AMG.EA electric platform which also underpins the brand’s next-generation performance sedan.
All we have for now is a teaser of its silhouette, but development vehicles are set to begin testing within months.
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Mercedes‑AMG badges currently adorn six SUV model lines – GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, and EQE SUV – but each of those cars was a Mercedes-Benz first before receiving the Mercedes-AMG treatment.
The new electric SUV will be developed entirely within AMG’s four walls, much as the BMW XM is a bespoke product from BMW’s M performance division.
In addition to upcoming EV models, Mercedes-AMG has also taken the lead of past performance heroes including the SLS and current SL and GT.
“SUVs have been among our most popular models for many years,” said Michael Schiebe, chairman of the Mercedes‑AMG board and head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class and Mercedes‑Maybach divisions.
“With the ‘Born in Affalterbach’ SUV, we are responding to this trend by offering our customers a truly captivating high-performance off-roader based on the AMG.EA platform.
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AMG.EA electric sedan
“Our new high-performance architecture follows a clear philosophy: ‘AMG First, EV Second.’ This means that the vehicles not only excel as electric vehicles but also embody the core AMG qualities of emotion and performance.”
Mr Schiebe’s comments suggest the as-yet unnamed SUV will possess off-road capability, in addition to the performance we expect from modern performance EVs.
Likely rivals include the BMW XM – which currently packs plug-in hybrid power but may gain pure electric power in 2028 – as well as the electric Lotus Eletre and Porsche’s upcoming seven-seat EV codenamed ‘K1’.
The AMG.EA platform will feature Axial Flux Motor technology designed by Mercedes-Benz subsidiary YASA, which is said to allow for more compact, lightweight, and powerful electric motors.
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