Mercedes-AMG confirms a bespoke electric SUV is coming

07 November 2024

Mercedes-AMG is preparing to launch its first-ever standalone electric SUV. This exciting new model, "Born in Affalterbach," will be the second electric vehicle built on AMG's dedicated EV platform, AMG.EA.

Details are still under wraps, but AMG released a shadowy teaser image that hints at a generously proportioned SUV with a coupe-like roofline. The new model will compete with rivals like the Lotus Eletre and the upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne. It will follow the release of an electric four-door GT designed to challenge the Porsche Taycan.

The performance division of Mercedes-Benz has been souping up its SUVs for over 25 years, starting with the 1998 Mercedes ML55 AMG. Today, AMG offers seven high-performance SUVs, ranging from the compact GLA to the iconic G63 4x4.

The "Born in Affalterbach" SUV promises to be a true performance machine. Michael Schiebe, chairman of Mercedes-AMG, has stressed the importance of sustained performance and rapid charging for electric AMGs. To achieve these goals, the SUV will use axial flux electric motors supplied by Yasa. These motors offer 30% more torque, 5% better efficiency, and double the performance of conventional permanently synchronous motors.

This is a significant milestone for AMG. While the performance division has created five bespoke models in the past, including the Mercedes-AMG GT and the SLS, this is its first venture into developing a standalone SUV. Although, how bespoke the new SUV will actually be is questionable since there are a lot of similarities between it and the Mercedes EQS SUV, here’s a photo for reference:

Schiebe highlighted the significance of this project, stating, "SUVs have been among our most popular models for many years. 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." He further underlined the vehicle's adherence to the "AMG First, EV Second" philosophy, promising it will deliver both exhilarating performance and electric efficiency.

The first development prototypes of the new AMG SUV will soon undergo winter testing, but production models are not expected to hit the market until 2026. With its focus on performance, technology, and SUV practicality, the "Born in Affalterbach" already looks like an exciting addition to the growing world of electric cars.

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