Mercedes-AMG Unveils First Bespoke Electric SUV With 1,153 Horsepower and 12-Minute Charging

In Affalterbach on Saturday, Mercedes-AMG engineers pulled the cover off a low-slung, wide-track vehicle that fundamentally alters the ceiling for electric family haulers. The 2028 Mercedes-AMG GT SUV is the performance division's first full-size utility vehicle developed entirely in-house, rather than adapted from a standard Mercedes-Benz platform.[6]

For an actual buyer weighing the transition to a high-performance electric vehicle, the abstract numbers translate to a hypercar experience in a daily driver. The top-tier GT 63 model utilizes three axial-flux electric motors to generate a peak output of 1,153 horsepower and 1,475 pound-feet of torque.[1][6]

That powertrain propels the 5,942-pound vehicle from zero to 60 miles per hour in an estimated 2.6 seconds, or 2.4 seconds with a one-foot rollout. It matches the acceleration of Porsche's flagship Cayenne Turbo Electric, setting up a direct rivalry for buyers shopping in the $150,000-plus luxury performance segment.[1][3]

"Our customers will experience the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV as a vehicle that, for the first time, uniquely combines two worlds: the practical advantages of a full-size SUV with maximum space, comfort and versatility, alongside the emotional sports car character of a genuine AMG," said Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG.[6]

The axial-flux electric motors represent a significant technological leap over the radial-flux designs found in most modern electric vehicles. By utilizing a flat, pancake-shaped design, these motors deliver substantially more power and torque relative to their physical weight, freeing up space and reducing the overall mass the suspension must control.[1]

The most significant shift for a future owner's daily routine lies beneath the floorboards. The GT 63 and mid-tier GT 55 models house a 128-kilowatt-hour, 800-volt battery pack built with directly cooled cylindrical cells. Each cell is immersed in a non-conductive fluid to maintain an optimal temperature during aggressive driving or rapid charging.[1][6]

This thermal management allows the vehicle to accept direct-current fast charging at an unprecedented 710 kilowatts. At a compatible station, a driver can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 12 minutes, adding up to 282 miles of range in the time it takes to buy a coffee.[1][6]

However, the reality for an American buyer taking delivery in summer 2027 is that domestic infrastructure has yet to catch up to the vehicle's capabilities. The fastest public chargers currently rolling out across the United States max out at 400 kilowatts, meaning early adopters are essentially purchasing charging headroom for future road trips.[1]

To manage the immense power and weight, Mercedes-AMG replaced traditional mechanical anti-roll bars with an active hydraulic system. The AMG Active Ride Control+ suspension continuously adjusts pitch and roll stiffness, keeping the cabin flat during aggressive cornering while absorbing harsh impacts on broken city streets.[1][6]

Active rear-axle steering also comes standard, turning the rear wheels up to six degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds. For a driver navigating a tight parking garage or a narrow suburban driveway, the system artificially shortens the vehicle's wheelbase, making the large SUV maneuver like a compact hatchback.[6]

At highway speeds, the vehicle's aerodynamic profile actively adapts to reduce drag or increase stability. An active roof spoiler adjusts its angle based on speed and acceleration, while electronically controlled louvers in the front bumper remain closed to maximize range, opening only when the battery or motors require additional cooling airflow.[6]

Inside the cabin, the design caters to both the driver and passengers. A 14-inch central multimedia display merges visually with a 10.2-inch driver instrument cluster, while a separate 14-inch screen is available for the front passenger. The rear seating area accommodates three passengers and folds down to reveal 21.4 cubic feet of cargo space.[1][6]

Recognizing that the visceral appeal of a combustion engine is a major selling point for traditional AMG buyers, engineers integrated a simulated audio system. The vehicle's drive program plays meticulously recorded sounds of an AMG V8 engine through the cabin speakers, complete with virtual gearshifts triggered by steering wheel paddles.[1][6]

For owners who prefer the quiet serenity inherent to electric vehicles, the artificial engine noise can be completely disabled via a silent setting. The vehicle also features a dedicated efficiency mode that disengages the front motor under light loads to maximize range during routine highway cruising.[1][6]

The GT SUV portfolio will launch with three variants, including a more accessible GT 53 model that utilizes two standard synchronous motors to produce 536 horsepower. While pricing has not yet been announced, the lineup positions Mercedes-AMG to capture buyers who refuse to compromise on either utility or extreme performance as the industry electrifies.[1][4][6]