Introducing Mercedes-AMG’s All-New 1,150hp Electric SUV: A Groundbreaking Performance Powerhouse

Earlier this year, the AMG division of Mercedes made waves with their GT four-door coupe, a high-performance sports sedan featuring three axial flux motors that produce over 1,150 horsepower. Now, we have the introduction of its more robust sibling, the 2028 Mercedes-AMG GT SUV, an equally powerful electric vehicle designed to transport multiple passengers while charging rapidly.

This AMG GT SUV is significant as it marks the first occasion in the brand’s nearly six-decade history where a full-sized SUV has been created entirely in-house. Anticipated to debut in the US next summer, this new EV will utilize Mercedes’ advanced AMG.EA platform, blending the agility of a sports car with the practicality of a family SUV.

The SUV will be offered in three variants: the GT 53, GT 55, and the top-tier GT 63, with the latter boasting an impressive 1,153 horsepower from the same motors that empower the four-door coupe. This performance outshines that of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric with Launch Control, which may lead to some competitive encounters near Stuttgart.

Thanks to its 800-volt system, the GT SUV can achieve lightning-fast charging speeds—up to 710kW for the 128kWh battery variants (GT 63 / GT 55) and 600kW for the 106kWh battery (GT 53). A charge from 10% to 80% can be completed in just 12 minutes, and a quick 10-minute charge can provide a WLTP range of approximately 450 km (around 280 miles). The 128kWh variants are expected to achieve a maximum range of 435 miles.

The battery incorporates F1-inspired technology with specialized NCMA cathodes and silicon anodes in cylindrical cells. Each cell is surrounded by a non-conductive oil for optimized thermal management, ensuring consistent high-power supply and longevity. Mercedes has been a pioneer in battery technology for some time now, and the GT SUV exemplifies this. Its impressive charging speed could particularly give it an advantage over Porsche’s 320kW capabilities.

Despite being a full-sized SUV, the AMG GT is designed for nimble handling. The traditional mechanical roll bars have been replaced with a new suspension system featuring active hydraulic components to mitigate pitch and roll during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This, combined with three-stage air springs and standard six-degree active rear axle steering, aims to merge track-level precision with comfort for long journeys.

In terms of weight, the AMG GT 63 SUV tips the scales at 5,941 lbs, making it marginally lighter than both the Lotus Eletre R (6,007 lbs) and the Lucid Gravity (6,100 lbs), while being almost equal to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric (5,960 lbs).

To maintain a sense of performance-oriented excitement, the AMG GT SUV incorporates recorded sounds from authentic AMG engines—specifically, the iconic AMG V8 and six-cylinder engines—so that the AMG experience remains palpable. Some may debate the choice of real engine sounds over artificial tones, but this feature enriches the driving experience. The SUV simulates gear shifts using paddle controls, allows for customizable sound profiles, and even integrates seat vibrations to mimic the feeling of a traditional engine.

Inside, drivers will be greeted by the MB.OS platform, showcased on a 14-inch display. AI capabilities from major tech firms can assist with navigation, searches, and more, while Mercedes’ onboard AI manages functions like HVAC settings and drive modes via voice commands.

The SUV further employs a system referred to as the Predictive Performance Manager, which utilizes track data to optimize electric motor output based on terrain, preserving battery power on gradients while ensuring full power is available where needed. This could lead to quicker lap times by minimizing battery strain—something any AMG enthusiast would surely value.

While official pricing for the AMG GT SUV has not yet been disclosed, further details are expected in the lead-up to its launch.