Mercedes AMG is working on an electric full-size SUV

Mercedes・Benz AMG is planning to launch a high・performance electric SUV that is different from what Mercedes-Benz sells.

The standalone SUV announced by AMG on Thursday will use the Affalterbach tuner's own AMG.EA sits in the full-size category with a dedicated EV platform.

A teaser sketch released as part of Thursday's announcement suggests a sleek, nearly fast-back design with a powerful hunch.

AMG has previously launched stand-alone models such as the current GT Coupe, SL Roadster and 4-door GT Coupe. But it will be the first time in the company's 57-year history that an SUV will be launched as pure AMG. In a statement, AMG Chief Michael Sieve said the Suv has been one of the most popular models of tuners for years, and the standalone SUV is a response to that trend

The first prototype is expected to begin testing on public roads this winter. The release date was not mentioned, but reports from May 4 claim that the debut will take place in 2026. The timing points to the SUV arriving as a 2027 model in the U.S.

the SUV will be the 2nd model based on AMG.EA Platform. The first is the Fastback sedan scheduled for next year as a likely alternative for the 4-door GT coupe. It has not yet been confirmed, but supercars may also spin off from the platform.

AMG says AMG.EA platform will introduce a number of new innovations for the brand, one of which is axial flow motor technology. In 2021, Mercedes is likely to acquire the British company Yasa, which specializes in high-performance electric motors, to supply axial-flow motors for vehicles based on AMG.EA Platform.

Axial flux motors are lighter and smaller than conventional radial flux motors with similar outputs. As a guide, a motor weighing just over 50 pounds can deliver approximately 480 hp, and multiple units can be installed. However, manufacturing motors is more difficult for radial flux motors, making them a lot more expensive.

AMG in addition to its motor.The EA platform is also expected to benefit from high-performance high-voltage batteries developed using AMG's F1 know-how.Especially in the field of energy discharge and recovery, and perhaps cooling.

The AMG electric SUV will have some direct competition on arrival. In addition to the XM plug-in hybrid from the Bmw M, Porsche is developing an electric 3-row SUV that is expected to arrive in 2027.