Mercedes-AMG Unveils the Powerful 2028 GT SUV
This year, the performance division of Mercedes, known as AMG, captivated automotive enthusiasts with the introduction of the GT four-door coupe, an impressive sports sedan powered by three axial flux motors generating over 1,150 horsepower. Now, they are back with an even more formidable vehicle: the 2028 Mercedes-AMG GT SUV, a high-performance electric SUV set to make waves.
Significantly, the AMG GT SUV is the first full-size SUV developed entirely in-house by AMG in its 59-year history. Scheduled to launch in the U.S. next summer, this electric vehicle is constructed on Mercedes’ cutting-edge AMG.EA architecture, promising a blend of sports-car agility and the practicalities of a full-size SUV.
Available in three trims — GT 53, GT 55, and the flagship GT 63 — the top model promises to deliver an exhilarating 1,153 horsepower using the same three axial flux motors found in the four-door coupe. This performance level puts it ahead of competitors like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric, potentially leading to some noteworthy comparisons in Stuttgart.
Equipped with an 800-volt architecture, the SUV offers rapid charging capabilities, reaching up to 710kW with its 128kWh battery (available in the GT 63 and GT 55) and up to 600kW on the 106kWh battery in the GT 53. Drivers can fill the battery from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes or achieve approximately 280 miles of range within 10 minutes, with an estimated maximum range of 435 miles for the larger battery.
The battery technology incorporates advanced features inspired by Formula 1, using specialized NCMA cathodes and silicon anodes. An innovative, electrically non-conductive oil surrounds each cell, ensuring efficient thermal management and long-lasting performance. Mercedes has positioned itself as a frontrunner in battery technology with the AMG GT SUV exemplifying this expertise. The 710kW charging speed particularly enhances its competitive edge over Porsche’s maximum of 320kW.
For a full-size SUV, the AMG GT showcases an impressive ride, largely thanks to a newly designed suspension that replaces conventional mechanical roll bars with active hydraulic systems to minimize pitch and roll during dynamic driving situations. It combines this with three-stage air springs and standard six-degree active rear-axle steering for optimum performance.
Weighing in at 5,941 lbs, the AMG GT 63 SUV is lighter than both the Lotus Eletre R (6,007 lbs) and the Lucid Gravity (6,100 lbs), while being nearly identical to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric (5,960 lbs).
To maintain the essence of AMG, the brand has incorporated real engine sounds, such as those from the iconic AMG V8 and six-cylinder engines, into the cabin. This feature preserves AMG’s “emotional” connection while adjusting audio profiles and simulating gear shifts, enhancing the driving experience for enthusiasts.
The interior boasts the MB.OS platform, with a 14-inch interface supported by AI capabilities from ChatGPT, Microsoft, and Google. Users can engage the AI for navigation, web searches, and other functions—all intuitive via voice commands.
Furthermore, the Predictive Performance Manager allows for dynamic adjustments in electric motor output based on track data, optimizing performance while ensuring energy conservation. This feature aims to deliver consistently superior lap times as well.
While the official pricing remains to be announced, the buzz surrounding this powerful SUV suggests a significant shift in the high-performance electric vehicle market.
Editor’s Take
The introduction of the 2028 AMG GT SUV signifies a strategic move by Mercedes to blend luxury with high performance in the electric vehicle market. As the demand for high-performance EVs grows, this offering could redefine user expectations regarding performance, practicality, and technology integration in vehicles.
Source: www.theverge.com
