Mercedes-Benz AMG developing standalone electric full-size SUV

• A three-row electric AMG-badged Mercedes-Benz SUV is in the works
• The EV will ride on a new AMG.EA dedicated EV platform
• Prototypes are expected to start road testing this winter

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division is working on an all-electric full-size SUV that will be distinct from anything sold by the main Mercedes brand.

AMG has produced a sportier version of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, but on Thursday it announced a larger standalone model based on its own AMG.EA dedicated EV platform. A teaser sketch released as part of the announcement shows a fairly sleek silhouette by big SUV standards, with a steeply raked rear roof pillar and low roof line.

AMG has launched standalone models before, including the current GT coupe (in both 2-door and 4-door forms), the SL roadster, and the SLS AMG sports car prior to that. But this will be the first SUV designed as an AMG model from the ground up, a response to the currently popularity of SUVs, AMG boss Michael Schiebe said.

Technical details are yet to be confirmed, but the SUV could make use of axial-flux motors from British firm Yasa, which Mercedes acquired in 2021. The automaker also has a stake in U.S. solid-state battery developer Factorial, which in September said it was working on battery cells for Mercedes that could boost range by 80%. That could be helpful in a large, powerful SUV like this, where efficiency gains will otherwise be difficult to achieve.

AMG’s electric SUV will compete against a similar-sized three-row electric SUV from Porsche expected to arrive in 2027. It also won’t be the first bespoke SUV from a performance sub-brand. The BMW XM plug-in hybrid arrived in 2022 as the first dedicated model from BMW M since the M1 supercar of the 1970s. Reports indicate it may depart by 2028, however.

Prototype for first EV fully developed by Mercedes-Benz AMG

The first prototypes of the AMG electric SUV are scheduled to start testing on public roads this winter. Mercedes did not mention launch timing, but the SUV will be the second model based on the AMG.EA platform, following a fastback sedan due next year that may replace the current AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

A report earlier this year suggested AMG was also mulling an electric supercar based on the Vision One-Eleven concept unveiled in 2023. And it will continue developing performance versions of models from the main Mercedes brand, including the upcoming CLA-Class compact sedan.