Standalone Mercedes-Benz AMG electric SUV breaks cover

Mercedes-Benz on Thursday teased a camouflaged prototype of the dedicated electric SUV for its AMG performance division.

AMG primarily makes sportier versions of existing Mercedes models, and has already done so with some of the automaker’s electric vehicles. And it’s launched standalone models like the current GT coupe (in two- and four-door forms), SL Roadster, and the discontinued SLS AMG sports car. But this will be the first SUV designed as an AMG model from the ground up, and one of two planned EVs based on the new AMG.EA platform.

The prototypes show that the sleek silhouette shown in a sketch when the AMG electric SUV was announced last month was not exaggerated. Despite this being an EV, with different cooling requirements than combustion cars, AMG also appears to have installed a large grille up front, with a hood and headlights arcing around it.

Mercedes confirmed that the SUV will start testing on schedule. It’s currently heading up to the Arctic Circle for cold-weather testing at the some location where the first AMG.EA-based electric vehicle was sent for testing this past spring. That other model is a fastback sedan that may replace the current AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, and is scheduled to arrive in showrooms next year. Expect the SUV to follow sometime after that.

Prototype for first EV fully developed by Mercedes-Benz AMG

Both models will likely use axial-flux motors from British firm Yasa, which Mercedes acquired in 2021. Mercedes also mentioned a “new high-performance battery concept,” without giving further details. The automaker could be hinting at its tech that will enable EV batteries with mixed cell types.

In addition to the two confirmed AMG.EA models, a report earlier this year suggested AMG was mulling an electric supercar based on the Vision One-Eleven concept unveiled in 2023. An AMG version of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is also expected.