First Drive of the Camouflaged AMG GT SUV Near Pebble Beach
The electric Mercedes AMG GT four-door model won’t be the only one of its kind. It’s likely that its SUV counterpart will appeal even more to international customers. We took a look behind the scenes during testing and were impressed not only by its 860 kW / 1169 hp and nearly 2000 Nm of torque.
Those who matter in the automotive world travel to Monterey every year during the third week of August; more precisely, to Pebble Beach, where an automotive event takes place that has no rivals anywhere in the world. Amidst million-dollar classics, sweet cigar smoke, and exclusive luxury models competing for customers, prototypes that showcase the future of automobiles also make an appearance from time to time.
Just months after the electric AMG GT four-door made a highly impressive debut in downtown Los Angeles, its powerful SUV sibling is set to follow soon. Also electric and likely even more important for the sporty Affalterbacher given the ongoing SUV trend in most regions. Before it makes its official debut in mid-October, we were able to drive a few laps along the American West Coast alongside development engineer René Szeczepek.
Hidden in disguise, but the fascination remains visible
The black-and-white camouflage film is likely not the only reason why everyone around the picturesque 17-Mile Drive turns to stare at the electric Mercedes-AMG GT SUV, pulls out their cameras, and causes car enthusiasts to drop their spare batteries. Testing of this power SUV, which, like the sedan version, doesn’t have an easy-to-remember name, is entering its final phase. Brands such as Audi, Porsche, Tesla, or Xiaomi have offered electric performance vehicles for a long time—sometimes even very long. Now, Affalterbach is responding with its own dual offering.
Following the AMG GT four-door model, the AMG GT SUV is the second vehicle on the newly developed AMG.EA platform, designed to elevate the world of electric sports cars to a new level. So get in and settle into the comfortable passenger seat covered in distinctive blue leather, as steering the vehicle yourself is still off-limits for now — unfortunately. René Szeczepek shifts gears and casually mentions a few things about the smooth electric drive that are somewhat predictable given the four-door coupe version. Unlike its exterior design, the SUV’s interior is fully exposed. The dashboard with its large displays fits better with the SUV than with the coupe sedan, and the rear seating offers better space due to its design — especially in terms of headroom.
A 10.2-inch combined instrument cluster and a 14.0-inch central display are grouped together tilted toward the driver, while the passenger has their own cockpit. The MB.OS operating system serves as the software foundation, enhanced by various AI services including ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini.
When silent power suddenly becomes forceful
When it comes to technical details, the friendly-looking René Szeczepek quickly becomes reticent, but it’s unlikely the sedan and SUV will differ significantly at the base level. The base version of this electric SUV, equipped with two electric motors, is expected to deliver between 500 and 600 horsepower, with an intermediate model likely offering 800 horsepower. Meanwhile, a potential AMG GT 63 SUV could generate up to 860 kW / 1169 horsepower thanks to its three axial-flow motors.
The so-called High Performance Electric Drive Unit at the rear axle combines two axial flux motors, two silicon carbide inverters, and a compact input planetary gearset to deliver maximum traction, something that’s hard to imagine when driving over gentle dune ridges. At the front, a single axial flux motor works with a spur gearset along with a clutch that disconnects the front drive under light loads to prevent drag losses.
But mere cruising isn’t what an AMG is all about, and what those over 1800 Newtonmeter of torque mean becomes clear when René Szeczepek accelerates briefly on a closed section of road. In short: with that power output, accompanied by simulated V8 sound, your face really loses its expression. It’s insane. To bring the performance down to more manageable levels, the four-door models and SUVs feature a rigid platform with an integrated battery pack, variable all-wheel drive, and massive 325mm tires at the rear axle.
Between the powertrains, the electric motors draw their energy from a high-tech battery that provides a range of up to 600 kilometers. Fast charging at up to 600 kilowatts is planned. The new model is produced in Sindelfingen, with technical coordination coming from Affalterbach.
A Battery That Promises Range and Speed
The battery capacity is expected to be 106 kilowatt-hours, paired with an 800-volt architecture divided into 18 modules containing 2660 round cells, each with direct oil cooling. The cells are 105 millimeters tall and 26 millimeters in diameter, just like those in the four-door coupe. The idea behind this design is that the shorter the distance from the cell core to the surface, the faster heat can be dissipated. The cooling medium is a non-conductive oil that flows around each cell. Even in comfort mode, the suspension remains firm and responsive when navigating bumpy roads, while air suspension, all-wheel steering, and roll stabilization are likely to be included in this SUV as well.
At the front, despite having all-wheel drive, the AMG GT SUV offers a trunk space that is likely even larger than the 41 liters provided by the sedan version. To evoke excitement upon request, the system simulates a powerful V8 sound along with torque interruptions during gear shifts, as specified by testing engineer René Szeczepek with just a button press. Another rapid acceleration — once again without an audience, as even they would likely be speechless given such impressive performance.
There’s no doubt: this Mercedes-AMG GT SUV poses a serious threat to electric luxury vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne Electric and upcoming competitors from Europe, Asia, and the U.S., which are also completing their final test miles.