Mercedes-AMG is progressing toward developing its first full-size electric SUV, to be built entirely on the AMG.EA platform. Development vehicles for the new model, working under the title “Born in Affalterbach,” are set to undergo initial test drives this winter.
The AMG.EA platform, which stands for AMG Electric Architecture, is engineered specifically for Mercedes-AMG’s high-performance electric models. It previously served as the foundation for the Vision EQXX technology platform showcased at CES 2022. While the EQXX itself is a prototype intended to preview efficient EV technology, the upcoming full-size SUV represents a concrete entry in the brand’s lineup, and the first AMG SUV designed from the ground up for electric performance. This marks the sixth fully developed vehicle by Mercedes-AMG’s team in Affalterbach, alongside models such as the GT and SL.
“AMG First, EV Second” is the design motto driving the development of the new SUV, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to classic AMG performance standards. “We are now recognising this development for the first time with an SUV ‘Born in Affalterbach,’” said Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “Our new high-performance platform will bring an absolutely fascinating high-performance off-roader, combining AMG’s hallmark attributes with the capabilities of an EV.”
The AMG.EA platform’s capabilities are largely under wraps, but Mercedes-Benz has hinted at advancements like axial-flow motor technology, which offers high power density while minimizing size and weight. The system is paired with a new high-performance high-voltage battery, aimed at delivering exceptional range and efficiency. The Vision EQXX, for instance, achieved a 1,008-kilometer drive on a single charge at an impressive 8.7 kWh per 100 kilometers, under real road conditions. A subsequent test extended this to 1,202 kilometers at an average consumption of 8.3 kWh/100 kilometers.
Mercedes-Benz plans for the AMG.EA-based SUV to advance the technology tested in the EQXX, which recently completed rigorous drives across Europe and the Arabian Desert, consistently surpassing 1,000 kilometers on a single charge. With these technologies, Mercedes-AMG aims to offer an electric SUV that prioritizes both high-performance capabilities and electric efficiency, in line with the brand’s storied heritage.
