Mercedes Unveils Electric Vehicle with Improved Performance Capabilities

Mercedes has unveiled a game-changing electric vehicle that's as comfortable on the track as it is on the street. The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is the first true Mercedes powered exclusively by batteries and it's a technological triumph.

The biggest hurdle in creating agile EVs is weight, due to the heaviness of batteries. However, Mercedes has found a solution to this problem after two days behind the wheel of the AMG GT EV. The company has successfully reduced the battery-weight tax that typically hinders EV performance.

On both roads and tracks, the vehicle stays firmly planted on the road surface. According to Mercedes, various technologies contribute to this stability. The automaker's extensive experience in producing high-performance vehicles plays a significant role, as well as its AMG.EA sports-car architecture.

This innovative architecture continuously adjusts power delivery from the three motors while guiding the Active Ride Control suspension and steering. The system also controls active aerodynamics, ensuring that the vehicle delivers the performance expected by AMG customers.

The combination of these technologies provides exceptional handling and stability. Mercedes emphasizes the importance of its decades-long experience in producing high-performance vehicles in achieving this success.

As a result, drivers can enjoy smooth acceleration and precise cornering without sacrificing comfort or control. The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe sets a new standard for electric vehicles with its impressive performance capabilities.

The AMG GT 4-Door Coupe's powertrain is equipped with three axial flux motors, produced by Yasa, which Mercedes acquired in 2021. These compact motors offer a significant advantage over traditional designs, providing a lighter and more efficient power source. The two rear motors are 3.1 inches wide, while the front motor measures 3.5 inches across.

The axial flux motors are capable of delivering impressive performance figures, with the AMG GT 63 producing up to 1,153 horsepower at peak output, along with a nominal output of 711 horsepower and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. This power is available for 63 seconds during Boost mode, allowing drivers to tap into additional horsepower when needed.

In contrast, the AMG GT 55's Boost mode lasts for 55 seconds, with a peak output of 805 horsepower. The nominal output of this trim level is slightly lower at 557 horsepower and 1,372 lb-ft of torque. Despite these differences, both models demonstrated reliable performance during testing, allowing drivers to use the Boost modes repeatedly without issue.

The impressive acceleration capabilities of the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe are evident in its zero-to-60-mph time of around 2.3 seconds and its ability to reach 124 mph from a standstill in approximately 6.8 seconds. This level of performance enables drivers to approach corners at high speeds, making it clear that this vehicle is designed for both comfort and thrill.

The combination of advanced technology and exceptional performance capabilities sets the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe apart as an exciting addition to the luxury car market. With its impressive acceleration and handling, this vehicle is sure to appeal to drivers seeking a thrilling driving experience.

The Mercedes-AMG GT's impressive acceleration and handling capabilities are tempered by its advanced braking system, which features regenerative braking and hydraulic brake-by-wire friction brakes. The carbon ceramic discs at the front and steel discs at the rear provide exceptional stopping power, even when pushed to their limits on a winding track.

On one such occasion, I found myself taking a tight left-hand corner too quickly, only to have to slam on the brakes to avoid disaster. The deceleration was impressive, with the vehicle slowing down rapidly as it crested a hill and I applied the brakes. This level of control is reassuring, especially when driving a high-performance vehicle like the AMG GT.

For drivers seeking an even greater degree of control over their vehicle, Mercedes-AMG offers the AMG race engineer control system. This feature allows drivers to adjust settings such as Response, Agility, and Traction using three dials in the center console. Each setting can be adjusted from one to nine, with higher numbers corresponding to more aggressive settings.

At one end of the scale, these settings are geared towards novice drivers, while at the other extreme, they allow for maximum performance and agility. In between lies a range of possible configurations, allowing drivers to tailor their experience to suit their skills and preferences. On the track, we were encouraged to dial in a level of seven, which significantly loosened up the rear end and increased throttle response.

This configuration proved to be a recipe for fun, as it allowed us to push the vehicle to its limits with ease. The rear end would frequently break traction, making the driving experience even more thrilling and challenging. Regardless of skill level, this feature is sure to appeal to drivers seeking an immersive track-day experience.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe's powertrain has undergone significant changes from its predecessor, shifting to an 800V electrical architecture that promises increased efficiency and faster charging capabilities.

This updated system allows the car to be charged at up to 600kW via DC fast charging, a feat demonstrated on the track where one of the AMG GT 63 vehicles reached a peak power output of 637kW. The vehicle's battery pack also showed impressive charging rates, pulling around 400kW when at 60% state of charge and still drawing 252kW at 79%.

The car's cooling system is designed to handle high-performance driving sessions, utilizing a non-conductive oil that circulates through the cylindrical batteries to prevent overheating. While Mercedes declined to disclose the specifics of this oil, referring to it as a "secret," its effectiveness was evident in repeated Boost mode sessions.

Range targets for the 106kWh battery pack have not been disclosed by Mercedes, leaving drivers and enthusiasts alike to speculate about the car's real-world capabilities.

The AMG GT R's exhaust note has been recreated through a clever use of sound placement and actuators in the seats, providing an immersive driving experience that belies the car's electric powertrain. This innovative approach has won over even the most skeptical drivers, who may have initially dismissed it as a gimmick.

This attention to detail and commitment to delivering a thrilling driving experience is a hallmark of the AMG brand, and one that sets the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe apart from its competitors in the electric vehicle space.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe's V8 engine is designed to make a statement, and it certainly does when you approach the vehicle or turn on the ignition. In Comfort, Sport, and Race modes, the distinctive growl of the V8 is absent, but as soon as you switch to Sport+, the deep rumble returns.

The sound produced by the engine is impressive, but it's not quite realistic. It's a bit like listening to an old cassette tape - it sounds close to real, but there are some subtle differences that detract from the overall experience. Still, the V8 noise adds to the thrill of driving the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

The interior of the vehicle is lavishly appointed with all the luxury features you'd expect from a Mercedes. The quilted door panels and comfortable seats are just the beginning, as are the various materials used throughout the cabin. This includes the screens, which can display a range of information, including technical data about the vehicle's performance.

One of the more interesting features of the passenger screen is its ability to display detailed technical information about the vehicle, including metrics such as torque output from each motor. While it may not be the most practical use for this feature, it's certainly an impressive display of engineering prowess.

The seats in the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe are remarkably comfortable, with adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters that can be fine-tuned to suit individual preferences. At 6 feet, 3 inches tall, I found there was ample room to stretch out in the back seat, and the large trunk should provide plenty of space for luggage or passengers.

The interior design of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is a major selling point, with its combination of luxury features and high-tech displays. While some may find the passenger screen's ability to display technical data a bit niche, it's certainly an impressive feature that showcases the vehicle's capabilities.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is a high-end electric vehicle that combines fun and technology in one package. With a starting price of $145,000 for the AMG GT 55 model and $175,000 for the AMG GT 63 variant, this car caters to those with deep pockets.

The vehicle's availability will be staggered, with the more affordable option hitting dealerships by the end of this year. In contrast, the pricier AMG GT 63 will arrive at a later date, specifically in early 2027. Despite its hefty price tag, the electric coupe is poised to dispel the notion that all EVs drive similarly.