Mercedes-AMG has already demonstrated what its next generation of electric performance cars is capable of with the GT four-door. Now, the Affalterbach marque is turning its attention to an altogether taller proposition: the new Mercedes-AMG GT SUV. Available in GT 53, GT 55 and GT 63 variants, all three promise serious performance, although none will come cheap.
While the electric AMG GT four-door made a dramatic debut in downtown Los Angeles, the SUV’s unveiling closer to the brand’s Affalterbach headquarters has been a rather more understated affair. Nevertheless, the family resemblance is immediately apparent. The two models are closely related beneath the skin, sharing much of their technology and engineering. Given the continued popularity of performance SUVs, there is every chance that the taller newcomer will outsell its sleeker sibling. The competitive landscape is also rather different. While the AMG GT four-door faces rivals that have already been on the market for several years, many of the SUV’s closest competitors are relatively recent arrivals.
Measuring 5.08 metres in length, the AMG GT SUV becomes the second model to use the newly developed AMG.EA platform, following the GT four-door. This dedicated electric architecture is intended to take Mercedes-AMG’s performance credentials into a new era. Buyers will have a choice of three versions, with the entry-level GT 53 producing 400 kW (544 PS) through its all-wheel-drive powertrain. Weighing approximately 2.5 tonnes and capable of reaching 250 km/h, it should offer more than enough performance for most drivers. However, given AMG’s reputation and the increasingly fierce competition, some enthusiasts will undoubtedly want more.
That is where the GT 55 and GT 63 come in. The former develops up to 600 kW (816 PS), while the flagship GT 63 SUV takes things considerably further. Its three electric motors deliver a combined 860 kW (1,169 PS) and an enormous 2,000 Nm of torque, despite the vehicle weighing around 2.7 tonnes. Even its continuous power output stands at an impressive 530 kW (721 PS). Mercedes-AMG quotes energy consumption of 21.2 kWh per 100 kilometres.
The rear axle houses a particularly compact drive unit featuring two axial-flux electric motors, each paired with its own planetary gearbox within a shared housing. Both the motors and gearboxes are oil-cooled, while two water-cooled silicon carbide inverters are designed to manage the substantial electrical loads and temperatures involved. The result is extraordinary performance for a vehicle of this size. The GT 63 SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, with its top speed electronically limited to 270 km/h.
Power comes from a choice of two battery packs, offering capacities of 106 kWh or 128 kWh. These feature 18 and 22 modules respectively, operate on an 800-volt electrical architecture and use directly cooled cylindrical cells. With the larger battery installed, Mercedes-AMG claims a range of up to 700 kilometres, provided the driver exercises some restraint.
Of course, outright range is only part of the equation, particularly for an electric performance SUV. Charging speed is equally important, and AMG is promising some remarkable figures. Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, the entry-level GT 53 can charge at up to 600 kW, while the more powerful GT 55 and GT 63 can accept as much as 710 kW when connected to a suitably capable charging station.
AMG’s engineers are also particularly proud of the SUV’s chassis technology. Featuring variable pitch and roll stabilisation, the suspension is designed to deliver the sharp handling expected of an AMG performance car without compromising the comfort demanded of a large luxury SUV. Whether owners will prefer to enjoy their journeys in near silence or select an artificially generated combustion engine soundtrack remains to be seen.
Production of the new AMG GT SUV will take place at Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen facility, with technical development coordinated from AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach.
AMG CEO Stefan Weckbach explains: “With the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV, we are offering our customers a vehicle that uniquely combines two worlds for the first time: the rational advantages of a full-size SUV, with maximum space, comfort and versatility, and the emotional sports car character of a true AMG.”
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV follows a similar formula to its four-door sibling. Heavily bolstered sports seats and driver-focused instrumentation reinforce its performance credentials, while the dashboard is dominated by an array of enormous digital displays. Arguably, this high-tech arrangement feels more at home in the SUV than in the lower-slung four-door.
Thanks to its 3.08-metre wheelbase and taller body, rear passengers also benefit from more generous accommodation, particularly when it comes to headroom. Practicality is another advantage, with the boot offering 607 litres of luggage space, expanding to 1,740 litres when the rear seats are folded. An additional 78-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet provides even more versatility.
The digital cockpit combines a 10.2-inch instrument display with a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, both angled towards the driver, while the front passenger benefits from a dedicated display. The system runs on Mercedes-Benz’s MB.OS operating system, incorporating a range of AI-powered services, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini.
Order books for the entry-level Mercedes-AMG GT 53 SUV will open next week, with prices starting at €113,050. The considerably more powerful GT 55 and GT 63 variants, featuring the advanced axial-flux electric motors and outputs ranging from 816 to 1,169 PS, will follow in spring 2027. Depending on specification, prices for these flagship models are expected to climb beyond €150,000.
With its combination of extraordinary performance, advanced charging technology and genuine SUV practicality, the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV could prove an even more compelling proposition than its four-door sibling. Whether it can deliver the driving experience expected of an AMG remains to be seen.
