Mercedes-AMG prepares for 2026 debut of high-performance electric SUV
What's the story
German automaker Mercedes-Benz's high-performance division, AMG, is reportedly developing an electric SUV with power exceeding 1,000hp. Slated for a launch in 2026, this vehicle will be an exclusive AMG model and won't be associated with any existing Mercedes-Benz product. As per Autocar, the foundation of the vehicle will be the company's upcoming AMG.EA platform.
Competition landscape
AMG's electric SUV to rival luxury vehicles
The electric SUV's dimensions are expected to be similar to the Vision AMG, with an overall length of roughly 5,080mm, and a wheelbase of 2,997mm. This size positions it as a competitor to vehicles such as the Lotus Eletre as well as Porsche's upcoming three-row electric luxury vehicle. It will also indirectly go against BMW's XM plug-in hybrid model.
Vehicle specifications
It will feature all-wheel-drive
Autocar predicts that AMG will preview the flagship electric SUV with a concept before introducing the production model. The exact number of motors it will house is uncertain, but two are at least likely, since the vehicle will feature all-wheel-drive. An insider revealed to the publication that the model will provide "a whole new level of variable traction possibilities."
Potential impact
AMG's electric SUV could be a game changer
The yet-to-be-named model could potentially serve as an SUV counterpart to the Vision AMG, which is projected to be an EV successor to the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. If so, this would mark it as AMG's first bespoke performance vehicle since the SLS AMG Electric Drive. This development indicates a significant shift in the realm of performance-oriented electric vehicles.
Production plans
Mercedes prepares Sindelfingen plant for SUV production
There are indications that Mercedes-AMG has already begun modifications at its Sindelfingen plant in Germany, to facilitate the production of this super SUV. It is likely that it will be manufactured on the same assembly line as the sedan version, which is predicted to be released first.