Mercedes-AMG To Take The Hybrid And All-electric Route

• E Performance hybrid powertrain combines ICE 4/8 cylinder engines and a 9-speed automatic gearbox to a 204PS electric powertrain.

• 4.0-litre biturbo V8 hybrid delivers 815PS/1000Nm, whereas 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill produces 652PS.

• AMG EVs will be offered in 43 and 53 trims, with initial models being from the EQ range of electric vehicles.

• Other notable bits in upcoming AMG EVs will be sportier exteriors and interiors.

• Mercedes-AMG electric vehicles will debut later this year. 

The current trend in the automotive industry is taking the electric vehicle route, with many carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz, preparing to electrify their entire model lineup. Well, it's AMG performance division has now revealed an electric roadmap for the future. But make no mistake, Mercedes-AMG isn’t holding back on its hardcore nature we all know and love. In fact, it has the potential to hit new levels of peak AMG performance.

First up, Mercedes-AMG will introduce the E Performance range of plug-in-hybrid engines. It comprises turbocharged four- or eight-cylinder engines and a 9-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor positioned on the rear axle. The electric motor is capable of producing 204PS and 320Nm, juiced up by a 6.1kWh battery.

It also gets some technical wizardry that Mercedes calls an Electric Drive Unit (EDU). It comprises an automatic two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock. For the two-speed automatic gearbox, the first gear helps in optimal propulsion off the line, whereas the second gear kicks in at 140kmph, to make full use of the electric motor’s rev limit at 13,500 rpm. 

The addition of hybrid propulsion in the AMG lineup has led to some serious performance claims. A 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine combined with the electric motor delivers 815PS of grunt and over 1000Nm of torque. to propel it from 0-100kmph in just 3 seconds! 

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The other engine, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill, makes a combined 652PS of power. This particular motor gets a new electric exhaust-gas turbocharger borrowed from the AMG One hypercar that claims to improve response times to even exceed a naturally aspirated V8 engine. The next-gen AMG C-Class will be the first to utilise this powertrain.

Plug-in-hybrids aside, Mercedes has confirmed it’ll introduce all-electric AMG models starting later this year. The initial EVs will be within the Mercedes’ EQ range of EVs, in two trims: 43 and 53. These two EVs will have all-wheel-drive capability with electric motors at the front and rear. Mercedes claims performance comparable to the current 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine with a 0-100kmph sprint in less than 4 seconds and a top speed of up to 250kmph. Even the 400-volt lithium-ion battery will have its own wiring harness to better handle the extra grunt of the electric motor. 

What’s an AMG model without sporty additions? The AMG models will get a new front grille with vertical slats (possibly Panamericana), a redesigned front apron, bespoke alloy wheels as well as tweaks to the side sill panels, spoiler lip, and diffuser. Inside, you’ll get AMG seats, an AMG-themed MBUX infotainment system, and a sportier AMG Performance steering wheel among other AMG goodies. 

Currently, the Mercedes-Benz all-electric EQ range consists of the EQA and EQC, with the EQS set to join the family on April 15. We are yet to find out which of these EQ models will be the first to get the AMG treatment.  

Expect more details regarding the E Performance hybrid powertrains as well as the AMG EVs to surface soon enough. Back home, while Mercedes-Benz planned several launches, it may be a while before we see AMG electric vehicles in our model lineup.