Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG electric car to target Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S

AMG’s performance hybrids are just the beginning, with a new, bespoke EV already well into development.

Mercedes-AMG is already two years into the development of a high-performance electric car that will rival the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S. Confirmed in an interview with AMG boss Tobias Moers at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, the new model will be underpinned by Mercedes’ upcoming e-platform that will follow the precedent set by Tesla and Porsche in employing a skateboard-style battery layout.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The AMG car will differ greatly from the incoming wave of next-generation Mercedes-Benz EVs (previewed by the Vision EQS pictured above), with Moers confirming: ‘We (AMG) are developing a battery, which meets our requirements regarding performance, both in and out. High-powered electric motors, too.’

The powertrain will have a different set of requirements and performance targets compared to the components in development by Mercedes, with AMG targeting the new Porsche Taycan in terms of performance and range, and Moers claiming it as the new industry benchmark.

The specific form this new AMG will take is more vague, however. ‘There is room for a lot of creativity regarding a purpose-designed BEV platform [derived] from Mercedes, as well there is a lot of room for creative moments,’ Moers said.

Whatever that form is, AMG will ‘apply the same strategy and the same attitude to a BEV model’ as it does to that of normal AMG models, with a totally different approach in regards to its axles, steering and overall dynamic package.

How AMG injects its own distinct character into an electric performance car is the bigger question. Moers is confident AMG is already there, but without a charismatic internal combustion engine to reinforce any real aggression, the challenge of synthetically creating a new form of AMG character remains to be seen. We’ll soon see if Porsche has been successful in its own quest to translate its own 70 years of character into an electric car when we drive the Taycan in a few weeks’ time.

Now read more about the new Porsche Taycan here...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mercedes CLK DTM: the anatomy of the 2000s V8 touring car
Mercedes CLK DTM
Features

Mercedes CLK DTM: the anatomy of the 2000s V8 touring car

In 2000, the DTM was reborn with a new rule‑set, a new ethos and a new hero car, the Mercedes CLK DTM. We look under its skin
2 Jul 2025
Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats
Best Mercedes AMG models
Best cars

Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats

From track-honed supercars to thundering sports saloons, Mercedes-AMG has produced countless performance car icons over the years. These are the best …
25 Jun 2025
Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring
HWA Evo front
News

Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring

The makers of the Mercedes CLK GTR and Pagani Huayra R’s screaming V12 are taking their modern take on the iconic Mercedes 190E Evo II racing
19 Jun 2025
Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing
Mercedes-AMG electric SUV front
News

Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing

Don’t ask and ye shall receive, as development of Mercedes-AMG’s monster performance electric SUV continues at pace
5 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025