Mercedes-AMG has pulled the covers off a brutal new electric performance car so powerful it left Formula 1 drivers stunned after getting behind the wheel.
The new four-door electric coupe takes clear styling inspiration from the wild Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept, the futuristic concept car that claims to deliver a staggering 1,000kW.
But this production version falls short of the 1000kW mark.
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Instead, the new AMG GT63 and GT55 are the first production EVs to be built on Mercedes-AMG’s dedicated AMG. EA performance platform.
It features three axial-flux electric motors, one at the front and two at the back, and advanced battery cooling technology designed to sustain serious high-performance driving.
And it is needed.
The GT55 produces 600kW and 1800Nm, while the flagship GT63 churns out a staggering 860kW and 2000Nm of torque.
Mercedes-AMG says active roll stabilisation and adjustable air suspension enhance stability at high speed without sacrificing agility in a performance environment.
It is enough grunt to leave Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell almost speechless after testing the new EV.
“It is like a Formula 1 car,” Antonelli said.
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“I would argue it may be slightly faster in acceleration (than a Formula 1 car),” Russell added before Kimi agreed.
“This is the fastest car I have ever driven in my life — the fastest.”
The GT63 can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 2.4 seconds, or 2.1 seconds using the one-foot rollout metric, making it around 0.7 seconds quicker than the plug-in hybrid model it replaces.
If buyers opt for the Driver’s Package, the GT63’s top speed increases to 300km/h — still short of an actual Formula 1 car in outright pace, but nevertheless impressive.
Mercedes-AMG has also leaned heavily into recreating the theatre of a V8-powered performance car, despite the car being electric.
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, the new AMG uses built-in speakers to generate synthetic V8-style engine sounds that respond to throttle input.
The throttle is linked to vibration actuators hidden in the seats and chassis to mimic the rumble of a traditional V8 petrol engine.
Drivers can choose from seven drive modes through haptic controls mounted on the AMG Performance steering wheel, while steering wheel paddles unlock temporary boost functions. Pulling on both steering-wheel paddles gives the GT63 an extra 110kW burst of power, while the GT55 receives a 50kW boost.
The three electric motors and 106kWh battery pack give a claimed driving range of 596km to 696km under the European WLTP test cycle.
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Charging from 10 to 80 per cent can take around 11 minutes and add around 460km when connected to an ultra-fast 600kW DC charging station.
Mercedes-AMG claims a WLTP driving range of up to 696km for the GT63 and 700km for the GT55.
Despite packing a massive battery and three electric motors, Mercedes-AMG says the new EV is only around five per cent heavier than the outgoing GT63 plug-in hybrid at 2,460kg.
Inside, the cabin features a 10.2-inch digital driver display that flows into a 14-inch central touchscreen, while the passenger side also features a 14-inch display for different content.
The front seats are inspired by racing and trimmed in leather and microfibre, while the rear seats are bucket-style.
Ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof also come standard, while options like the Burmester High End 4D audio system and upgraded rear seats to fit three are available.
Australia has been locked in for the new models, timing and pricing are yet to be announced.
