Mercedes-AMG electric vehicle confirmed for 2021 launch

Mercedes-AMG will launch the first in a new range of electric vehicles (EV) in Europe later this year, as part of a wider brand shift towards smaller engines and electrified technologies.

Based on Mercedes-Benz's burgeoning range of EQ-branded electric vehicles, Mercedes-AMG's first EV since the SLS Electric Drive will benefit from a similar array of sporty upgrades as AMG's combustion-powered line-up, from power/torque boosts and chassis tuning to larger brakes and aggressive styling inside and out.

While the zero-emissions AMGs might lack the deep engine note emitted by the brand's V8-powered vehicles – which will continue to be offered in the electric age – the sub-three-second acceleration times and lauded dynamics of rival electric performance cars from Porsche and Tesla means there's still plenty to get excited about from Affalterbach's EVs.

The brand claims flagship models in its electric line-up will be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint time of "well under" 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h, thanks to dual electric motors.

However, the marque suggests its future EVs will rival its existing, mid-tier 43 and 53 models, rather than the full-fat 63 and 73 family.

While Mercedes-AMG didn’t confirm which Mercedes-Benz EQ model its new EV would be based on, the aforementioned performance specifications and 2021 European launch date suggest it will take the shape of a performance version of the upcoming EQS flagship limousine.

Reports from 2020 suggested the top-rung model will match or exceed the performance capabilities of the outgoing, petrol-powered AMG S63, which used a 450kW/900Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 to propel it to 100km/h from a standstill in 3.5 seconds.

Complementing reworked mechanicals in Mercedes-AMG’s electric vehicles will be an array of chassis upgrades, including uniquely-tuned AMG Ride Control+ adaptive dampers, fully-variable all-wheel-drive and large performance brakes.

A 400-volt electrical architecture will enable quick recharging times, at rates of up to 200kW DC and 22kW AC.

On the styling front, versions of AMG’s signature design cues will feature, including a unique front grille with vertical louvres, a reshaped lower bumper, new side skirts, a rear lip spoiler, an aggressive rear diffuser and a range of AMG-designed alloy wheels, available in Aero or Heritage designs.

Inside, highlights will include figure-hugging AMG sports seats, unique AMG displays for the MBUX infotainment system and instrument cluster, and an AMG Performance steering wheel with a pair of rotary dials to control dampers, steering and other driving functions, as per the brand’s petrol-powered range.

Other available features inside and out include an AMG i-Booster performance regenerative braking function, and ‘AMG Sound Performance’ that plays “highly [emotive]” sounds into the cabin in place of a combustion engine.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more details on Mercedes-AMG’s next electric vehicle later this year, following the unveiling of the non-performance, standard Mercedes-Benz EQS next month.

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