Vision AMG quietly breaks cover

AN ELECTRIC show car presented by Mercedes-AMG will be the forerunner for a range of specialist EV performance models to enter production under the AMG badge.

 

Mercedes-AMG said the Vision AMG shows “a glimpse” of the future but admits that it represents an EV-only platform that is now under development at AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach “for all-electric performance models”.

 

The Vision AMG will “transfer the AMG DNA into the all-electric future starting in 2025,” said AMG in a statement.

 

It is based on the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX that recently posted a 1100km-plus electric range during tests in Europe. Mercedes said the EQXX is based on the EV-only MMA platform, while AMG states its concept sits on the AMG.EA platform.

 

The AMG concept replicates the design of the EQXX with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, bulging hips, large wheels and a distinctive rear spoiler.

 

Its AMG-specific grille with vertical bars is retained as a distinctive brand feature – despite the fact that an all-electric drivetrain does not require a classic radiator at the front. 

 

Mercedes-Benz Group AG chief design officer Gorden Wagener said: “With its contrasting modern surfacing and radical proportions, this car showcases the next design step, building on the VISION EQXX and moving further towards performance luxury. 

 

“The seamless flow of beautifully formed surfaces and the monolithic sculpture complete the powerful aesthetic of the Vision AMG. The result is an electric supercar, a style icon that stimulates desire – and that’s exactly what sets a luxury sports car apart.”

 

Mercedes-AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer said: “We’re developing everything from scratch, from the dedicated AMG.EA platform to the revolutionary drivetrain technology with which we will take performance electric mobility to a whole new level.

 

“AMG is reinventing itself. As was once the case with our founding fathers, there has been an amazing feeling of new beginnings here in Affalterbach for quite some time now. 

 

“The course has been well and truly set for an electrified future, and we’ve set the bar high. That’s because our customers expect something very special from all-electric cars. 

 

“We have already well and truly proven our expertise in this regard with the SLS AMG Electric Drive, our own E Performance hybrid technology and the first Mercedes-EQ derivatives.

 

“The Vision AMG shows in spectacular style what electrification could look like at Mercedes-AMG, while staying true to the brand aesthetic.”

 

The concept car shows flowing surfaces with joints and shut lines reduced to a minimum. The rear and side windows are painted in the same Alubeam silver as the car itself to give the impression of a monolithic sculpture.

 

AMG said that “the overall effect is a visually fascinating and aerodynamically advantageous teardrop form, not unlike that of the Vision EQXX.”

 

The technology of the Vision AMG includes the platform and drivetrain developed from scratch.

 

Its axial flux motor was developed by Mercedes-Benz’ wholly-owned subsidiary YASA and its compact and lightweight design is claimed to deliver substantially more power than conventional electric motors.

 

The headlamp design comprises three LED elements that form a stylised, three‑dimensional Mercedes star, with both units visually connected via the horizontal band of light above the grille. This light band can display a variety of animations – ranging from a welcome signature to constant light.

 

Round lights at the rear are each three LED rings positioned in cylindrical tubes giving the appearance of afterburners, with small stars to link to the Mercedes logo.

 

Mercedes-AMG said there is also a direct connection to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team with the silver paintwork and large-format star pattern across the shoulders and rear wings, functional elements in exposed carbon-fibre, the aerodynamic design of the 22-inch wheels with aero claddings, the AMG logo and elements on the sills and diffuser in the Petronas colours.

 

The Vision AMG’s four-door configuration also makes clear that the show car is a functional all‑electric sports car of the future. 

 

“Despite the battery pack in the floor of the car between the axles, the study sits considerably lower than the EQS and, thanks to its intelligently designed interior floor, offers plenty of space for four,” the company said.