AMG planning first zero-emissions model: report

MERCEDES-AMG is planning its first-ever zero-emissions all-electric model, which will be based on the upcoming EQS four-door luxury limousine, according to a report form British publication Autocar.

The arrival of an AMG-badged EQS would mark a historic milestone in the Affalterbach company’s history as the first model to be powered exclusively by an electric motors, with the brand having so far almost exclusively relied on pure petrol power.

According to Autocar, AMG is developing a pair of powertrains with an output of over 600bhp (447kW), instantly putting in the conversation against the ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 underpinning a raft of AMG models, which currently ranges in output from 375kW in the C63, up to 470kW in the GT63 S 4-door Coupe.

The most like-for-like model in Mercedes’ current line-up that would mirror an EQS AMG is the S63, which punches out a healthy 450kW/900Nm.

Our only glimpse so far of the EQS has come in the form of the Vision EQS concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show last year, with the production version set to enter showrooms from around 2022.

The EQS limousine will join other all-electric Benz offerings that currently includes the EQC medium SUV, and will be joined in coming years by the EQA hatch, EQB small SUV and EQV people-mover.

Set to take on the likes of the new-generation all-electric Jaguar XJ, the EQS AMG will also battle with the next-generation BMW 7 Series, which was confirmed by BMW chairman Oliver Zipse to feature an EV powertrain in its most powerful grade.

A non-AMG version of the EQS will also be sold, which Autocar claims will feature a similar output to that of the Vision EQS – 350kW/760Nm with up to 700km of driving range of the WLTP cycle, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds.

The Vision EQS employs a 100kWh battery combined with Benz’s scalable EVA skateboard-style platform, allowing for a low centre of gravity.

350kW charging is expected to be made available, while a sophisticated torque vectoring system allows all that EV power to be accurately channelled to the road.

A newly developed energy recuperation system will also be fitted, which will use Mercedes’ learnings from Formula 1.

Autocar says the EQS will feature the same dimensions as the CLS sedan, albeit with a slightly different silhouette thanks to its shorter overhangs that also allow for interior space greater than the S-Class.

The high-performance dual-motor powertrain is expected to find its way into other eventual AMG EVs, which Autocar suggests could underpin a zero-emission E-Class and G-wagon.