Mercedes-AMG Unveils 1,153-HP Electric GT SUV With 710kW Charging and Supercar-Level Performance

Mercedes-AMG Unveils 1,153-HP Electric GT SUV With 710kW Charging and Supercar-Level Performance

Mercedes-AMG has officially unveiled its most powerful SUV ever, and the numbers are extraordinary.

The all-electric Mercedes-AMG GT SUV produces up to 1,153 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 2.4 seconds and can recharge its enormous battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 12 minutes.

For comparison, that is enough power to rival some of the world's most expensive supercars, delivered in a vehicle capable of carrying five people and their luggage.

The new model also represents a historic milestone for Mercedes-AMG.

Although the performance division has been producing powerful SUVs for decades, this is the first full-size SUV developed entirely in-house by AMG rather than being based on an existing Mercedes-Benz model.

It uses the company's dedicated AMG.EA electric architecture, combining advanced battery technology, high-performance electric motors and sophisticated chassis systems designed to deliver consistent performance.

Three versions have been announced: the GT 53, GT 55 and flagship GT 63.

The most powerful model uses three compact axial-flux electric motors generating 860kW, equivalent to approximately 1,169 metric horsepower or 1,153 U.S. mechanical horsepower.

This explains why some international publications report slightly different horsepower figures for the same vehicle.

Beyond its enormous power output, Mercedes has developed a battery architecture capable of accepting charging power as high as 710kW, substantially exceeding what most electric vehicles can currently handle.

The interior includes a large digital cockpit, AI-powered infotainment, customizable performance controls and even simulated V8 engine sounds.

The SUV will arrive at American dealerships during summer 2027 as a 2028 model.

Mercedes has not yet announced U.S. prices, but the GT SUV is clearly aimed at the upper end of the electric performance market, where it will compete directly with vehicles such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric.

Key Facts: Mercedes-AMG GT SUV

• Official unveiling: October 17, 2026.
• Vehicle type: Fully electric high-performance SUV.
• Platform: Mercedes-AMG AMG.EA.
• Available versions: GT 53, GT 55 and GT 63.
• Maximum output: 1,153 hp, or 1,169 metric PS.
• Maximum torque: 1,475 lb-ft in the GT 63.
• Acceleration: Estimated 0"60 mph in 2.4 seconds with rollout.
• Maximum speed: Up to 168 mph.
• Battery capacities: 106kWh and 128kWh usable.
• Electrical architecture: 800 volts.
• Maximum DC charging: 710kW on the larger battery.
• Fast charging: 10% to 80% in as little as 12 minutes.
• Maximum claimed driving range: 700km, approximately 435 miles, WLTP.
• Drivetrain: Electric all-wheel drive.
• Interior displays: 10.2-inch instrument screen and 14-inch central touchscreen.
• Optional passenger display: 14 inches.
• AI technology: MB.OS with advanced MBUX virtual assistant.
• Seating capacity: Five.
• U.S. availability: Summer 2027.
• Model year: 2028.
• Official U.S. price: Not yet announced.

Most acceleration and range figures are preliminary manufacturer estimates.

Actual results will depend on the vehicle configuration, driving conditions and final certification.

Three Versions, Three Different Levels of Extreme Performance

Mercedes-AMG is introducing the GT SUV in three configurations.

Although all use the dedicated AMG.EA platform, there are important differences in their motors, batteries and performance.

Here is how the lineup compares.

Mercedes-AMG GT 53 SUV

Power: 536 hp. Motors: Two conventional permanent-magnet synchronous motors. Battery: 106kWh.

0"60 mph: Estimated 3.7 seconds with rollout. Top speed: 143 mph. Maximum DC charging: 600kW. WLTP range: 597"668km, approximately 371"415 miles.

Mercedes-AMG GT 55 SUV

Power: 805 hp. Motors: Three axial-flux electric motors. Battery: 128kWh.

0"60 mph: Estimated 2.7 seconds with rollout. Top speed: Up to 168 mph with the appropriate package. Maximum DC charging: 710kW. WLTP range: 620"700km, approximately 385"435 miles.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SUV

Power: 1,153 hp. Motors: Three axial-flux electric motors. Battery: 128kWh.

0"60 mph: Estimated 2.4 seconds with rollout. Top speed: 168 mph. Maximum DC charging: 710kW. WLTP range: 620"700km, approximately 385"435 miles.

All three versions use AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive.

The GT 53 is particularly interesting because it uses a different type of electric motor from the more powerful models.

Its dual-motor system provides substantial performance while using technology that is more conventional within the electric vehicle industry.

At 536 horsepower, even the entry-level GT SUV is more powerful than many traditional performance cars.

The GT 55 introduces the advanced three-motor configuration, while the GT 63 extracts considerably more peak power from a similar basic architecture.

One important detail is that the quoted acceleration figures use a one-foot rollout measurement.

Without that allowance, Mercedes estimates 0"60 mph times of approximately 4.1 seconds for the GT 53, 3.0 seconds for the GT 55 and 2.6 seconds for the GT 63.

Both measurements are legitimate, but they should not be mixed when comparing different vehicles.

The Secret Behind the Power: Three Axial-Flux Motors

The GT 55 and GT 63 use one of the most interesting electric motor designs currently entering production vehicles.

Instead of conventional radial-flux motors, Mercedes-AMG has developed a drivetrain based on axial-flux technology.

In a typical radial-flux motor, magnetic flux travels outward from the central axis.

Axial-flux motors arrange their magnetic components differently, with magnetic flux traveling primarily along the motor's axis.

This allows them to use a relatively flat, compact construction.

The result is exceptionally high power density.

In simple terms, an axial-flux motor can deliver substantial power without requiring as much physical space or weight as certain conventional motor designs.

Mercedes developed the technology in collaboration with British engineering company YASA, which it acquired in 2021.

The GT SUV's configuration places two axial-flux motors at the rear axle and one at the front.

The rear motors are integrated into a compact electric drive unit with dedicated gearing and sophisticated cooling.

The front motor acts primarily as an additional source of power and traction.

It can disconnect under lighter driving conditions, helping reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

When the driver accelerates aggressively or the vehicle requires additional traction, the system can engage the front motor almost instantly.

This arrangement allows the GT 63 to deliver enormous power while continuously adjusting torque between the wheels.

However, the system is not simply about maximum acceleration.

Mercedes says the motors are designed to maintain high output repeatedly.

The GT 63 can deliver up to 711 horsepower continuously under the manufacturer's specified conditions.

That is significantly below its 1,153-horsepower peak rating, but it is still an extraordinary sustained output.

The distinction matters because maximum horsepower figures describe what an electric drivetrain can achieve for a limited period.

Maintaining high power over a longer interval requires sophisticated cooling and battery management.

For performance driving, consistency can be more useful than producing one exceptionally fast acceleration run before the system overheats.

The Battery Uses Technology Inspired by Formula 1

Mercedes-AMG's new electric architecture places enormous emphasis on battery performance.

The GT SUV uses an 800-volt electrical system with two available battery capacities.

The GT 53 receives a 106kWh usable battery.

The GT 55 and GT 63 use a larger 128kWh battery.

The battery packs incorporate cylindrical cells with a specialized chemical composition.

According to Mercedes, the cells use an NCMA cathode and a silicon-containing anode.

This combination is intended to provide high energy density and strong charging performance.

However, the most unusual feature is the cooling arrangement.

Rather than relying exclusively on conventional cooling plates positioned around groups of battery cells, Mercedes uses an electrically nonconductive cooling fluid that circulates directly around individual cells.

The objective is to keep temperatures consistent throughout the battery pack.

During demanding driving, batteries generate substantial heat.

The same problem occurs during extremely rapid charging.

If temperatures rise too far, the vehicle may need to restrict power to protect its components.

Mercedes' system is designed to reduce those limitations by controlling temperature more precisely.

A central cooling management unit distributes cooling capacity between the battery, electric motors and other power electronics according to the vehicle's needs.

This approach draws on the company's experience with high-performance electric powertrains and Formula 1 technology.

The design should be particularly useful during repeated acceleration runs or extended track driving.

Instead of delivering maximum output only when the battery is at an ideal temperature, the system attempts to maintain a suitable operating range under demanding conditions.

That is one reason Mercedes is emphasizing sustained power rather than relying exclusively on peak horsepower as its performance benchmark.

710kW Charging Could Make Long Road Trips Surprisingly Practical

The most impressive specification may not be the horsepower.

It could be the charging capability.

Mercedes claims the GT 55 and GT 63 can accept DC charging power of up to 710kW.

That is far beyond the peak charging rates supported by most current electric vehicles.

Under ideal conditions, the 128kWh battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 12 minutes.

Mercedes also claims that ten minutes of charging can add as much as 454km, approximately 282 miles, of WLTP-rated range.

The entry-level GT 53 is similarly ambitious.

Its smaller battery supports up to 600kW DC charging, and Mercedes lists a 10% to 80% charging time of approximately 11 minutes.

These figures are extraordinary for a large electric SUV.

However, there is an important practical limitation.

A vehicle capable of accepting 710kW does not automatically charge at that rate when connected to an ordinary public charging station.

The charging equipment must be able to deliver the necessary power.

Many existing high-speed public chargers provide maximum outputs of approximately 150kW, 250kW or 350kW.

Charging stations capable of delivering more than 700kW to an individual passenger vehicle are still relatively uncommon.

Mercedes has therefore provided more realistic figures for 400kW charging equipment.

Under its specified conditions, the GT 53 can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 14 minutes.

The GT 55 and GT 63 require approximately 16 minutes.

Those are still remarkably short stops for vehicles with such large batteries.

However, charging performance also depends on battery temperature, state of charge, station capability and other conditions.

The peak figure will not necessarily be maintained throughout the entire charging session.

For prospective owners, the important question will be how easily suitable high-power charging stations can be found along their normal routes.

The vehicle's potential is impressive, but real-world charging convenience will depend heavily on infrastructure.

Up to 435 Miles of Range, but U.S. EPA Figures Are Still Missing

Mercedes has announced a maximum driving range of 700 kilometers under Europe's WLTP testing procedure.

That is equivalent to approximately 435 miles.

Both the GT 55 and GT 63 are listed with an estimated WLTP range between 620 and 700 kilometers, depending on configuration.

The GT 53 is rated between 597 and 668 kilometers.

Interestingly, the less powerful model does not necessarily achieve the greatest maximum range despite having fewer motors.

That is partly because it also uses a smaller battery.

The GT 53 has a 106kWh pack, while the two more powerful versions receive 128kWh.

Vehicle weight, tires, aerodynamic options and efficiency also influence the final figures.

However, American buyers should not interpret the 435-mile figure as an official EPA estimate.

The WLTP testing procedure differs from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's methodology.

EPA estimates for the GT SUV have not yet been announced.

Real-world range will also depend on driving behavior.

A driver cruising steadily on a highway may experience very different consumption from someone repeatedly using the vehicle's full acceleration capability.

High speeds, cold temperatures and demanding mountain driving can reduce electric range.

The GT SUV also weighs approximately 5,600 to 6,000 pounds depending on configuration.

That is substantial mass to accelerate and manage.

Nevertheless, the combination of a large battery and exceptional charging capability suggests that Mercedes is attempting to make the GT SUV suitable for both spirited driving and long-distance travel.

The practical advantage may be less about achieving the absolute maximum range and more about minimizing the time required to restore it.

Advanced Suspension Helps Control Nearly Three Tons of Performance SUV

Delivering more than 1,100 horsepower is one engineering challenge.

Making a large SUV handle that power confidently is another.

Mercedes-AMG has developed a new suspension system called AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL+.

It combines adjustable air suspension with active pitch and roll stabilization.

Pitch describes how a vehicle's body moves forward and backward during acceleration and braking.

Roll refers to how much the body leans sideways when cornering.

Both movements become particularly important in a heavy performance SUV.

The new system uses hydraulic connections and sophisticated electronic control to manage those movements.

Mercedes says it can reduce excessive body motion while preserving comfort during ordinary driving.

The GT 63 receives the system as standard equipment.

It is optional on the GT 55.

Another important feature is active rear-wheel steering.

The rear wheels can turn by up to six degrees at lower speeds.

When maneuvering or taking slower corners, they turn in the opposite direction from the front wheels.

That can make the vehicle feel more agile and reduce its effective turning circle.

At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability.

The GT SUV also includes variable all-wheel drive and sophisticated torque distribution.

The more powerful versions can control the rear motors independently, providing additional opportunities to influence how the vehicle behaves through corners.

Braking equipment differs by model.

The GT 53 uses steel brakes.

The GT 55 also receives steel brakes as standard, with carbon-ceramic brakes available.

The GT 63 includes carbon-ceramic brakes at both axles as standard.

The objective is to create an electric SUV that feels more like a performance car than its weight and dimensions would normally suggest.

Whether Mercedes has achieved that balance will become clearer when independent road and track testing begins.

Aggressive Styling Meets Active Aerodynamics and Everyday Practicality

The GT SUV makes little effort to hide its performance ambitions.

Its design includes a prominent AMG-style front grille, wide wheel arches, muscular shoulders and a low roofline that slopes toward the rear.

Although the vehicle is fully electric, Mercedes has retained visual elements associated with its gasoline-powered AMG models.

The front features prominent vertical grille elements and distinctive star-shaped lighting signatures.

At the rear, six circular lights create an unusual appearance.

The overall silhouette is considerably sportier than that of a conventional family SUV.

However, the design is not purely decorative.

Mercedes has incorporated active aerodynamic features intended to balance cooling, stability and energy efficiency.

Electronically controlled louvers at the front can remain closed when additional cooling is unnecessary.

This helps reduce aerodynamic drag.

When the battery or drivetrain requires greater cooling, the system opens the relevant air passages.

The GT 55 and GT 63 also feature an active roof spoiler that changes position according to driving conditions.

At higher speeds, it can help improve stability and aerodynamic balance.

Mercedes quotes a drag coefficient as low as 0.27 for the more powerful versions.

That is a respectable figure for a large, high-performance SUV.

The vehicle measures approximately 200 inches in length, with a wheelbase of nearly 120 inches.

Despite its low roofline, Mercedes has retained seating for five passengers.

The rear seat can accommodate three people and features folding backrests.

Cargo space measures approximately 21.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

There is also a small front storage compartment of approximately 2.8 cubic feet.

An optional panoramic glass roof can switch between transparent and opaque modes.

Mercedes is also offering extensive customization, including more than 60 MANUFAKTUR exterior paint finishes.

The result is intended to combine the visual aggression of an AMG GT sports car with the practicality expected from a large luxury SUV.

A High-Tech Interior With Three Screens and Multiple AI Assistants

Inside, the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV emphasizes digital technology without completely abandoning physical controls.

The driver faces a 10.2-inch digital instrument display.

A 14-inch central touchscreen is angled slightly toward the driver.

An additional 14-inch passenger display is available as an option.

The infotainment system uses Mercedes-Benz's MB.OS operating system and the latest generation of MBUX.

Artificial intelligence plays an important role.

Mercedes says the system integrates technology from ChatGPT, Microsoft and Google.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant is designed to understand complex requests and maintain conversations involving multiple questions.

Rather than relying exclusively on rigid voice commands, occupants can interact more naturally with the vehicle.

The interface also includes dedicated AMG functions.

AMG PERFORMANCE MENU displays information about power delivery, component temperatures, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.

AMG SET UP allows drivers to customize selected settings.

AMG TRACK PACE provides detailed telemetry for performance driving.

The system can record more than 80 vehicle data points repeatedly during track sessions.

Drivers can review lap times, braking behavior, acceleration and other information.

Mercedes has also developed a Predictive Performance Manager.

The system can adjust energy deployment according to different sections of a racetrack.

For example, it may conserve energy in areas where maximum power is unnecessary and make more power available for demanding acceleration zones.

This reflects an important principle of electric performance driving.

The fastest lap is not always achieved by using maximum power at every opportunity.

Managing available energy intelligently can improve consistency and overall performance.

For drivers who prefer physical interaction, certain configurations also include three rotary controls on the center console.

These allow adjustments to drivetrain response, handling characteristics and traction.

The combination of advanced software and dedicated controls reinforces the GT SUV's positioning as a serious performance vehicle rather than merely a luxury SUV with a powerful electric drivetrain.

Yes, Mercedes Has Given Its Electric SUV Fake V8 Engine Sounds

One of the more controversial features will probably be its simulated engine soundtrack.

Mercedes-AMG is introducing a system called AMGFORCE Sport+.

It reproduces sounds inspired by traditional AMG V8 and six-cylinder engines.

The company says the audio was developed using detailed recordings of actual AMG engines rather than being created entirely through artificial synthesis.

The system can simulate engine speed changes and gear shifts.

It also coordinates sound effects with seat vibrations and certain display animations.

Drivers can use steering-wheel paddles to initiate simulated shifts.

The objective is to recreate some of the emotional involvement associated with powerful combustion-engine performance cars.

Not everyone will appreciate the idea.

Electric motors provide their power without needing conventional gear changes, and many EV buyers enjoy the smoothness and quietness of electric driving.

For those customers, simulated engine noises may seem unnecessary.

Fortunately, Mercedes allows the experience to be adjusted.

Drivers can select different sound characteristics and use a quieter setting.

The feature is therefore more about personal preference than mechanical necessity.

The GT SUV remains a fully electric vehicle regardless of which sound profile is selected.

Whether the simulated V8 makes driving more enjoyable or simply adds unnecessary drama will be a matter of individual taste.

At least the driver will not have to visit a gas station to enjoy the soundtrack.

Mercedes-AMG GT SUV vs. Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric

Mercedes is entering a competitive segment where Porsche has already introduced an extraordinarily powerful electric SUV.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric provides the most obvious comparison.

Both vehicles combine luxury SUV practicality with performance figures once reserved for exotic supercars.

A comparison of their announced specifications reveals how closely matched they are.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SUV:

Peak power: 1,153 hp.

0"60 mph: Estimated 2.4 seconds with rollout. Top speed: 168 mph. Battery: 128kWh usable. Peak DC charging: 710kW. Maximum range: Approximately 435 miles WLTP. U.S. starting price: Not announced.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric:

Peak power: 1,139 hp.

0"60 mph: 2.4 seconds with Launch Control. Top speed: 162 mph. Peak DC charging: Up to 400kW. U.S. starting price: $163,000.

On paper, Mercedes has a slight advantage in maximum horsepower and top speed.

Its advertised peak charging rate is also substantially higher.

However, the Porsche is already entering the market, while the Mercedes will not arrive in American dealerships until summer 2027.

The vehicles' acceleration claims also depend on their respective testing conditions and are not substitutes for independent head-to-head measurements.

Range comparisons require similar caution.

Mercedes' announced figures use the European WLTP cycle, while official U.S. EPA estimates have not yet been released.

Pricing may ultimately determine which vehicle offers better value.

Porsche has established a starting price of $163,000 for the Cayenne Turbo Electric before delivery charges and options.

Mercedes has not disclosed the GT 63's American price.

If it significantly exceeds Porsche's figure, buyers will need to decide whether the additional charging capability, motor technology and driving experience justify the premium.

Conversely, a competitively priced GT 63 could put considerable pressure on Porsche.

The competition is particularly interesting because both companies have extensive histories of producing high-performance gasoline-powered vehicles.

Their latest electric SUVs represent different approaches to preserving those performance traditions.

Pricing, Production and When Customers Can Buy One

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the new GT SUV will reach U.S. dealerships during summer 2027.

It will be sold as a 2028 model-year vehicle.

All three versions are expected to be part of the American launch lineup.

European availability will depend on regional ordering schedules and production arrangements.

The vehicle will be manufactured at Mercedes-Benz's Sindelfingen facility in Germany.

The company has prepared a dedicated production area for vehicles using the AMG.EA architecture.

That is significant because the GT SUV is not simply a converted version of an existing Mercedes SUV.

Its battery, electric drive units and structural design require specialized manufacturing processes.

The company has not confirmed U.S. pricing for the GT 53, GT 55 or GT 63.

However, the vehicle's positioning leaves little doubt that it will occupy the premium performance segment.

The entry-level GT 53 could provide a comparatively accessible way into the new lineup.

The GT 55 offers a substantial increase in power and the advanced axial-flux motor architecture.

The GT 63 sits at the top with more than 1,100 horsepower, standard carbon-ceramic brakes and the most extensive performance equipment.

Customers will also need to consider optional equipment.

Additional displays, specialized upholstery, advanced suspension features and customization options could substantially increase the final purchase price.

Another important consideration is charging infrastructure.

The ability to accept 710kW is impressive, but owners will not necessarily encounter charging stations capable of providing that output during ordinary travel.

Finally, independent range and performance testing remains outstanding.

Mercedes' preliminary specifications are extremely promising, but buyers should wait for confirmed EPA ratings and production-vehicle reviews before making definitive comparisons with existing electric SUVs.

The Mercedes-AMG GT SUV Is About More Than Just 1,153 Horsepower

The new Mercedes-AMG GT SUV represents one of the company's most ambitious electric vehicles to date.

The headline figures are spectacular.

More than 1,100 horsepower, acceleration to 60 mph in approximately 2.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 168 mph would make it an extraordinarily quick vehicle regardless of body style.

But the underlying technology is arguably more interesting.

The axial-flux motors offer exceptional power density.

The directly cooled battery cells are designed to support demanding acceleration and rapid charging.

The 800-volt architecture enables a claimed 710kW charging capability, potentially reducing charging stops to durations that would have seemed unrealistic for a large electric SUV only a few years ago.

Meanwhile, the advanced suspension and torque-control systems aim to make nearly three tons of vehicle behave with greater precision than its size suggests.

Mercedes has also attempted to preserve the emotional character associated with AMG through customizable driving dynamics and an optional simulated engine soundtrack.

Some enthusiasts will prefer the familiar experience of a gasoline-powered AMG.

Others may find the immediate torque and sophisticated control of an electric powertrain more appealing.

The company is clearly attempting to serve the second group without completely abandoning the traditions that made the AMG name famous.

There are still unanswered questions.

U.S. pricing has not been announced.

EPA range estimates remain unavailable.

And the spectacular charging figures depend on access to equipment capable of delivering unusually high power.

Nevertheless, the GT SUV demonstrates how far high-performance electric technology has progressed.

Mercedes is no longer treating electrification as simply a way to improve efficiency or reduce emissions.

It is using electric motors, battery engineering and software to develop performance capabilities that challenge some of the most powerful road vehicles available.

When the 2028 Mercedes-AMG GT SUV reaches American dealerships next summer, its biggest selling point may not be the staggering horsepower figure.

It may be the fact that Mercedes has managed to combine that performance with the space, comfort and usability of a luxury SUV.

And if a family vehicle really needs more than 1,100 horsepower, at least Mercedes is making sure it can recharge almost as quickly as it accelerates.

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