Mercedes-AMG teases its first standalone high-performance SUV

The Mercedes-AMG SUV will take on Porsche's upcoming electric three-row SUV scheduled to arrive in 2027

Mercedes-Benz's performance division, AMG, has announced its plans to launch its first standalone full-size electric SUV.

The upcoming high-performance SUV from Mercedes-AMG will be developed entirely in-house by the brand's performance division and will be based on the AMG.EA platform. While Mercedes-AMG has developed standalone models before, it will be the first SUV to be introduced as a pure AMG. Previous standalone AMG models include the current GT Coupe, SL Roadster and the 4-door GT Coupe.

The standalone AMG SUV will be the second model based on the AMG.EA platform - the first being a fastback sedan which will replace the 4-door GT Coupe next year. The AMG.EA platform will also help the brand introduce several innovations, one of which is the axial-flux motor technology. The new platform also benefits from a high-performance high-voltage battery developed thanks to AMG's F1 know-how.

Michael Schiebe, head of Mercedes-AMG, stated, "With the 'Born in Affalterbach' SUV, we are responding to this trend by offering our customers a truly captivating high-performance off-roader based on the AMG.EA platform. Our new high-performance architecture follows a clear philosophy: 'AMG First, EV Second'. This means that the vehicles not only excel as electric vehicles but also embody the core AMG qualities of emotion and performance."

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that prototype vehicles will begin undergoing initial testing this winter. However, the brand has yet to reveal a timeline for the SUV's global debut.

Once unveiled though, the Mercedes-AMG SUV will take on Porsche's upcoming electric three-row SUV scheduled to arrive in 2027 and the BMW XM plug-in hybrid.