Mercedes-AMG’s GT SUV Is More Than Just A 1,153 HP Beast

The first high-riding member of the AMG GT family is here with three fully electric powertrain options and fake engine noises

Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG is working on several new V8 models, but at the same time, it’s been developing this: the new GT SUV, its first-ever electric SUV. While it could easily be dismissed as just another absurdly powerful family hauler, the brand says it has real sports-car DNA and offers much more than insane straight-line performance.

Like the new AMG GT sedan, the SUV uses the AMG.EA architecture and has been announced in GT 53, GT 55, and GT 63 configurations. The GT 53 comes exclusively with a 106-kWh battery and two electric motors, producing 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm) of torque, figures we’ve come to expect from some of AMG’s V8-powered SUVs over the past decade. All-wheel-drive grip helps it hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and 124 mph (200 km/h) in 14.6 seconds. If you’re after a reasonably quick electric SUV, this is the one for you. The GT 53 also supports 600 kW charging and has a combined WLTP range of up to 415 miles (668 km).

McLaren P1 speeds in an SUV

Mercedes-AMG

The GT 55 takes things to another level. It uses three of Mercedes-AMG’s advanced axial flux motors, producing 805 hp and 1,371 lb-ft (1,860 Nm) of torque. That extra grunt slashes the 0-62 mph time to 3.1 seconds, and the 0-124 mph sprint falls to 9.9 seconds. This version is available with either a 106-kWh battery or a 128-kWh pack. The latter supports 710 kW DC charging, meaning 83-kWh of power can be added in just 10 minutes. The GT 55’s range varies from a peak of 364 miles (585 km) with the smaller battery to 435 miles (700 km) with the larger pack.

As Mercedes-AMG did with the sedan, it’s released a hypercar-slaying version of the GT SUV, known as the GT 63. Three upgraded motors combine to produce 1,153 hp and 1,475 lb-ft (2,000 Nm) of torque. This cuts the 0-62 mph sprint to 2.7 seconds and the 0-124 mph to just 7.2 seconds. That’s just 0.4 seconds slower than the legendary McLaren P1. Interestingly, the added power doesn’t come at the expense of range, as Mercedes quotes the same combined WLTP range as the GT 55.

Clearly, Mercedes-AMG has nailed the recipe for power, but that’s not all the GT SUV has going for it. The design isn’t one of those things, but we’ll let you be the final judge of that. The GT sedan is a bit of an ugly duckling, and the SUV, with its bloated proportions, arguably looks even worse. There’s no denying it makes a statement, however.

It’s just just about the powertrain

Mercedes-AMG

Beyond the batteries and motors, this thing is an absolute tech fest. The GT 55 and GT 63 include the latest AMG Active Ride Control+ suspension that includes triple-stage adjustable air springs and hydraulic systems, working to replace traditional sway bars. This setup allows for active pitch and roll stabilization that promises exceptional ride quality and prevents the front end from diving under braking or pitching upwards during hard acceleration. It also offers rear-axle steering as standard, turning the rear wheels up to 6 degrees.

As you’d imagine, the GT SUV is heavy, weighing up to 5,985 lbs (2,715 kg) in the GT 55. A vehicle that heavy needs big brakes, and that’s exactly what it gets. Both the GT 53 and GT 55 come standard with steel brakes, but the GT 55 is also available with carbon-ceramics. These same brakes are fitted as standard on the GT 63. The SUV also features an intelligent all-wheel-drive system with complex torque vectoring.

The GT SUV is inspired by great AMG V8s

Mercedes-AMG

Then there are the most interesting driver-focused elements. All three versions include the AMGFORCE Sport+ system, aiming to mimic the sound of a combustion engine. In the GT 53, it replicates an inline-six, while the GT 55 and GT 63 are inspired by the sounds of different V8 models from AMG, including the AMG GT R. Operating alongside the soundscape are fake gears, just like the sedan, and also used by other EVs, including the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and 6 N. The Mercedes even includes so-called ‘seat shakers’ to make the whole driving experience feel even more like an authentic ICE. Several different soundscapes are available.

Although the SUV’s exterior looks odd, the interior is quite stylish. It closely mimics the sedan, with a 10.2-inch gauge cluster, a 14-inch infotainment display angled toward the driver, and an optional 14-inch screen for the passenger. It features plenty of classy carbon fiber, including on the center console, along with a healthy number of physical controls and switches. These include three large rotary dials to adjust the response, cornering, and slip behavior of the chassis. Other key features include an optional 4D Burmester sound system, the Sky Control panoramic glass roof with transparent and opaque modes, and loads of high-end leather.

Track-ready and coming soon

Mercedes-AMG

We can’t imagine many owners will want to take the AMG GT SUV to the track, but if they do, Mercedes has them covered. The EV’s infotainment includes an AMG Track Pack function that records over 80 data points and displays key telemetry and live timing data on the driver’s display and head-up display. It even uses augmented reality to superimpose a racing line onto the track, just like a video game. There are also dedicated Race and Sprint modes for the powertrain. Once owners leave the track, they’ll be able to choose between normal Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery, Eco, and Individual driving modes.

Mercedes-AMG hasn’t announced a launch date or details of the U.S. version, but we know sales will start next summer. In Europe, the GT 53 will go on sale this week from €113,500 ($127,000), while the GT 55 and GT 63 will launch between March and May with pricing to be confirmed.

Source: www.carscoops.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.