Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its first all-electric performance SUV, with the new GT SUV offering potent horsepower, rapid charging and a range of tech designed to deliver sports car-like handling.
The GT SUV is the first full-size SUV developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG, rather than being based on an existing Mercedes-Benz model. It shares its dedicated electric platform with the recently revealed AMG GT 4-Door Coupé.
Three all-wheel drive versions have been announced – the ‘GT 53’, ‘GT 55’ and range-topping ‘GT 63’.
Three versions with up to 1,169hp
The entry-level ‘GT 53’ uses two electric motors, one driving each axle, producing a combined 544hp. Mercedes-AMG quotes a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds.
The ‘GT 55’ and ‘GT 63’ use three smaller, high-performance electric motors, with two powering the rear wheels and one driving the front axle. These are known as ‘axial-flux motors’, a design that allows them to produce considerable power from a relatively compact unit.
The ‘GT 55’ produces 816hp and accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds, while the ‘GT 63’ can muster up to 1,169hp and completes the same sprint in 2.7 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG has also developed a battery cooling system designed to prevent overheating during repeated hard acceleration, allowing the motors to maintain high power outputs for longer.
Up to 435 miles of range
Two battery sizes are available, with usable capacities of 106kWh and 128kWh.
The larger battery provides a provisional driving range of up to 435 miles on a full charge, while the ‘GT 53’, which uses the smaller battery, offers up to 415 miles.
Charging speeds are particularly high. Mercedes-AMG claims the larger battery can accept up to 710kW from a suitably powerful DC charger, allowing up to 280 miles of driving range to be added in ten minutes.
The smaller battery supports charging at up to 600kW, with a quoted 10% to 80% charging time of just 11 minutes. However, these figures depend on access to exceptionally powerful charging equipment, which is not currently commonplace on UK public charging networks.
Sports car handling and simulated engine sounds
The GT SUV features rear-wheel steering as standard, allowing the rear wheels to turn slightly in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speeds to improve manoeuvrability. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction to improve stability.
A new optional suspension system, standard on the ‘GT 63’, actively counteracts body roll when cornering and reduces the amount the car pitches forwards under braking or backwards under acceleration.
Mercedes-AMG has also introduced a driving mode that recreates the sounds of its petrol-powered V8 and six-cylinder engines. It includes simulated gear changes controlled through paddles behind the steering wheel, with vibrations through the seats adding to the effect.
Drivers of the ‘GT 55’ and ‘GT 63’ can also adjust the car’s accelerator response, cornering behaviour and traction control using three rotary controls on the centre console.
Interior and practicality
The GT SUV measures just over five metres long and has a five-seat interior, with a 607-litre boot and an additional 78 litres of storage beneath the bonnet.
The dashboard features a ten-inch digital instrument display and a 14-inch central touchscreen, with an optional second 14-inch display for the front passenger.
Other available equipment includes a panoramic glass roof that can switch between transparent and opaque, a Burmester sound system and Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment software.
UK pricing and availability
The Mercedes-AMG ‘GT 53’ SUV is available to order in Germany from 20th October, with the ‘GT 55’ and ‘GT 63’ scheduled to follow in spring 2027.
UK prices and specifications have not been confirmed just yet. German prices for the ‘GT 53’ start at €113k (roughly £95k), although this should not be taken as an indication of the eventual UK price. These details are sure to follow in the coming months.
