Mercedes-AMG Shows an Electric SUV With Up to 1,153 Horsepower

Mercedes-AMG is bringing its sports-car style to large electric SUVs. Motor1 reports that the new AMG GT SUV has up to 1,153 horsepower, goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in roughly 2.4 to 2.6 seconds and can fast-charge at up to 710 kilowatts. It is the first full-size SUV that AMG developed entirely in-house, and the second model built on its new electric platform, after the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

There are three versions. The GT53 has two electric motors, one for each axle, and a two-speed transmission at the rear: a short first gear for quick starts and a taller second gear for efficient highway driving. The GT55 and GT63 have three motors, one in front and two at the back. The front motor can switch off to save energy and turn on when extra power or grip is needed. All three have all-wheel drive, and the GT55 and GT63 can also send power to individual rear wheels.

Here is how they compare:

• GT53: 536 horsepower at peak, 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds, top speed 143 mph. - GT55: 805 horsepower at peak, 0 to 60 in 3.0 seconds, top speed 168 mph. - GT63: 1,153 horsepower at peak, 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds, top speed 168 mph.

The SUV uses an 800-volt electrical system. The GT53 has a 106 kWh battery, and the GT55 and GT63 have 128 kWh. Mercedes says the GT53 can add up to 236 miles of range in 10 minutes, and the other two up to 280 miles. The GT63 has a projected range of about 385 to 435 miles on the European test, and U.S. ratings will probably differ.

A new suspension system, AMG Active Ride Control+, uses hydraulic dampers and adjustable air springs to keep the body flatter in corners and under braking. The GT55 and GT63 models get fake V8 engine noises, while the GT53 gets six-cylinder sounds, thanks to a setting known as AMGForce Sport+. AMG says it recorded real engines with 16 microphones to create them.