Mercedes-AMG's first standalone electric car is a 1000hp supersaloon
Mercedes-AMG's Taycan rival is nearing production, the firm issuing a teaser image of its electric supersaloon before a formal reveal in a few weeks' time. This is the Vision AMG concept, upon which the supersaloon's styling is based.
It will be AMG's first standalone electric car. Blending huge power with grand touring luxury, it will take aim at Porsche Taycan Turbo S, E-Tron GT RS Performance and Lucid Air.
The rakish four-door will not rely on AMG EQ underpinnings. Instead it will utilise AMG's bespoke AMG.EA platform, designed for electric performance. Power comes from Yasa's axial-flux motors that are said to be compact, lightweight and potent. A twin-motor set-up should generate 1000bhp (746kW) and 1357Nm so it could be AMG's most powerful road car ever. Earlier reports suggested a sprint time of around 2.2sec to match that of the top Taycan.
Styling is based on that of 2022's Vision 2025 concept. Spy shots indicate a rakish design with a long bonnet, low-set stance, and aggressive aero features. A Kamm tail (abrupt cut-off) is a new Mercedes-AMG feature. Generous overhangs should combine to create an elegant and sophisticated silhouette. A retractable spoiler and flush door handles are likely. Six-ring tail-lights, 21-inch wheels, race-inspired diffusers, and a split rear window are likely to make it to production.
AMG says it will be as quick in corners as it is in a straight line, offering what they describe as genuine engagement. Expect rear wheel steering and active roll control, if not a fully active system like Porsche uses.
With twin rear-mounted motors like in the One-Eleven concept, it should have decent luggage space and comfortable rear seating, just like AMG GT 4-Door buyers expect.
The move to pure EV comes as the V8-powered GT 4-Door eases its way out of existence. However, AMG says this new model won't just replace it. They suggest it will redefine AMG performance for the electric era.
A full reveal is locked in for June, with a production version expected to follow soon thereafter and likely before year's end.
This has the promise of being the boldest statement yet from the Mercedes performance arm. A related high-performance electric SUV, also previewed by the Vision 2025, will likely follow next year, further cementing AMG's electric future.
AMG isn't just aiming to rival the Taycan and Lucid Air. It wants to lead the way in this rarified sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Autocar
24-05-2025
- NZ Autocar
2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 Edition One Review
Modern electric vehicles usually share a few traits: sleek aerodynamics, a focus on weight-saving for efficiency and often a futuristic aesthetic to match their advanced drivetrains. But it seems Mercedes engineers thought, 'bugger all that' (or whatever the German equivalent is), and built the G 580 anyway. It's an all-electric take on the military-born Geländewagen. And we love them for it. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been an automotive icon, first as a military-grade off-roader, and more recently as a luxury status symbol. Now it's entered a new era without losing its identity, the brand having kept all that is good about the vehicle – its cubic design, heavy-duty construction and off-road capability – while adding a huge battery and four, yes four, electric motors. We took this big white box for a spin; more about that later. Priced at a hefty $276,000 for the Edition One model (with a standard version coming soon at $231K), the G 580 is aimed squarely at well-heeled enthusiasts. Yet in the realm of six-figure luxury EVs, that ask isn't as outrageous as it sounds. It is a natural step up from the EQS 450, and around the same ballpark as the BMW iXM60 and i7. Yes, it is expensive, but they could have asked more. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the G 580 is electric at a glance. Mercedes hasn't meddled with the G's iconic silhouette. It's still a big, boxy brute with short overhangs, perched on a ladder-frame chassis. The form follows function for maximum approach angles and interior space. At just a bit over 4.5 metres long, it's not as gigantic as it looks; many modern three-row SUVs are much longer. The Edition One trim adds gloss black 20-inch AMG rims, black door handles, and subtle hints of blue (check the brake calipers and the rub strips along the flanks) to denote its electric heart. Our test unit was white – cue another fridge comment. There's no spare tyre hung on the rear door; instead you get a lockable 'G-Box' for charging cables. The overall effect is G-Class through and through;. It's chunky, retro and cool, with just enough EV-specific flair to set it apart for those in the know. Up front, the G 580 Edition One sticks with a traditional grille. Round LED headlights flank it, complete with LED rings and adaptive beams that can mask out oncoming traffic. Fender-mounted indicator lamps and exposed hinges give it that old-school charm and the doors still shut with a vault-like clunk. Being the first G-Class with keyless entry, you press a button and give the door a firm shove – it's like closing a safe. Slide into the G 580 and you're greeted with a blend of familiar G-Class ambience and new-age tech. The Edition One's cabin is draped in Nappa leather – a two-tone Silver Pearl/Black scheme with contrasting blue stitching and carbon-fibre accents. It mixes Mercedes' top-tier 'Superior' and 'Exclusive' design lines, making it feel every bit the flagship. The dash is thoroughly modern Mercedes, with dual 12.3-inch digital displays and MBUX interface but thankfully retains chunky vents and analogue toggles. There's even the classic grab handle for the passenger. For space, the G 580 is generous up front but a tad tight in the rear. That relatively short length means rear legroom is merely adequate. The cargo area offers just over 500 litres, expanding to nearly 2000 litres with the seats folded. Creature comforts are certainly not in short supply. The front seats are heated, ventilated and massaging, with memory settings and classic Mercedes door-mounted switches. Wireless charging, cooled or heated cupholders, a Burmester sound system, and ambient lighting round out the package. The MBUX infotainment system supports all the expected apps and features. Its 'Energising Coach' is a quirky touch for it plays music and massages you if it thinks you're drowsy. And then there's 'G-Roar', a synthetic V8-like sound that plays through the speakers. It's convincing enough to fool a passenger but can also be switched off for silent cruising. The surge is instant and relentless. In Sport mode, it feels agile for something so large – it really can dance for a big rig. Fire up the G 580 and you immediately sense this isn't an ordinary SUV. For one, there's nearly three tonnes of mass beneath you. Yet it proves remarkably easy to drive around town. Visibility is excellent, the turning circle manageable and a 360-degree camera makes parking a breeze. Ride comfort is plush with an underlying firmness. The G 580 glides over undulations but there remains a hint of that traditional G-Wagen jiggle. Body control is excellent and refinement solid. With four motors and a 116kWh battery, the G 580 puts out 432kW and 1164Nm of torque. Zero to 100km/h takes just 4.7 seconds. The surge is instant and relentless. In Sport mode, it feels agile for something so large – it really can dance for a big rig. Steering is numb but accurate, and the Edition One's performance tyres offer plenty of grip. Brakes (a mix of big discs and regen) inspire confidence. Motorway manners are also good. Adaptive cruise and lane assist are present but unobtrusive, and the ride is settled at speed. Wind noise is noticeable but not excessive given the shape. Of course, a G-Wagen must prove itself when the going gets rough. While we didn't head far off-grid, we have been off-road in the G 580 at a controlled test. Switching to Off-Road mode engages the full suite of traction aids. Each motor has a two-speed gearbox with a low-range ratio, and the G 580 has multiple drive modes and crawl control levels. With 250mm of ground clearance, short overhangs, and a 26mm thick carbon-fibre shield under the battery, it clambers over most things with ease. It can even wade through 850mm of water. The headline trick? A G-Turn. This allows the G to spin 360 degrees in place – one side's wheels rotate forward, the other side's back – activated with a paddle in a special drive mode. It's genuinely useful in tight trails and more than just a showroom gimmick. G-Steer also helps the big G pivot tighter by overdriving the outer wheels in a turn. It makes this 4×4 surprisingly nimble in tight off-road scenarios. With a De Dion rear axle and independent front, wheel articulation is excellent. Permanent AWD and power delivery to a single wheel help it conquer tricky terrain. The only limitation? Performance tyres and no tow rating – likely due to weight limits. With a big battery and brick aerodynamics, efficiency was never going to be a G 580 highlight. But Mercedes gave it enough juice to make it work. The 116kWh battery officially returns 23kWh/100km, for about 450–500km of range. Realistically, expect closer to 400km. Drive it hard or on the open road and usage can hit 30kWh/100km but most owners will charge overnight at home and use it around town. DC fast charging at up to 200kW gets you from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. An 11kW AC wallbox at home will fully charge it overnight. The nav system can route via chargers, and the Mercedes me app handles charge monitoring and pre-conditioning. The Mercedes-Benz G 580 is, in a word, epic. This electric G-Wagen could have been a compromised tribute but it's not. It's the real deal. It combines classic G charm with cutting-edge tech. Performance is great, range is adequate, and the technology is awesome – all wrapped up in that unmistakable G-Wagen style. Where else can you find a vehicle that massages you on the motorway, then does a tank turn in the bush? Yes, most G 580s won't venture far off-road, but they could. Mercedes has electrified a legend without losing the plot. If you ever doubted an electric G-Wagen could be the real deal, this one sets the record straight. Mercedes-Benz G 580 Edition One$276,000 / 23kWh/100km / 0g/km 0-100 km/h 4.7s (claimed) Motor output 432kW Max torque 1164Nm Battery 116kWh Range 473km Drivetrain Single-speed auto / e-AWD Front suspension Wishbones / air springs Rear suspension Multilink / air springs Turning circle 11.3m (2.5 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Discs Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size 275/50R20 Wheelbase 2890mm L/W/H 4624 / 1931 / 1986mm Luggage capacity 555L Tow rating Not rated to tow Service intervals 12 months / 20,000km Scheduled servicing 3yrs / unlimited km Warranty 3yrs / unlimited km ANCAP rating Not yet rated Weight (claimed) 3085kg
NZ Herald
24-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Formula 1: Liam Lawson achieves best qualifying result of 2025, to start ninth for Monaco Grand Prix
World championship leader Oscar Piastri will start third, and was 0.175s back from his teammate, while Leclerc's Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton completes the second row in fourth. Current world champion Max Verstappen starts fifth, while Lawson's Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar is sixth, 0.969s back from Norris. Make no mistakes, the Monaco Grand Prix is a race where qualifying holds more significance than any other circuit on the Formula One grid. More often than not, a driver's best lap in qualifying is more significant than any of the 78 to be raced in the Grand Prix. That's why the FIA - the sport's governing body - have gone to the lengths of dictating drivers must undertake at least two pit stops and make use of three sets of tyre compounds during the race. Just what effect that has, though, will be seen in the Grand Prix. Lawson can take confidence from his displays at Monaco in Formula Two, where he claimed an initial victory in the sprint race, before it was stripped for an illegal throttle map. On that occasion, though, Lawson finished ahead of Piastri, before he lost his result. Taking to the track off the back of two top 10 finishes from three practices, Lawson temporarily set the fastest time in Q1, clocking a first mark of 1m 12.946s. And while that mark understandably didn't stand as the fastest time for long, Lawson was able to progress with the 12th fastest time in Q1, 1m 11.818s, after Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli hit the barrier at turn 11 to trigger a red flag. Being on the right end of a red flag will be a welcome relief for Lawson, who was eliminated in Q1 at Imola last week for the same reason. The Kiwi continued to improve into Q2, and posted a first time of 1m 11.646s to temporarily move second behind Leclerc, before Mercedes suffered another blow when George Russell lost power, and caused another red flag as he too was forced to retire. Once the session resumed, Lawson improved even further with a best lap of 1m 11.250s, however that placed him ninth, and at risk of elimination. But Mercedes' retirements and three other drivers failing to better his time had Lawson advance to Q3 without any real issue. One of those drivers was Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda, who missed out on Q3 by 0.153s, after replacing Lawson in the senior team after just two races earlier this year. At no risk of elimination, Lawson was able to set a 1m 11.129s in Q3, but ultimately finished 1.175s off Norris, and 0.206s back from Hadjar. And while Racing Bulls can take pride from having both cars finish in the top 10, Lawson will still have one eye on bettering Hadjar once the lights go out. Earlier, Lawson continued his impressive displays from Friday practice by clocking the seventh-fastest time in the final session before qualifying. Fresh from being the quickest of the four Red Bull-affiliated cars in FP2, Lawson was second only to Verstappen in FP3, and managed a best lap of 1m 11.814s, 0.861s off the pace set by Leclerc. That time saw Lawson improve on his FP2 mark by nine milliseconds, and showed the Kiwi was continuously improving throughout the race weekend. Lawson logged another 33 laps in the third and final practice, the most by any of the 20 drivers on the grid. In comparison, Hadjar finished FP3 in 17th, 0.457s back from his teammate. However, Hadjar was also prevented from setting a final push lap after Hamilton hit the wall to trigger a red flag, and prematurely end the session. The Monaco Grand Prix begins at 1am on Monday (NZ time). Monaco Grand Prix starting grid Lando Norris - McLaren Charles Leclerc - Ferrari Oscar Piastri - McLaren Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari Max Verstappen - Red Bull Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin Esteban Ocon - Haas Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls Alex Albon - Williams Carlos Sainz - Williams Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber George Russell - Mercedes Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber Oliver Bearman - Haas * penalty Pierre Gasly - Alpine Lance Stroll - Aston Martin * penalty Franco Colapinto - Alpine Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
The Spinoff
23-05-2025
- The Spinoff
The Weekend: Did you grow up terrified of investing?
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. When I was 21 years old, I travelled to America and spent some time with my cousin in Albuquerque. She was 30 and had what I assumed was a reasonably high-paying job in healthcare. Even so, she lived a life of luxury that was a shock to me. She owned a lovely home, planned frequent weekends to Vegas, was happy to drop everything on a dime and roadtrip the west coast with me, and drove a very cool red Mercedes SUV. How? Having grown up in New Zealand, I assumed she must have bought property somehow (she hadn't). Or I figured she was earning millions as a salary (also untrue). When I finally tentatively asked about her financial situation, she casually explained her investment portfolio, both through government schemes and private investing. She explained how big her portfolio was and her dividends and her goals for the next 10 years. I nodded and felt deeply frightened. Did anyone else grow up terrified of investing? In my house, money was saved by either putting cash into a piggy bank (risky given the dairy was just down the road), or walking your cash down to the bank and depositing it into your simple saver account. And money was invested by buying a house. I have vivid memories of my mum telling me as a teenager that I needed to save for a house deposit. Back then a house deposit was closer to $30,000 but as a 15-year-old making $120 a week cleaning a creche, it was the most depressing plan I'd ever heard. In reality, I have always been an excellent cash saver. From my very first job at 12 years old until I started this job, I saved on average half of all my income. But I did it in the least effective way. Here are some examples: When I was a university student I worked almost exclusively cash jobs through student job search. I saved that cash by putting it in a money tin (with no opening) that sat on my dresser. When I graduated and opened it with a knife, there was $12,600 inside. I'm extremely lucky our house wasn't burgled in that time. While overseas after university I left that $12,000 in a bonus saver account, untouched, for nine months. When I got back it was still exactly $12,000 because I forgot I had to make a monthly deposit to earn any interest. When I got my first fulltime job, I set my KiwiSaver contribution to 10% but only learned years later that I was with a bank notorious for terrible returns. Even as a fulltime worker, I found more satisfaction saving in cash so I bought a giant (like, a metre tall) Coke bottle money bank and began saving. Sometimes I would even withdraw cash in coins in order to put it in the bottle. I saved $6,000 this way and again, was very lucky not to have been burgled in that time. The whole time, I did not look into alternative KiwiSaver providers or bank accounts. None of this is really that bad considering I was able to live my life and save money, which is more than so many New Zealanders are able to do. But there is a real knowledge gap when it comes to building savings. Saving cash is a good thing, but will never be more than what you earn with your labour. And as I now know, that is an endless cycle, not one that you can climb out of with a bit of hard work and determination. In January I finally learned how straightforward term deposits are. Last year I plucked up the courage to open an investing account with a popular investment platform. With self-employment in my future and the government KiwiSaver contribution halved, I'll likely prioritise my own investing over the government-endorsed one. At the very least, it's nice to (finally) know I have many savings options outside of stuffing cash into a tin. Sometimes, when I feel like feeling bad, I calculate what my portfolio would look like if I had known about investing 10 years ago. I grew up thinking saving money was simply a matter of not spending it. Only recently have I learned how active it should be, and also how many people continue to view saving as putting money in a tin. When I was leaving university, I spoke to a fellow student who was born into generational wealth. I joked that we were in the same position because neither of us had to pay for our studies (my fees were covered by a scholarship and his were paid for by his parents). He laughed then said actually we weren't. His parents transferred him his fees every semester, but rather than pay them upfront, he got a student loan (zero interest) and invested his parents' money, which was now quite a bit more cash than his student loan was. I just stared at him, baffled. He was confused. 'I thought everybody knew to do that.' The stories Spinoff readers spent the most time with this week The cable that links New Zealand's islands together electrically is due for replacement, with that will come a huge shift, reports Shanti Mathias Winston Peters is right about parliament's declining standards. Hayden Donnell has noticed one MP in particular has been at the heart it, and his name rhymes with Shminston Smeeters Alex Casey analyses the trailer for Prime Minister, the Jacinda Ardern-approved documentary Joel MacManus and Lyric Waiwiri-Smith braved the exam-like media lockup to bring you the budget's contents and a snack review We asked a smorgasbord of experts for their thoughts on the budget – here's what they reckon Feedback of the week 'Egg in any sandwich is hateful. But egg in a sandwich with lettuce is on a whole different level. Sums up the budget and coalition pretty well though… 'austerity sandwiches will continue until morale improves'.' 'You eloquently expressed in long form what I have been yelling at the telly for weeks. Thank you.'
