MERCEDES-AMG’S IDENTITY CRISIS: A TECH POWERHOUSE OR A PERFORMANCE PURIST?

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a new driving control system for its upcoming dedicated four-door electric model, positioned to compete with the Porsche Taycan. The system demonstrates precise vehicle control, even on low-grip surfaces such as ice.

According to InsideEVs, the model aims to carry over AMG’s signature driving character into the electric era by incorporating a virtual V8 engine sound and simulated gear shifts.

At the core of this approach is a newly developed driving control system that enables real-time adjustment of vehicle dynamics. Through the AMG Race Engineer interface, drivers can independently configure three key parameters: response, agility, and traction. Response governs motor sensitivity to accelerator input, while agility enhances oversteer characteristics to promote more dynamic cornering.

Traction control has been expanded to nine adjustable levels, allowing precise management of wheel slip and more refined control at the limits of performance. For improved usability, AMG has adopted a physical rotary dial instead of a touchscreen, enabling quick and intuitive adjustments while driving.

This high level of configurability is combined with a tri-motor electric powertrain, designed to maximize driving engagement. AMG aims to deliver a driving experience that matches or surpasses that of its internal combustion models.

Compared to conventional dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, the tri-motor setup offers significantly greater flexibility in torque distribution. Beyond front-to-rear balance, it enables precise control between the left and right rear wheels, allowing more sophisticated vehicle behavior even in drifting scenarios. AMG emphasizes that this configuration ensures both stability and controllability under high-performance driving conditions.

The motors adopt an axial flux design, known for its compact size and high power density. The AMG GT XX concept delivers a combined output of 1,341 horsepower, although final specifications for the production model have yet to be confirmed. Industry expectations suggest that output could exceed 1,000 horsepower.