Mercedes-AMG's First In-House SUV: A 1,153-HP Electric Heavyweight

AMG has built fast SUVs before, but never one it engineered from a clean sheet. That changes with the 2028 Mercedes-AMG GT SUV, the performance division’s first fully in-house full-size SUV in its 59-year history, and it arrives with 1,153 horsepower on tap.

Due in the US next summer, the GT SUV rides on Mercedes’ AMG.EA platform — the same high-performance electric architecture that underpins the GT four-door coupe unveiled earlier this year. Three trims are planned: GT 53, GT 55, and the range-topping GT 63. The flagship uses the same trio of axial flux motors as the coupe, giving it enough muscle to outgun the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric with Launch Control. Awkward encounters in and around Stuttgart seem inevitable.

Charging That Resets Expectations

An 800-volt system underpins the package. The 128kWh battery in the GT 63 and GT 55 can accept up to 710kW, while the 106kWh pack in the GT 53 tops out at 600kW. Mercedes claims a 10–80 percent top-up in 12 minutes, or roughly 450km (about 280 miles) of WLTP range added in just 10 minutes. The larger battery is estimated to deliver up to 435 miles of range.

The cell chemistry borrows from Formula 1: NCMA cathodes, silicon-containing anodes, and cylindrical cells, with a nonconductive oil circulating directly around each cell for even thermal management. That setup supports sustained high-power output and, in theory, longer battery life. Mercedes has been quietly building a battery reputation for years, and the 710kW figure stands in sharp contrast to Porsche’s 320kW peak.

Keeping a Big SUV Flat

Instead of conventional mechanical anti-roll bars, AMG fitted an active hydraulic suspension system designed to quell pitch and roll under acceleration, hard braking, and cornering. Three-stage air springs and standard six-degree rear-axle steering round out the chassis. Mercedes says the goal is track precision without sacrificing long-distance comfort.

Weight? The GT 63 tips the scales at 5,941lbs — a touch lighter than the Lotus Eletre R (6,007lbs) and the Lucid Gravity (6,100lbs), and almost dead even with the Cayenne Turbo Electric (5,960lbs). Not bad for a full-size electric family hauler.

Real V8 Sounds, Digitally Delivered

AMG’s engineers opted to pipe in recordings of actual AMG V8 and six-cylinder engines rather than synthesizing artificial EV tones. The system can simulate gear shifts via the paddle controls, offers adjustable sound profiles, and even adds seat vibrations. The AMGFORCE Sport+ drive program comes standard on all three trims.

Inside, the 14-inch display runs MB.OS with a suite of AI assistants from ChatGPT, Microsoft, and Google. They can handle navigation, web searches, or just tell bad jokes. Mercedes’ own onboard AI takes care of vehicle functions like climate control, drive modes, and lighting via voice commands.

There’s also a Predictive Performance Manager that uses track-mapping data to modulate motor output based on terrain — saving energy on descents and technical sections so full power is available on climbs and straights. It could mean more consistent lap times by limiting battery overheating and power throttling.

Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing yet, with figures expected closer to launch.